Question The Root Of Creativity
It’s not about creation but connection
I realized that I’ve been thinking about creativity all wrong. You might be too. The definition of creativity goes like this:
“The use of imagination or original ideas to solve a problem.”
That definition puts stress and pressure on you to create. You must invent something from thin air. You will solve a problem that no one else could solve.
I don’t think that definition is right. I’ve been happier and more creative when I think about the process of creativity as an import-export business.
Before I get to how to use that system to your advantage, let me explain why the use of imagination and original ideas is overrated and impractical.
Imagination Implies A State Of Mind
“Come on! Use your imagination!” we’re told. “Think outside the box!”
It’s commonplace to believe that imagination is something that you turn “on”. We search for a muse and hope that they join us. Once they arrive, once creativity is “on,” we tell ourselves — we’ll have all the answers.
Marketing guru Seth Godin said,
“I don’t believe in the muse at all. I don’t think there’s any outside force….”
