Boost Your Creative Thinking by Avoiding These Creativity Zappers.

Whenever I describe the creative thinking process to someone unfamiliar with it, I often liken it to two opposing forces.

The White Force – the good force - is that which helps make conditions conducive to creativity. On the opposite side is the Black Force - the bad guy who zaps our creativity when we least expect it.

The goal, then, is to avoid the Black Force as much as possible so we can live as much in a near-constant state of creativity. (For more information on why we want to do this, be sure to check out the article entitled ”Creative Thinking and the Art of Living and Working.”

With that in mind, here are three of the biggest creativity-zapping Black Forces in the universe.

Presumption.

This is when we presume we’re not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough to be creative thinkers, or do anything creative.

In this state, we’re filled with self-doubt our abilities and often compare them to others.’ We tend to believe everyone else is more talented than we are, and stuff down all thoughts of developing our own personal creativity, with a “what’s the use” mentality.

If you suffer from Presumption, you need to remember that others’ creativity isn’t a reflection of your own. We are all born with creative thinking abilities until life and self-doubt beat it down.

To overcome Presumption, take time to discover your individual creative abilities and to develop them. To start, try drawing, writing, playing an instrument, quilting…anything that you feel might appeal to you that brings out your creative self. Or, just take time out to brainstorm ideas on growing your business.

Remember, nobody even has to know about it if you don’t want them to – this is just for you.

Intimidation.

People who don’t think of themselves as creative are often intimidated by the entire creative thinking process.

But really…how hard can it be if as children we were able to do it? Remember all those “pretend” games, and made-up stories and songs? That in-born ability is still inside you. And if you allow yourself to be intimidated by the idea of creative thinking, you won’t be able to tap into it.

As a creative director, I have been privileged to work with some of the most creative people in the world. You know what I’ve noticed? What separates the “good” creative minds from the “great” creative minds is the degree of belief in their abilities. Those who were confident in their power were better able to tap into on demand. Those who weren’t as confident, not so much.

In the case of creative thinking, you really are what you believe yourself to be.

Therefore, the first step to overcoming Intimidation, is to realize that you are a creative person and then nurture that belief. Practice positive self-talk. Tell your inner critic (or your outer one) to take a break and pat yourself on the back for trying. Above all, keep practicing creative thinking.

Good Intentions.

Suggestions and constructive criticism from people whose opinions we value such as close friends, family, and “experts” in the field can sometimes be destructive to creative thinking. These people often feel free to give us advice on how we should do things. Most of the time their comments are well intentioned, but they can nevertheless rub our hearts the wrong way if we let them. The point is, don’t let them.

I remember as a child rushing home excited about the new drawing I held clutched in my six-year-old hand, only to have my well-intentioned mother say “Now what’s this, Sweetie?” It was obviously a purple horse galloping on a field of green grass, so I was crushed. Quietly, I folded my drawing and shuffling my feet muttered “Aw, nuthin’.” It was a long time before I got up enough courage to show my artwork to anyone again.

Don’t let negative feedback be the yardstick by which you judge yourself. Learn to trust your gut and value your own opinion.

Remember that it’s not important to be a Picasso, Steinbeck, or Einstein. But what is important is that we all practice creativity. It feeds our souls, enriches our lives, and makes our world and our businesses better.

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