Creative people are incredibly passionate about their work. They are also able to objectively analyze it, which allows them to identify areas where it can be improved. For example, a writer who loves their work so much that they are unwilling to edit a single sentence may be stifling their own creativity.
Creatives are always looking for new ways to express themselves. This might mean experimenting with different forms of art, or finding unique ways to solve problems. They can be restless, but this drive is usually positive. Creatives believe that there are few things that cannot be solved. This doesn’t mean that they are blind to the world’s problems, but rather that no problem is too large for them to tackle.
This restlessness can be seen in their ability to find solutions to real-world issues. For example, they can come up with imaginative ways to combat poverty, pollution, or war. Creatives often take ideas from a variety of sources, including science, history, religion, philosophy, and fiction. This combination of ideas and inspiration is what gives their work its unique flavor.
Another trait of creatives is their naiveté. They look at the world through fresh eyes and see its beauty. This lightheartedness can lead to a playful attitude toward their work, but it also requires a dogged perseverance. Creatives will often work for hours on end, staying up late until they are satisfied with their results. This is why it is important for them to set realistic deadlines and establish specific routines so that they can stay on track.
The best creative people are able to balance the demands of their craft with other aspects of their life. They are not naive enough to ignore the responsibilities and obligations of their daily lives, but they are also aware that they need time to recharge their batteries. Having a balanced life allows them to keep their energy high and focus on the tasks at hand.
One of the most important traits of creatives is their resilience. Creatives understand that failure is a necessary part of the process, and they do not take it personally. They also know that they need to be willing to expose their work to others, which is often a scary proposition. This is why it’s so important for creatives to have a strong support system.
Creative people are often in tune with their emotions, and this can make them sensitive to other people’s feelings. This can sometimes be frustrating for those around them, as they might feel like they are taking on too much of the responsibility. However, they are generally able to channel their emotions into productive channels, and they are not afraid to show their true selves in front of others.
Creativity is a complicated thing, and no one person can be considered “creative” by a set of simple rules. Those who are most creative, according to Csikszentmihalyi, are those who have the courage to take risks and explore unknown territory. Creatives also need to be able to claim their inner authority, and not let systems tell them what is right or wrong or worth doing.