How do I know if I am, or could be, creative?

Every living, breathing human being has the potential to be creative. Each of us is a unique individual capable of creating...it comes with the human territory. We are, simply, quite a creative species. All people can be creative but those who are recognized as being creative have an awareness that others don't. They know how to access their creativity.

Creative people seem to be able to tune in more to their thought patterns and glean great ideas. Creative people can start thinking about something, then forget about it. It's like planting a seed that will grow in time.

The creative brain is working in an unconscious mode.
The brain will say, "Excuse me, I've been thinking about this while you were off doing other things and I have a few ideas. Care to hear them?"

There are many components that influence the creativity of individuals. People can fluctuate in their creativity day to day and hour to hour.

It is often believed that some individuals are generally more creative most of the time than others. The reasons why some people are more creative than others varies. Here are a few reasons:

a) Without the skills needed to do the creative act, it is highly unlikely the individual will do the act. Just because a person has the ability to do something, however, does not necessarily mean that the person will do it.
This is why researchers examine people's motives.

b) Without the motivation to do so, it is unlikely that a person would complete an act, regardless of the person's abilities.

c) Lastly, opportunities in the environment can affect the creativeness of individuals and groups of individuals.

If you've ever generated a novel response to a problem or challenge then congratulate yourself as being creative. If you do this on a regular basis, say every day, then put the "creative person" badge on yourself. With, practice, your ability to generate novel and useful responses to problems and challenges will greatly improve.

One aspect of a creative personality is the fluency with which he/she generates a number of new ideas. Not only does the creative person think of good ideas, but he/she can think of many ideas, explore them, and record them.

It is important to recognize that creative ability can be learned, improved upon, and increased over time.

10 Steps for Boosting Creativity
1. Listen to music
Research has proven that listening to Johann Sebastian Bach actually stimulates your brain. If Bach doesn't do it for you .....try your favorite music.

2. Brainstorm
If properly carried out, brainstorming can help you not only come up with sacks full of new ideas, but can help you decide which is best.

3. Journal
Always carry a small notebook and a pen or pencil around with you. That way, if you are struck by an idea, you can quickly note it down. Upon rereading your notes, you may discover about 90% of your ideas are daft. Don't worry, that's normal. What's important are the 10% that are brilliant.

4. Word Searching
If you're stuck for an idea, open a dictionary, randomly select a word and then try to formulate ideas incorporating this word. You'd be surprised how well this works.

5. Define your problem.
Grab a sheet of paper, electronic notebook, computer or whatever you use to make notes, and define your problem in detail. You'll probably find ideas positively spewing out once you've done this.

6. If you can't think, go for a walk.
A change of atmosphere is good for you and gentle exercise helps shake up the brain cells.

7. Don't watch TV (all the time).
Experiments performed by the JPB Creative Laboratory show that watching TV causes your brain to slowly trickle out your ears and/or nose. It's not pretty, but it happens.

8. Try something different
Change your routine.

9. Read
Read as much as you can about everything possible.
Books exercise your brain, provide inspiration and fill you with information that allows you to make creative connections easily.

10. Exercise your brain.
Brains, like bodies, need exercise to keep fit. If you don't exercise your brain, it will get flabby and useless. Exercise your brain by reading a lot (see above), talking to clever people and disagreeing with people
- arguing can be a terrific way to give your brain cells a workout. But note, arguing about politics or film directors is good for you; bickering over who should clean the dishes is not.

JPB Creative Co, Ltd