Hopeful Ways To Rethink Creativity.
Over the past six months, I’ve delved deeply into the nature of creativity—not just through reading and research, but also through personal reflection and observation. While professional commitments kept me from writing for a month, my passion for sharing what I’ve learned has only grown stronger. This post marks the beginning of a series where I aim to share my insights and discoveries about creativity, in the hope of inspiring others to see it not as an exclusive gift for the chosen few, but as a skill that anyone can develop.
So, creativity often feels like an elusive gift reserved for the lucky few—those who effortlessly paint masterpieces, compose symphonies, or invent world-changing technologies. But that belief is rooted in myths that can discourage and mislead us. So, i will try to bust a couple of those myths and uncover the real path to creativity according to all the knowledge and the practice of course i made all these months.
Myth #1: Creativity Comes in Flashy Epiphanies
Only one thing comes in mind now. HAHAHA. We’ve all heard the stories: a moment of divine inspiration strikes, and suddenly, a perfect idea is born. It sounds magical, doesn’t it? I can promise that reality is a lot less glamorous. Creativity isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike, it’s about taking small, deliberate steps and failing—a lot. Yes, FAILURE. It’s your greatest teacher and an essential part of the creative process.
When you try something, fail, and try again, you’re building a foundation. Think of it like sculpting—each attempt chips away at the marble until something beautiful emerges. But this process doesn’t come with grand leaps or sudden flashes of genius. It’s built on small, deliberate steps and a willingness to adapt.
Let me tell you a story. As an occupational therapist, I work with individuals who often face significant challenges, many of whom have disabilities of the mind and body. One of my young clients, a six-year-old boy with autism named Alex, was particularly resistant during our sessions. He was hyperactive, reluctant to sit at the table, and disengaged from the activities I prepared.
For weeks, I tried everything I could think of. We experimented with calming techniques like heavy work, pressure activities, and even creating a comfort zone where he could retreat. But nothing clicked. By the fifth session, I had no grand solutions, no breakthrough ideas—just a determination not to give up.
And then, out of nowhere, my phone rang. Normally, I keep it on silent, but this time, I hadn’t. Alex’s green eyes lit up, and he smiled like he’d just discovered something magical. That moment gave me an idea: what if I used music to engage him? I quickly played a bit of Vivaldi for kids, and to my amazement, Alex walked over to the table and started playing the game I had prepared—with Vivaldi softly playing in the background. " I tried not to use scientific language so that you don't have questions."
From that day forward, Vivaldi became a staple in our sessions, and Alex flourished. But the key lesson wasn’t the music itself; it was the process. It wasn’t a single eureka moment or a flash of brilliance. It was the result of repeated attempts, failures, and a willingness to adapt.
Creativity works the same way guys. You don’t sit around waiting for the perfect idea to strike. You act. You try things, observe the outcomes, fail, and then adjust. If something doesn’t work, you ask yourself, “What can I do differently?” Each failure is an opportunity to refine your approach, and each step brings you closer to the breakthrough you’re seeking.
The creative process isn’t about grand leaps, it’s about showing up, taking small steps, and having the courage to fail and try again. That’s where true creativity lives—in the doing.
Myth #2: Geniuses Created Masterpieces Instantly
Another popular misconception is that geniuses, like Mozart, for example, whipped up their masterpieces in a single sitting. People love to believe that some are just “born creative,” effortlessly producing art and inventions. But historical records tell a different story. Mozart may have been a musical prodigy, but he spent countless hours refining his skills, and many of his compositions went through multiple drafts.
Great work isn’t about spontaneous perfection, it’s about practice, persistence, and problem-solving. The truth is, you don’t need to be a genius to be creative. You just need to be willing to work—and to fail. That's why most of the people are not creative, because we don't have the will to act, work, and to execute our plans.
The real secret of creativity: Start, Fail, Learn, Repeat
If there’s one insight I’ve come to appreciate, it’s that action trumps overthinking. You don’t need a perfect plan to get started. Pick up the pen, strum the guitar, or mold that clay. Yes, you’ll fail. Yes, your work might look messy at first. But failure isn’t something to fear, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. I started this blog three months ago, knowing I might make mistakes or write poorly at first, but that didn’t stop me from taking action.
Think of creativity as a cycle: make it, break it, fix it, repeat. It might sound endless, but that’s the beauty of it. Each iteration, each failure, brings you closer to creating something meaningful. The more you act, the more insights you’ll have. Remember, It’s a process, not a magical moment.
It’s about perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to fail—and then fail better. So don’t wait for that flash of inspiration. Take a step. Start something. The magic happens when you learn to love the process.
P.S. I’ll share more soon about this beautiful journey of life, along with my personal and academic insights and experiences about creativity. Keep creating, trust the process, and feel free to share your own experiences on the matter.
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