I originally wrote this post all the way back in 2013, after an afternoon at the playground with some of my friends and our kids. I had always considered each of my friends there that day super creative in their own ways.
It literally never crossed my mind that I wasn’t surrounded by creative geniuses, because I was. I just didn’t realize that because some of them didn’t paint, or get crafty, that they never viewed themselves in the same light.
All these girls were women who inspired me, some of them could make master pieces in the kitchen, another one is a financial wiz. We started taking about decorating our homes, and one friend asked “What do you do when you think you’re not creative enough?”
And so our conversation ensued, and many of the thinking points I make here were discussed throughly that day. It may have originally been written several years ago, but the thoughts are just as relevant today as they were then. Enjoy!
So You Think You’re Not Creative? You Might Want to Think Again…
What really defines a creative person? Do you consider yourself one? Or do you think you’re not “creative”?
Is it a someone who uses glue guns and does crafts, or creates art and design in Photoshop? Is it the artist who can make something from nothing, and it becomes a priceless masterpiece?
In this world, artists are not the only creative minds, by far. Don’t underestimate your God given creativity if you are not an artist.
Albert Einstein got it right when he said “Creativity is intelligence having fun”
I consider myself a creative person, some may even say I’m an artist. I like art. I can paint. Pretty well, I think. Painting is one of my personal creative outlets, one of my favorite things to do.
But even still, all it takes is one quick browse through Google, Pinterest, or Etsy, for me to realize that there are folks out there that are so much more talented than I am.
While I could let this discourage me, it doesn’t. I applaud those talented people, they help make the world go around just as much as I do.
It does not mean that I’m not creative, it means that my gifts and talents are different than theirs, than yours. Can you paint? Maybe not. Does that make me more creative than you? Perhaps in the paint department, but not in most other aspects of daily life.
It makes me sad to hear someone say to me “Wow, you are so creative, I can’t even draw a stick figure! I wish I’d been blessed to be as creative as you”.
I’m not going to lie and say I don’t like a compliment as much as the other person, I do, but I whenever I’ve heard people make that statement, I want to sit down with them and remind them just how creative they are.
Maybe you aren’t creative in the field of art, but don’t assume that it doesn’t take a great deal of creativity to do things that perhaps the world around us thinks are everyday mundane tasks.
In reality, almost everything people do takes creativity, whether you realize it or not-
- Successfully parenting a child
- Teaching a class
- Performing a surgery
- Helping someone finish their taxes
- Comforting someone in need
- Creating a custom birthday cake
- Planning a menu for a large family on a tiny budget
- Calculating scientific equations
- Designing a building
- Flying an airplane
- Making a piece of furniture
- Keeping a clean house
- Cooking meals everyone likes, sometimes multiple times a day
- Writing a book
- Driving a large utility vehicle
- Taking and editing photos
- Putting together fashionable outfits
- Bargain shopping at Goodwill
- Managing a business
- Raising a family as a single parent
- Writing music
- Designing a computer program
- Playing an instrument
- Preparing dinner from scratch
- Interior designing
- Preaching a life-changing sermon
- Climbing telephone poles and fixing power lines or cable
- Arguing a complicated law case in front of a jury
- Creating a safe and caring home environment
- Writing poetry
- Protecting civilians from an enemy
- Going on a missions trip
- Beating an impossible video game
- Being a good example to those influenced by you
- Choreographing a dance
- Putting out a home or building on fire
- Running plays on a sports field that will stump the opposing team
Are you getting my drift yet? Really, I could go on and on. Yes, some of these things may come as second nature to some people, or after a lot of college, memorization of formulas, laws, and rules.
But don’t discount the God given creative gifts on the inside of these beautiful people to achieve and complete all of these tasks, as small as they may seem.
I taught elementary school art for a while, and it was heartbreaking to see kids become discouraged because they couldn’t draw as well as the child next to them, therefore they never view themselves as a creative thinker.
I always tried to discover and encourage whatever gifts they had, whether it was art or not, and show them how creative they truly are.
You’ve noticed my blog is called Just a LITTLE Creativity, right?
That means, that I know I’m not the most creative girl in town. I know a little bit about a lot of “artsy” things, but I’m not really master of any of them.
