Numerous adjectives are regularly used to characterize folks who are innovative.
However, are they correct?
According to creativity, imagination or creative ideas are employed to create anything. The definition itself may imply that we are all ‘creatives’ to some extent and that no specific personality ‘types’ are associated with creativity. Arguably, there are significant contrasts between ‘creatives’ and those who apply their concepts to reality in more subtle ways.
So, what precisely qualifies as exceptionally creative? What sets them apart from the rest?
Let us investigate.
1. They Have Elevated Creativity to a Ritual
Consider the experience of waiting for a plane at an airport; that is how waiting for inspiration feels. When faced with a shortage of inspiration, creative people persist by engaging in creative endeavors.
Jerry Seinfeld, the famed comedian, made it a point to compose a new joke every day. Several of them were downright amusing, and others were downright horrible. He did, however, realize the critical nature of periodicity. On a physical level, creativity might be compared to muscle. If you make it a habit, your mind will become accustomed to entering the creative state.
Additionally, this means that you should have a poor tolerance for boredom. This is unsurprising, considering that creative people are always seeking (and providing) inspiration, and anything that does not contribute to the creative process or could be regarded as routine is rapidly rejected. For creative individuals, thumb-twiddling is not an option.
2. They Take Time for Solitude
To be receptive to creation, one must use isolation constructively. The fear of solitude must be conquered, which is the ultimate litmus test for innovation. Artists and creatives are sometimes labelled as loners, and while this is not always the case, seclusion can aid in producing their best work.
This relates to daydreaming, which virtually every creative person claims to do. We must afford ourselves the time and space to allow our minds to wander freely. As a creative person, you must first connect with your inner monologue. Be at ease with yourself to avoid being overcome by solitude.
3. They’re Curious About Everything
A creative genius might be a gardener, a historian, a scientist, an authority on American literature, or an amateur astronomer. Almost every one of them is an avid reader. That is because a concept is nothing more than synthesizing previously existent components.
Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles D’Avignon is frequently regarded as the best painting of the twentieth century. However, had the artist not spent hours at the Louvre studying African and Iberian sculptures, this would never have been painted. They are curious persons who are constantly on the quest for truth and information due to their unquenchable curiosity.
Their fact-checking encompasses many subjects, owing to their varied interests. If you spend enough time with the creative individual, you will notice that they are educated about everything. These guys are verbal chameleons in the truest sense! Ideas require a source of energy. Individuals who regard themselves as creative have a healthy tank.
4. They Can Tolerate Discomfort for a Longer Period of Time
It’s infuriating to have an issue you can’t resolve; it’s similar to having an itch that won’t disappear. During this time, it’s all too easy to settle for a mediocre response. On the other hand, creative individuals can withstand this discomfort for extended periods. They await the “aha!” moment, the “EUREKA!”
Consider John Cleese, who, despite his belief that he was not the most proficient member of the Monty Python crew, recognized that he was the one who came up with the most amusing sketches. He claims this is because he has an uncanny ability to dwell on an idea for an extended time. He possessed a high threshold for emotional distress. This has a disadvantage in that you may cling to good ideas or notions until too late.
5. They Keep an Eye on Everything
A creative person’s universe is their oyster; they see opportunities everywhere and are constantly gathering information that they may utilize to express themselves artistically.
According to Henry James, a writer is someone who “gains nothing.” Joan Didion, a notable writer, claimed that she always carried a notebook with her and used it to take notes on people and situations better to appreciate the complexity and inconsistencies of her mind.
Therefore, use caution when in the company of creative friends; you never know what they’ll write about.
6. They’re Interested in People
Individuals that are kind, sensitive, and curious are incredibly creative. They take pleasure in speaking with strangers since it arouses their curiosity. They are captivated by the inner workings and thought processes and seek to understand them better. Creative people enjoy positive relationships with their loved ones and work hard to maintain them.
While their empathy and compassion are frequently underestimated, they are critical components of their character. Indeed, studies have established a correlation between empathy and creativity. This allows scientists to speculate on the possibility that this is because empathy facilitates creative problem-solving. One of the greats stated that he had learned a great deal simply by listening to others.
Ernest Hemingway was his given name. As one of the twentieth century’s most excellent people observers, he is also widely regarded as the twentieth century’s most excellent writer. Perhaps borrowing a leaf from his book isn’t such a horrible idea.
7. They Are Open to New Experiences
Creative individuals enjoy seeking out novel experiences. When most people dislike or reject specific experiences, creative individuals are more likely to experiment with them.
Creative individuals relish the opportunity to learn and discover new things, whether it’s a recent activity, perspective, meeting new people, or doing something new. As a result, research has established that this desire to expand their knowledge benefits and enhances their creative work! Openness to experience is the strongest predictor of creative achievement.
Three types of engagement that highly creative people adore describing openness. Intellectual engagement is a thirst for information and ideas combined with a desire to solve issues. Affective involvement is defined as an interest in comprehending and caring about people.
The emotional response to, admiration for, and investigation of art is considered aesthetic engagement. Which of your engagements is the most well-known? Perhaps you are more innovative and open to novel experiences than you realize!
8. Creative People Are Extroverted and Introverted
May the magnificent soul of Hans Eysenck rest in peace. He popularized the ‘introverted-extroverted’ idea, basing his studies on whether people were ‘introverted’ or ‘extroverted.’ According to Eysenck, extroversion occurs when one’s interests and efforts are focused on the external world of people and things rather than on the inner world.
Extroverts are more gregarious, friendly, sociable, and vocal in public than introverts. On the other hand, introverts are more introspective and focused on their feelings and thoughts. The introvert’s world is one of solitude and personal experience. When applied to creativity, Eysenck’s theory reveals a division. For example, writers are commonly labelled as ‘creative,’ and as ‘introverts,’ yet these two personality traits rarely coexist. A study discovered that creative individuals could be both introverted and extroverted.
9. Artistic People Keep an Inventory of Accomplishments
Journaling has been proved to benefit researchers. Maintaining a record of our accomplishments enables us to reflect on our accomplishments and how far we’ve come. Creative individuals usually keep track of their personal and professional accomplishments, and they might use their previous accomplishments as a benchmark for future accomplishments.
Self-reflection is critical for creative individuals, and they routinely ‘raise the bar’ for both themselves and others to accomplish more. They understand the importance of perseverance, and, throughout time, they continue to reflect and set new standards.
10. They are Intuitive
While this is not true for every creative person, the bulk of exceptionally creative and imaginative individuals are intuitive. They listen to their hearts rather than their heads, which might lead them to take enormous risks regardless of success or failure. Very creative individuals frequently depart from the norm, preferring to follow their intuition, which benefits them and their ingenuity. Additionally, intuition is the bedrock of creativity!
After all, creativity is about going through the processes and creating something from nothing. Rather than erroneous thoughts, intuition contributes to developing faith in oneself and one’s inner sensations. While being intuitive may not always result in the best solution or outcome, it is an excellent tool for creativity and a characteristic of highly creative individuals.
