Rediscovering Your Inner Child: Reclaiming Creativity in Adulthood

The Ebb and Flow of Creativity: Why We Lose it and How to Find it Again

It's a familiar lament: as we grow older and life gets filled with responsibilities, the boundless creativity we had as children seems to fade. A cardboard box becomes just that – a box – rather than a spaceship or a castle. The question is, why does this happen, and can we reclaim that spark?

The Culprits of Creative Decline

1. Routine and Structure: While routines are essential for managing life's complexities, they can also stifle creativity. Our brains love patterns, and when we stick to the same routines, we train ourselves to think in predictable ways.
2. Fear of Failure: As we get older, the stakes seem higher. We worry about making mistakes or looking foolish, which can lead us to avoid taking risks – a key ingredient of creative thinking. ?
3. Knowledge and Expertise: While knowledge is valuable, it can also limit creativity. Experts often rely on established methods, making it harder to see problems from new angles.
4. Time Constraints: The demands of work and family leave little time for free play and exploration, which are crucial for nurturing creativity.

Children: The Masters of Creative Play

Children are naturally creative because they haven't yet learned to limit their imaginations. They're unafraid to experiment, ask "silly" questions, and find wonder in the mundane. This unbridled curiosity and willingness to see possibilities is what fuels their creativity.

Rekindling the Creative Flame as an Adult

While it may take effort, reclaiming your creativity is possible. Here's how:

1. Embrace "Stupid" Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions that seem obvious or silly. Often, these lead to unexpected insights and new ideas.
2. Make Time for Play: Schedule regular time for activities you enjoy, even if they seem unproductive. This could be anything from doodling to building LEGOs. Play allows your mind to wander and make new connections.
3. Seek New Experiences: Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Travel, learn a new skill, or volunteer for a cause you care about. New experiences expose you to different perspectives and spark fresh ideas. ?
4. Cultivate a Beginner's Mind: Approach tasks with curiosity and a willingness to learn, even if you're an expert. Look for alternative solutions and challenge assumptions.
5. Humor and Innovation: While funny stories can create a positive work environment, they're not always necessary for innovation. True innovation comes from solving problems and meeting needs in new ways. ?

Innovation and Creativity: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Innovation is about bringing new ideas to life. It's the practical application of creativity. To innovate, you need the ability to generate original ideas (creativity) and the skills to execute them. ?

In conclusion, while the demands of adult life can dampen our creative spirit, it's never too late to reclaim that sense of wonder and possibility. By embracing play, curiosity, and new experiences, we can unleash our inner child and tap into our creative potential.

Credits: Books - Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life" by Twyla Tharp, Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative" by Austin Kleon. Articles - How to keep going: Navigating the ebb and flow of creativity and motivation (It's Nice That). Websites - The Creativity Post, 99U, TED Talks on Creativity