Creative people are characterized by their passion for work, hobbies and interests. They are often able to take risks in their pursuit of these passions and are not afraid of criticism. They are able to use their failures as learning experiences and continue to try new things. They have the ability to focus intensely and can sometimes seem to disappear into their tasks, immersing themselves completely. They are also able to work quickly and accurately, juggling multiple projects at once.
A good creative person is able to look at a problem from multiple angles and think abstractly. He or she may see an object in a new way, such as a painter looking at how people move, or a writer seeing how words flow together. This kind of thinking is an important part of the creative process and a key to success in most art forms. This is why creative people often seem to be able to make connections that other people might not see.
Unlike most people, creatives have the ability to be simultaneously playful and serious. This dual personality helps them to keep their sense of wonder about the world and the potential for invention. It also allows them to be more flexible and adaptable, which is another trait that is often associated with creativity.
Creativity researchers have found that the brains of creative people are wired differently than those of most other people. The same areas of the brain that help with memory, attention and planning are activated in creative people but not in others. This suggests that there is an important link between the brain and creativity, but the exact nature of this connection remains unclear.
Researchers have also discovered that creative people think more associatively, which means they can link together seemingly unrelated ideas in their mind. This can be a beneficial quality when trying to come up with solutions for complex problems, but it can also lead to the sort of muddled thinking that can hamper creativity. This kind of thinking is often accompanied by daydreaming, which can be productive in its own way.
Creatives are able to find the joy in their work, even when they might be feeling challenged or frustrated. They are often able to critically examine their work and are willing to accept feedback from others, which is an essential skill for any creative pursuit. For example, an artist might be in love with his or her painting, but a writer is likely to be more objective about it.
Finally, creatives are able to bounce back from failure, rather than becoming discouraged by it. They know that no one comes up with great ideas on their first attempt, and this is why they often push themselves to take more risks. They have the confidence to continue their efforts and can even learn from their mistakes, such as when they are criticized for their work or when they fail to achieve a particular goal.