Think of the first person who comes to mind when you hear the word “creative.” It’s probably someone who loves art or has a wild imagination, and is always displaying another new creation or talking about a fantastical idea. Maybe it’s your friend, someone from school or someone online. Did you ever think that the most creative person you know could be you?
I sure didn’t. Even though I’ve always liked writing and playing music, I’ve never thought of myself as a creative person because everything I enjoy is very practical. My favorite page, news, is the most fact-centered of all the journalism subjects. My time playing music is spent in orchestra, where all I have to do is read and go along with whatever the conductor says. So if someone ever tells me I’m a “creative person,” I do a bit of a double take.
What I’ve come to realize, though, is that I can be creative in my own way. I can come up with my own angle to the news story I’m covering. I can play music outside of school with my friends. I can even do something as simple as teaching my friend a new approach to a math problem. Creativity isn’t all about coming up with some grand artwork to show off, it’s about showing people part of the way you view the world.
Personally, I learned to be creative by trying to share the things I liked with others. It’s simple: what do you enjoy doing? For me, it’s photography, Rampage and music. Next, how can you get others involved? You can teach another person your skills, or even start a club to do it on a bigger scale. If you like sports, you can get a team together or take pictures of your favorite games. I know people who have tutored struggling first graders because they love reading and others who have started whole classes to teach the subjects they’re passionate about. No matter the scale, your plan is bound to have a huge impact. Don’t believe me? Just think about how different your life would be without the experience you’re sharing!
You might not think of these things as creative, but it’s all about the way you do them. Try to include people who otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunities you’ve had. Teach your favorite subject in an out-of-the-box way, plan a day trip to share your favorite place with friends, or fundraise to save the sea turtles. If you invite people into your world, your creativity will be showing before you know it.