What should be said in the definition of creativity?
In defining creativity, it should be noted that it consists of three elements: (1) a culture with symbolic rules, (2) the creation of novelty in the symbolic field, and (3) a group of experts who recognize and appreciate this novelty.
Creativity refers to the ability and capacity to create original, valuable, appropriate, and useful products, services, processes, and events. It means having the same vision but thinking differently from the rest of society, allowing mistakes but gaining experience from them. A creative, independent, and innovative person acts enthusiastically, is individualistic and hardworking, and moves boldly, informally, and emotionally.
In the field of psychology, creativity means having or acquiring skills related to the science of psychology, which can be used by a person working in this field to promote and cultivate creativity. This includes cognitive style, exploratory knowledge, and work style. Research also shows that people are more creative when engaged in challenging work that interests and satisfies them, which stimulates and motivates them.
To cultivate creativity, various diagrams and models can be used, some of which can be combined. However, the spiral model is particularly inspiring. In this model, the first step is to discover a common positive theme about the customer and gather information about their problems and the topic of conversation, which is an excellent starting point. After discovery and information gathering, it is time to adjust the perspective, stimulating the brain with different stimuli so that it is ready to unfold. Here, a wide range of ideas flows, and then all the ideas need to be evaluated and tested, with the question being asked whether the idea is desirable.
“Failures are stepping stones to customer satisfaction and self-improvement”
The first stage of testing is the idea, where one must think big, start small, and not be afraid of failure. Experiencing failures helps to learn from customers and improve oneself. After evaluation, the idea is ready for the final test. From evaluation to launch and constant iteration, one can learn what can lead to an ideal outcome. To be creative, it is important not to set limits, play with concepts, be willing to fail, and not be afraid. Focusing on the process and allowing change is a great leap in creativity. It is also necessary to be empathetic, involve others, and be on the same side. The source of creativity is to take a different point of view, use unrelated information, reconstruct and stimulate, and perhaps the biggest step on this path is to break out of mental patterns and create a hole in a different place.
There are several techniques for creativity, including pursuing assumptions and challenging them, using examples from other areas, and starting anew when stuck. Thinking like superheroes, concretely and differently from others, is also effective. Being alert for inspiration from any random stimulus in the environment can also help. When starting, ideas come naturally. To generate ideas, one must first identify the problem, explain the possibilities, find a creative stimulus, and ask challenging questions.
Are you self-conscious about being creative?
Many people are surprised by the answer to the question of whether everyone can be creative. At first glance, it may seem that only great artists or explorers can claim to be creative. However, if we examine the matter closely, we use creativity in all our daily tasks. For instance, every morning when we choose our outfit, we creatively match a blouse with matching pants, a scarf, or shoes. Similarly, when we prepare food, we may have limited tools at home, but we can use our creativity to make a great meal or add a new taste to it. Although we may not pay attention to it, creating creativity is something very common in our lives.
How does a mind act consciously and creatively?
Humans are constantly being educated from birth, and decisions made with thought and reason are the result of logical reasoning. However, when we leave the task to the subconscious mind, we cannot reach a conclusion through the force of logic. This is where creativity comes in.
For instance, sometimes we may try to recall the name of an actor in a movie. Despite our efforts, we may not succeed and the more we try, the more difficult it becomes. We might get frustrated or tired and move on to another topic. But when we stop trying to remember and shift our focus, we suddenly remember the actor’s name. It is the subconscious mind that starts to work once we remove the pressure. This example is applicable to many aspects of our lives.
The world has many individuals whose five senses blend together, causing sounds to be seen as colors, such as the Exeter symphony appearing as green wavy lines, or hospital pagers being perceived as red lightning. This phenomenon is known as “Synesthesia,” originating from the Greek words “joined perception.” However, metaphors are a common occurrence in this disorder. By linking the five senses, it is possible to establish connections between the senses and other objects and events, resulting in an innovative and inspiring experience. Examples include a heated debate, bubbly personality, or loud shirt. (Ward, 2013, Meier & Rothen, 2013). Utilizing the five senses and metaphors to connect with the world allows for reckless exploration of challenges and issues, leading to creative thinking.
Man and creativity, this is the problem!
Dr. Mendes and Akinola from Harvard University conducted interesting research on what drives people to create. They started by studying the biographies of famous creative people such as Hemingway, Kafka, and Beethoven, and then tested their findings. In the first experiment, participants were asked to give an 8-minute speech and then answer interview questions. The interviewers either gave positive feedback or criticized the performance. In the second phase, both groups were given tools to create artwork without any time limit. The results showed that the group that received negative feedback produced more creative works. This supports the idea that negative emotions and social rejection can lead to lasting creativity (Akinola & Mendes, 2008).
A closer look at the lives of creative artists throughout history reveals that worries, negative emotions, and the need to compensate for disabilities or abnormalities in life can drive creativity. Dale Carnegie argues that the success of many influential people can be attributed to their disabilities, which compelled them to do great things and achieve great rewards.
For example, Milton’s blindness may have contributed to his ability to write beautiful poems, and Beethoven’s deafness may have helped him create immortal musical works. Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy’s experiences of suffering and torture may have inspired their immortal novels.
Overall, this research and analysis suggest that negative emotions and experiences can lead to greater creativity and innovation in the long term.
Among these wonders of creation, we should not forget “Pathetic Symphony” by Tchaikovsky, which was produced after sufferings of his life and his sad marriage, which reached the point of his suicide (Wikipedia).
