What are the biggest myths about creativity?

The tricky thing about creativity is that nobody can agree on its definition. But whether you think of it in terms of specifics or generalities, there are all sorts of misconceptions about it...

The first myth is that creativity means being artistic. There are countless ways to express yourself – whether you’re a doctor or a politician.

When we only think of creativity in terms of artistic output, we undermine its role in the development of children. Parents see it as a bonus, rather than an essential part of their growth. One solution to this is to use the term “creative thinking” as a general catch-all instead

Another myth is that only a tiny fraction of people are creative. But there’s a key difference between inventors (“big-C creativity”) and everyday problem-solvers (“little-C creativity”).

If you’re the kind of person who experiments with recipes or will use a coat-hanger to fish your keys out of a locked car... guess what? You’re creative.

It’s also a myth that creativity strikes like a bolt of inspiration. Sure, “eureka!” moments do happen… but it’s a long process built on sustained effort and enthusiasm.

Hard work by itself isn’t enough to produce creative inspiration. It takes a mix of curious examination, energetic testing, and careful analysis  – sometimes over and over again.

Another common misconception is that creativity cannot be taught. It’s true that children are practically born curious and gradually want to express themselves. It’s also true that some forms of schooling can stifle creativity – because creativity should be nurtured, not imposed.

“Staying out of the way” of a child’s creativity makes as much sense as a gardener staying out of the way of her plants. Creativity is an organic process that benefits from the right support.

TL;DR: “creative thinking” isn’t just for artists. It doesn’t strike out of the blue and it can be taught. It applies to anyone who brings their curiosity to life through sustained effort and enthusiasm, whether it’s solving everyday problems or just adding a bit of fun to life.