Digging Up Talent - Self-development

When we hear "creative personality", we imagine, if not a genius, then a talented person: an artist, musician, artist … But do not forget that each of us is a creator by nature and according to needs.

The pioneer is no example

Creativity is our innate property that promotes adaptability. There is such an anecdote: "The Gestapo blocked all exits, but Stirlitz left through the entrance." For those who have retained the ability to be creative, there are practically no desperate situations. But unfortunately, very often this ability is suppressed from childhood. A creative child is uncomfortable: he is unpredictable, constantly moves away from patterns, upsets the balance.

Pay attention, many inventors, pioneers, creators were persecuted during their lifetime and only then could they evaluate their contribution to the development of mankind. Why? Society is afraid of them, because an innovator is a “troublemaker”.

Four shovels for talent

Why do we stop being creative? These are the four shovels that we use to bury our talent throughout our lives.

1. Fear of failure or criticism

Fear inhibits, not stimulates, tells us that parenting in childhood was critical, evaluative. This type of upbringing generates perfectionism, and it leads to constant dissatisfaction with oneself. Perhaps the reason for the fear was a specific situation from the past, in which one had to face strong and unjustified criticism. Very often, narcissistic parents, expecting feats from their children and eager to take pride in them, achieve the opposite. High expectations and responsibility paralyze a child's creativity.

2. Stereotypes

Most often, children from traditional families, whose creativity and freedom were limited, strive to hide behind templates. "Be like everyone else", "Well, who does that?" - this kind of message deprives of freedom of expression.

3. Tips

They do not allow to feel their true desires, they impose something from the outside, not allowing to reveal the impulses coming from within. We still have a "land of advice", that is, we are ready to give out recommendations for everything and for any reason. It is necessary to be very careful about someone's instructions, to think about whether this person can act as an expert.

4. Fear of change

This kind of fear is inherent in all of us. Sometimes he acts for the good, warning against undesirable consequences, but sometimes to the detriment - depriving the chance for changes for the better. "What are the pluses and minuses of change?" - a question that will help you make the right choice.

Talent is like a thoroughbred horse, you need to learn how to manage it

Maksim Gorky

Masterpieces around us

Creating is not only about creating great paintings and symphonies. You can show your creativity in everyday life: in choosing clothes and accessories, cooking, an interesting hobby, and even in relationships.

When choosing an area in which you want to express yourself, focus not on the result, but on the process: creativity is healing in itself, regardless of the outcome. The sphere for implementation can be any: dancing, photography, home decoration … Creativity does not always require financial costs and special training. It is important that you leave time in your schedule for a favorite activity.

If we allow ourselves to express ourselves in one area, then we become more free in others. Life satisfaction has a lot to do with creativity - a source of joy and pleasure.

Exercises for aspiring creators

1. "Spontaneous drawing"

Place a sheet of paper in front of you (preferably A3). Prepare paints or crayons. Pick a color that attracts you - no matter what the reason. Start drawing - freely, whatever you want. The drawing does not have to be specific, it can be an abstraction. When you feel that this color is enough, take another color and continue painting with it on the same sheet of paper.

You can use any number of colors and paint with them as long as you like. If you don’t like the result, don’t worry - the process of breaking free from templates is important.

2. "Dance-improvisation"

It can be performed alone or in pairs. If alone, then with open eyes, so as not to touch anything and not fall. If there are two of you, one is dancing with his eyes closed, and the other can just be there and watch for safety.

Put on music that is energetic, but not trancelike. Feel your body, listen to it. What desires are born in him? How do impulses for movement unfold? Gradually start incorporating your body into the dance the way you want. Don't try to do everything right or beautifully - move freely until you feel like you want to stop.

Some even believe that spontaneity not only allows the creative side to open up, but also heals: as if the body intuitively finds those movements that are most useful specifically for him.

3. "Custom week"

Try doing something you don't know for a week. This is not about risk, but about variety, the emergence of new daily experiences. Sometimes it is helpful to break out of the vicious circle, to break the habit. It helps you feel in touch with your true desires and become more creative.

Hobbies and happiness

Marketing research agency FDFgroup has assessed the relationship between hobby and life satisfaction. It turned out that the happiest are those who practice dancing and singing. Slightly less happy are those who devote their free time to needlework or gardening. Only half of the respondents who are fond of collecting, reading books and listening to music are satisfied with their lives. But those who spend time on social media are mostly unhappy. An interesting fact was the low satisfaction with the life of adherents of fishing and hunting.