You’ve probably heard about the importance of being creative. But let’s be honest: being creative can feel like a tall order if you’re someone who has a set routine and a full schedule. Everyone is busy, and finding time for the creative outlets we need to be our best selves is challenging. In fact, many people find creative thinking to be a waste of time. So is it really that important to be creative?
Creativity is an important skill. Not only does it help you do your job more effectively, but it also helps make you happier and more innovative as an individual and within an organization. In fact, people who continue to be creative tend to live longer!
This article will explain why creativity is so important and how you can use it professionally and personally in your daily life!
Creativity links to effectiveness and satisfaction
Many believe creativity is more important for artists, designers, and writers than for the average office worker. But creativity is vital to any job and can help you be more effective and satisfied.
Creativity is linked to effectiveness and satisfaction at work because it helps you solve problems better, develop new ideas, collaborate with others effectively, and feel good about what you do every day.
Creativity links closely to innovation. This means coming up with fresh ideas or ways of doing things different from what has been done before (like inventing something). Creativity isn’t about being original; instead, it’s about having multiple ideas so that another option will be available if one doesn’t work out.
Creativity can help you be more productive
Creativity is not just about being able to come up with ideas; it’s also about being able to use those ideas effectively. That means you need both sides of your brain working together to be creative. You must look at the big picture and see how the pieces fit together. At the same time, you also need to be able to break down those more significant concepts into smaller parts to make them more manageable.
A real-life example can be seen with FreedomCare. FreedomCare is a company that allows family members or friends to become certified caregivers to disabled or older people. Instead of going the traditional nursing home or caregiver route that sees money go to a stranger, money is kept within the family legally and safely.
Someone had to be creative to develop this idea, which has now helped thousands of families. The idea doesn’t seem crazy, but for years nobody thought outside the box of elderly care programs. It wasn’t until recently that this business model was implemented.
This same concept can be used in your work. Think about what you do every day and how it can be changed. Take a different approach to your tasks, and you may be surprised at what you discover.
Creativity is associated with several health benefits
When people think of improving their health, creativity isn’t always on the list. Yet, creative practices and techniques can be very beneficial.
Below are three ways it is helpful.
- Creativity improves cognitive functioning. Creative people are better at problem-solving, which leads to improved cognitive functioning. This includes improved memory, attention span, and mental flexibility.
- Better emotional well-being. Creativity reduces stress, helps you feel more satisfied, and improves your mood by increasing positive emotions like joy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. It also makes you more empathetic toward others and enhances self-esteem by helping you feel confident about your abilities.
- Improved physical health. Studies show that creative activities can improve physical health by reducing stress hormones like cortisol while boosting mood chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that make us happy.
While creativity may come to some more naturally than others, taking time and being intentional about being creative and bringing different perspectives can help you to be successful, happy, and healthy.