Creativity is not reserved for only certain people. So don’t let the idea keep you from trying something new. Allow yourself to explore your curiosity and make something meaningful no matter how imperfect.
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Maybe you think of yourself as someone ‘not creative’. Maybe you can’t draw or paint, or the thought of starting something from scratch makes you go blank. But creativity isn’t a personality trait. It’s also not reserved for those who are naturally artistic. It’s a skill like any other, which means it can be explored and practised.
Forget talent, start with curiosity
You may think ‘hobby’ and believe you have to be good at it. But instead, explore what you are naturally interested in or curious about. Perhaps you’ve always had an inner stirring about photography, gardening, pottery, embroidery or ikebana. Choose the thing that makes you forget about time when you’re stuck in it, something that makes you want to know more, rather than something you should be good at.
Also important – and this may feel awkward – allow yourself to be bad at it and let go of the self-judgement. Your first attempts will probably be not so great, but it’s all part of learning.
Choose a low-pressure version
No need to buy pricey equipment or sign up for a course. Start small and experiment first. Borrow some basic supplies, attend a one-day workshop or watch a YouTube tutorial. Work your way up slowly.
At this point, the goal is just to try something. Give yourself permission to do so – it’ll take away the pressure to process a masterpiece.
Don’t compare your beginning with someone else’s middle
Social media is not a real place. It makes hobbies look deceptively polished. But what you don’t see is the years of practice behind it all. When you look at a perfectly decorated cake, or a beautiful painting, instead of asking ‘why can’t I do that?’, ask ‘what do I enjoy about doing this?’. The process matters just as much as the result.
Let yourself make things badly
A great way to become comfortable with creativity is to create something deliberately imperfect. Write the terrible piece of prose. Make the weird wonky vase. Take photographs that don’t quite work.
Not every hobby has to be a side hustle, and Insta account or a hidden talent. It can simply be something you enjoy doing – that’s it.
You may find you’re more creative than you thought. Or you may simply find a new way to spend an afternoon. Either outcome matters.
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Featured image: Pexels
