Developing A Creative Mind

Developing a creative mind is not as difficult as some left brained people think. Ever hear someone say “oh, I’m not very creative?” 

People who are left-brain dominant tend to be more logical, analytical, and objective. People who are right-brained dominant tend to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective. In psychology terms it is referred to as the lateralization of brain function.

The left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body w while the right hemisphere controls those on the left.

So, in my case, even though I am a creative professional (35 years)… I wanted to develop my right hemisphere more, so I started using my left hand more. Stay tuned… I will let you know how it works. Frankly, using my left hand has not been all that difficult. 

My son is ambidextrous to some degree. He can only do some things with his left hand and some with his right. He writes, shoots basketball, and eats with his left hand, but uses his right had to shoot basketball and using some tools.

By the way, creativity does not necessarily equate to artistic ability. But, Im going to leave that for another blog.

the Oxford dictionary states: Creativity: The use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

I take issue with the last part as it so closely applies the definition to art work. They should have stopped at the comma 🙂 

Creativity = original

Original… Hmm original to whom? I would suggest that you can have an creative idea that is original to you… and that is creative in your sphere or mindset and that is ok too. So, dont get too hung up on the idea that creativity has to be original to the whole world. 

IF we did use the art world as an example… the government actually considered what you create as copyrightable. So if you paint a painting from your hand it automatically carries with it a copyright to you. Original. If you form a piece of clay… same thing… copyrighted. But if you are a writer arranging known letters into words and words into sentences it can be different. 

Developing Creativity Does Not Have A Right Way Or Wrong Way

1. Get started creating “something”
2. It does not have to be perfect. 
3. Do not judge yourself against other while getting started
4. Try different forms of expression (arts, physical, music…)
5. Once you find one you like, be persistent and keep going
6. Learn new techniques within the media
7. HAVE FUN
8. ENJOY THE PROCESS
9. SHARE WITH OTHERS
10. Try different media too!