I like to paint, but I’ll never go down in history or be an artist whose valuable paintings are sought after internationally, or go for millions after being rediscovered at a yard sale in Jersey.
But you know what, I’m okay with that. And you should be too, because my talents are not yours, and yours are not mine. We are all given gifts and a measure of creativity when we were born. Mine might be similar to yours, but never exactly the same. And vise versa.
I have tons of boards on Pinterest (I bet you do too) to help inspire my creativity. From fashion to food, and everything in between. I have them because each one takes a measure of creativity I don’t have, but you do.
Can you create great recipes and menus? You can teach me a thing or two.
Can you take amazing photos? You can help me.
Can you put together an outfit from nothing? Please help me.
Can you keep toddlers happy without losing your sanity? Help. Me.
See, you can ignite a creative spark in me that I didn’t have before. YOU can ignite a creative spark in others that they didn’t have before.
And I hope I can do the same for you, in some small way or another.
So let me know what your thoughts are on this subject.
What are your creative strengths and weaknesses? Have you ever considered the amount of creativity it takes to live your life each day?
Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a very creative person, but when you take a look around you, be encouraged because I have a feeling that you are more creative than you think.
This was such a great post. It really brightened my spirits. I can be quite hard on myself sometimes because I don't feel like I'm "creative" or "artistic" in the way I would like to be… and yet I always have OTHER people tell me how creative I am. I suppose it's all about easing up on myself and changing my perception. My grandma and mother were both such amazing artists, and I wish I could paint the way they did. But I am creative in other ways… playing with my son, making him things, clothing, jewelry, writing… not to toot my own horn or anything. 😛
– April
mylifeasapril.com
This is fantastic. I am a creative person in the fact that I can cook, sew, decorate, etc. but I have so many close friends who look at all of that and say, "I am just not creative." You put my thoughts into words. THANK YOU! Creativity is so much more than stitching a throw pillow! These fabulous women can teach lessons in public at church (terrifies me) and are PTO presidents, soccer coaches to 10 5 year olds (if you can do that you ARE creative). We all have different strengths, but the desire to create (SOMETHING) is in all of us. Thanks for sharing!
I have always been told I am creative. I think I just have a good imagination and I don't limit myself. I do blog, and need to do more, but there is always that crafty, kooky kinda person who needs to take on a project. It used to be macrame (stop laughing, in addition to the hanging tables and plant holders, I did make some cool stuff). Now it is coloring with my son, drawing crazy race cars, playing the imagine game, things like that. It's easy to be creative around kids!
Hi ya,
I tend not to think of myself as creative but then when I look at that list and really really think I realise that actually I am creative and I have come far even in the last year with starting and running a blog, writing blog post and doing food photography amongst other things. Thanks for making me think
I do consider myself creative. Your images made me smile as I was reading through the post! Especially the one about being on the computer for 3 hours! lol
This was a great read. I have been questioning my creativity because I am not artist per se. I do quilts and crafts. Now I know just how creative I should see my self. I was so impressed I started following you. THANKS FOR this great thought provoking post.
I love this post! You are so right that creativity is so much more than what we normally define as "creative". I've had to be creative logistically for a while, and it amazes me the solutions I can come up with when I just relax and let my brain work. Not a traditionally creative task, but it's easier to see it that way now. 🙂
I always felt that one who is creative is one who makes things, whatever that thing may be is different for that particular person.
I used to draw , paint, and sculpt quite a bit when I was younger. I was art club president. I used to be pretty proud of that. LOL. I played the clarient and even wrote my own music. I wrote poetry and short stories. As I got older, lift shifted and my interests changed.
I'm still creative. I write. I do crafts with kiddo. I do all the things I used to do, just not as much. I gave up the clarinet. I'm just much more creative with food and photography than I used to be.
Oh, and Lego's. My kiddo tells me I am the house champ here. 🙂
I loved this post. You were dead on about everything. We too often compare ourselves to others – and then feel bad about ourselves when we feel we don't measure up. I am not a painter. I can barely draw a stick figure LOL…but it doesn't mean I am not a creative person. I really appreciate art and music…and it doesn't matter that I can't draw or carry a tune.
I am a great mother – a hard worker – and a passionate writer. We all have our God given talents. And I think it's wonderful you wrote this post to remind us all of that.
