Challenging Perceptions: Why Not Use Our Creativity for Good?
Ryan Sailstad
Helping Organizations Build Healthy Cultures Where Creativity Thrives | Founder & Creative Culture Strategist at Why Not Solutions
All minds are creative—it’s one of the most defining aspects of being human. But too often, our creativity turns against us. When we lack full information about someone’s intentions or actions, our minds leap to fill in the gaps, often with the worst-case scenario. The Why Not philosophy challenges us to redirect that creative energy away from judgment and toward understanding.
The Creativity of Assumption
Humans are natural storytellers, and when we encounter incomplete information, we instinctively create narratives to make sense of the world. Unfortunately, when we’re stressed, frustrated, or uncertain, these stories often take a negative turn:
? If someone doesn’t respond to an email, we assume they’re ignoring us.
? If a colleague makes a mistake, we think they’re careless or unqualified.
? If a friend cancels plans, we suspect they don’t value the relationship.
This is the darker side of creativity—the mind projecting fears, biases, and insecurities into the unknown. But just as we create these negative stories, we can choose to rewrite them.
Why Not Rewrite the Story?
Instead of letting our creativity run wild with worst-case scenarios, the Why Not mindset invites us to consciously craft better narratives. It asks:
? Why not assume positive intent?
? Why not see challenges as opportunities to connect?
? Why not replace frustration with curiosity?
For example:
? When a teammate misses a deadline, imagine they’re overwhelmed and need support rather than careless.
? When a partner seems distant, consider that they might be dealing with their own challenges instead of assuming disinterest.
Turning Assumptions into Opportunities
The Why Not philosophy thrives on reframing problems as opportunities. When our creative minds jump to negative conclusions, we can redirect that energy toward collaboration and understanding.
1. Ask, Don’t Assume: Replace your internal story with a question. If someone’s behavior confuses you, ask: “Why not check in?” A simple “Hey, is everything okay?” can change the narrative.
2. Focus on Solutions, Not Blame: When someone’s actions create a problem, channel your creativity into fixing it together rather than assigning fault.
3. Build on Positivity: Apply the “Yes, And” approach to assumptions. For example, instead of “They didn’t show up because they don’t care,” try: “Maybe they’re overwhelmed, and I can reach out to help them feel supported.”
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Creativity as a Tool for Empathy
At its best, creativity fuels empathy. It allows us to imagine other people’s perspectives, even when we don’t have all the details. Instead of projecting the worst, why not use our creative minds to explore the best in others?
? If a friend cancels plans, imagine they might be prioritizing their mental health rather than dismissing your relationship.
? When a colleague seems distant, picture the challenges they might be facing outside of work rather than assuming disengagement.
This kind of empathetic storytelling not only helps us see others more clearly but also builds trust and strengthens connections.
Building a Culture of Creative Assumption
Negative assumptions can create a toxic environment in teams and organizations, stifling creativity and preventing collaboration. The Why Not mindset shifts this dynamic by fostering psychological safety and encouraging positive storytelling.
? Celebrate Creative Positivity: Acknowledge when team members give each other the benefit of the doubt or turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
? Encourage Open Communication: Create spaces where people feel safe sharing their full stories without fear of judgment.
? Model Empathy: Leaders who approach misunderstandings with curiosity and care inspire others to do the same.
Why Not Choose Better Stories?
Our minds will always create stories to fill in the blanks—it’s how we’re wired. But we get to choose the kind of stories we tell. The Why Not philosophy reminds us that when we don’t have the full picture, the most powerful thing we can do is pause, imagine the best, and ask questions to uncover the truth.
So next time your mind starts projecting the worst, ask yourself: Why not get creative in a way that builds bridges instead of walls? Why not write a story of understanding?
If you want more of this sort of philosophy, I highly recommend Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and her section on “shitty first drafts” as a powerful way to reframe how we process incomplete information.
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3 个月This article is like gospel to me Ryan. This world lacks creativity because so many want to mask the talent of others.
Helping Organizations Build Healthy Cultures Where Creativity Thrives | Founder & Creative Culture Strategist at Why Not Solutions
3 个月Ironically, right after this post went live, I found myself falling into the exact trap I wrote about—reacting out of frustration before pausing to consider the full picture. It was a humbling reminder that this mindset takes constant practice. What helps you catch yourself in those moments and shift to curiosity instead of judgment? How do you practice giving others the benefit of the doubt, especially when your first reaction might be frustration or doubt? What strategies work for you?