No successful company can do without unique ideas and original solutions. Creative people, whether future leaders or regular employees, are highly sought-after on the job market. And the truth is, anyone can be creative. So, what does it take?
We often associate creativity with art, but we tend to believe that creativity is something granted only to a select few. Either you have it, or you don’t. Is that true? Not at all. We were all born as creators; it’s just a question of whether we develop this ability or let it atrophy. It’s not about art – we were born to create our own life.
Creativity is not a talent. It is a way of thinking. Once we remove limitations and barriers and reconnect with playfulness and natural instincts, creativity flows. So where did these barriers come from? With age.
School, Grades, and Comparison
As children, we played and created freely, fully immersed in the process, enthusiastic and passionate. Then school arrived.
School brings grades, comparison, and the fear that we’re worse than Janicka or Petrik. Suddenly, it seems objectively proven who can and who can’t. We also learn to obey authority – which is useful, but only if obedience doesn’t override authenticity and self-expression. Many bad habits persist into adulthood.
We see something impressive and immediately think: I can’t do that. We fear failure, so we stay in familiar routines, where nothing can go wrong – but nothing new happens either. Stereotypes trigger autopilot. At work, we complete tasks, seek approval, and play it safe.
Creativity Can Be Revived
That buried passion and childlike creativity can be revived. Creativity is like a muscle: if you don’t use it, it atrophies. But give it attention, and it comes alive.
Stuck at your desk with no ideas? Probably because you’re stressed and overthinking. Ideas don’t like tension—they arrive when you relax and focus elsewhere.
Experts suggest doing nothing for a while, or doing activities that get you out of your head: listen to music, clean, go for a run. Ideas may strike in the bathtub, in the park, on a tram, or even on vacation – while meditating, washing your hair, or cooking. Keep a pencil and paper handy to capture them. Remember, the brain works analytically or creatively, not both at once.
Do Things Differently
Creativity means seeing things differently. Unusual perspectives and rigid routines don’t mix. Stepping out of your comfort zone is unavoidable – but the joy of creating again is worth it!
Try New Things
Awaken your childlike curiosity (where does this path lead?), courage to experiment (how will this food taste with exotic spices?), and desire to try the unknown (always wanted to learn salsa?). Do familiar things in new ways (sit in a different chair at dinner, drink coffee from another mug). Big or small, every experiment counts. The goal is to shake yourself up.
Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
Maybe you get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood, burn your mouth on chili, or step on your partner’s foot while dancing. So what? Mistakes are opportunities for growth. Most successful inventors would confirm that their path to breakthrough discoveries was paved with failed attempts. They weren’t smarter than anyone else – they just weren’t afraid to fail.
Accept Uncertainty
A major enemy of creativity is control. Trying to control everything leads to tension, struggle, and blocked imagination. No one can promise an idea will appear tomorrow at 4 a.m. Accept that you don’t know yet, but you’re doing everything to change that. Trust that the idea will come. Focus first on quantity without judging – quality will follow.
If you run a business and want your company to be innovative, create an environment that supports creativity. Encourage courage, passion, and openness to change. Let your team make their own decisions – even if imperfect. Give them freedom to propose ideas, even if controversial, incomplete, or unconventional. And make sure they can present them without fear, whether to you or colleagues. After all, what good is the most original solution if its creator keeps it to themselves?