I also checked out some of your work – you really are an exceptional artist!
thanks so much for sharing! Ive always thought I wasn't creative but after reading this post, I see i actually am! Woohoo!!
This is such a timely post for me! I've been struggling quite a bit in this area recently as I've sought to write more frequently on my blog. Comparison truly sucks the joy out of creativity, doesn't it?
I had a terrible "off-day" last week where I spent hours reading other blogs, trying to come up with ideas for my next post, and all I did was fall into self-pity, wondering why I ever started blogging in the first place! I knew I was believing lies, and thankfully my husband spoke some loving truth to help me see my own God-given creativity. I love to cook, and write, and keep us on a tight budget while eating real food. These are a few of the ways that I am creative. It looks different from the successful Etsy sellers, or the picture perfect homes on Pinterest, but it's the way that God made me. When I live to please Him, and Him alone, creativity comes much more naturally. Thank you so much for your encouraging post!
Hmmmm…you've given me something to think about. When I hear "creative" I think about crafts or art or creating food that blows people away, but it can be so many things! I really need to reassess my creative side and tap into that, and stop letting it go to waste. It's a shame when we overlook our creative side or put ourselves down as being "not creative," and I sure don't want to squander my creative gifts and talents by not giving them an outlet.
Thanks for giving me that nudge!
What a great way to shift our perspective! I grew up being artsy – creating with art, style, and music.
In the last few years, I've become a website/blog designer and a coach. That uses some of the same type of creativity, but coaching brings in new elements. I have to get creative with helping clients see their options!
I am not artistic but I am a talented scrapbooker, musician and baker and those are the places I let my creativity shine. I am also a creative problem solver and organizer. God has gifted us al differently. If we were all the same the world would be a boring place.
What a wonderful post! I consider myself a "creative" person from a writing and needle arts perspective (I can cook, too!). Even so, many of the skills you listed are often not connected with creativity. Yet, you're quite correct – creativity is much needed to those all of the things you listed! Thanks for this inspiring post.
PS – I love the cheerful quirkiness of your site!
Everyone will have hidden creative when the time comes it will be out
I consider myself creative in certain aspects. I am a scrapbooker and love to come up with creative ways to show off my kids photographs!
I really like this! Thank you for reminding me that creativity can come in so many different forms. I sometimes get down on myself for thinking I am not creative, but now I see I am in many other areas 🙂
Some days I feel creative and on others I just don't. I am no Martha Stewart but I can do some things. Some people are great with that stuff.
Amen, sister! I am a henna artist and I can't tell you how many times people tell me how wonderful it is that I can draw and then proceed to tell me how uncreative they are… well, I couldn't draw a stick figure when I first started out! And there's lots of things that I can't draw! But it's the joy in drawing that is the creative spark for me. And so many people have talents that I don't have — and that's what makes the world rich and wonderful!
I just wish I could convince everyone who tells me they don't have a creative bone in their bodies b/c they can't draw stick figures that they are all very creative people — and not to feel down on themselves but to celebrate their unique talents that bring them joy.
What a wonderful message you have to share here! I have always thought I was a creative person and I'm sad when others don't see their own creativity in motion. One of my favorite art teachers had a great response for those kids who said "I can't even draw a straight line." She'd look at them and say, "Why would you want to? How fun is that?" 🙂
This is very good. I would say one of your giftings is encouragement, which might be more valuable in terms of God, life, death and eternity than your painting skills. But I like your Etsy shop too;-)
I so love that I stumbled on your uplifting post!!! Love seeing creativity through your eyes 🙂
Even though I am an artist, I do find the creativity in all things. Great uplifting post!
Great post! I am into art and I agree with every line of your post. I agree that "creativity is having fun". You have to explore, experiment, and mix them all, like a scientist.
I love the Einstein quote. I too have been pondering creativity. Met a man earlier this week who just has that vision. To see what others don't and then builds it. So much fun to talk with him. I really did enjoy discovering your blog.
This is great! I also don't think I am creative in the "crafty" sense, but I can bake/cook & do lots of other things. So I guess I do have some "talents". In fact, I have been taking cake decorating classes & have a painting class coming up. I am really exciting that it gives me the opportunity to be "creative"! Thank you for helping your readers realize that being creative is about so much more!
I really like this post. I often don't feel creative but I sure am creative when it comes to working with my boys. Just even making brushing their teeth can be creative. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution
I grew up with creative women so it;s definitely in my blood. My children are creative as well.
Love your quotes!
I don't tend to think of myself as very creative although it does not really bother me. I like the way your define creativity though and when I look at it that way I am much more creative than I might have thought. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I am so glad you posted this. People see the word creative and they think arts and crafts but like you have pointed out creative is so much more than that. And learning to think creatively can be taught, you might not become the next Mozart or Alton Brown but you can become the creative person you are meant to be.
Excellent post! I always enjoy finding ways to be more creative. I think the funny part is when I need to be creative, I can't seem to figure what to do. It usually happens when I am not thinking about it and it comes naturally. I think as a blogger, I have learned to write down my ideas through out the day and then I am able to spend more time coming back to it. Thanks for sharing!
Daou @ CarMeCrazy
http://carmecrazy.com
I have always been a creative person, but I haven't done any arts and crafts in years now. I've just let life get too busy.
I wholeheartedly agree with all of those definitions of creativity in your pinnable image! Creativity is used in every situation.. if you're doing something–anything at all–I'm sure you're "producing" an effect of some sort. 🙂 But I think the biggest test of creativity is someone's ability to conceptualize an idea or theme in a fresh and unique way, or kind of like you said, to create something from seemingly nothing. This was an engaging post, and I really enjoyed it. Thanks. 🙂
I have a fairly vivid (and often strange) imagination. I also feel that I am a fairly good writer. That's what I love to do. I blog. I am a ghostwriter. I'm working on a novel. Yep…that's my thing. 🙂 I also enjoyed acting in high school and college.
LOVE LOVE LOVE and I so agree. I hate to hear people say they are not creative, my hubby included. Everyone is creative in different ways- fixing cars, carpentry, welding, teaching. SO many ways that people are creative. Love this post.
Love this post – so well written! Although I am a creative person by nature, I often push myself to be as creative as other people, or do the kind of DIY's and projects I see on Pinterest. This post inspires me to celebrate my unique creativity.
Raj
Pink Chai Style
I do consider myself creative, and it actually has been a little hard for me to realize that everyone is, since it was sort of what made me special, in my mind. I do see it now, though, and it is exciting. I believe we all have creativity because we are all made in the image of our Creator, God.
Thank you for your encouraging words and wonderful post! So many of my friends tell me, "I wish I were as creative as you." But, I have to remind them that they are also creative, just in different ways. I am in awe of things that they do without a second thought that just baffle me.
I'm bursting with creativity. Sometimes it's hard to reign myself in…lol. I really liked how you showed creativity is more than using a glue gun!
Such a wonderful post! It reminds me of one of my favorite children's books called, "The Dot." I also saw something (probably on Pinterest) recently that said, "Make something today. Even if it it isn't great. Just make something." Love it! OX, ellie
A very encouraging post! It should be said more often to people that creativity comes in different disguises. Far too often, we associate creativity with arts and entertainment when it can go so much further. Thank you!
This post is right on time! I was just telling my friend about the theory of multiple intelligence. We are creative in our own ways. God gave each of us unique gifts! My hope is that we share our creativity and gifts others!
I love your post! I am an artist, too. I tend to get really judgmental about my work. I paint, can't draw, and stick men – forget it! My art site has been "under construction" since a year ago last February. And you know what? Since I let go of the painting, I am stressed out more than ever before. I saw a quote, and unfortunately don't remember where I saw it, or who said it, but it is my new mantra: "if you aren't having fun, you are doing it wrong." Your post is the icing on the cake! Have to go now. Need to do some painting!
Me again – Your Etsy site is fantastic!
Me again – Your Etsy site is fantastic!
Such an encouraging post! I like artsy stuff and I used to be good at it.."I think"…but I have not been practicing lately. I am glad you brought out that raising kids and other everyday activities are expressing our creativeness. Thanks
That was beautifully written! My left-brained self always struggled with the artsy side of life, but you're right – creativity is more than art and paint. I like to think of my blog as creative – "Two ideas coming together to make something new." Thanks for the encouragement!