Creativity isn’t Optional-Here’s Why
PhotoPhoto
Growing up, I was told little things here and there—comments that made me believe I wasn’t “the creative type.” Maybe you’ve heard something similar. When I was in Pre-Kindergarten I didn’t know my colors and when I was given a drawing of a police officer and asked to color it, my little fingers reached right for the pretty pink. It was my favorite color from the very beginning it seems. I remember being scolded for choosing the wrong color and not knowing to color in the lines. I mean I started to draw in a little background and so on. I remember going home and crying so hard that I couldn’t tell my parents why I didn’t want to go back.
Brené Brown often highlights the connection between shame and creativity, emphasizing that unused creativity can turn into negative emotions. Yikes! Perhaps this explains our crazy world. She states that unused creativity "is not benign. It does not dissipate. It metastasizes. And unused creativity turns into rage, grief, shame, and judgment." She also points out that 85% of people interviewed in her research remembered a shaming event in school, (just like mine) and that half of those shame wounds were around creativity.
The truth is, I’ve always been curious, imaginative, and deeply drawn to beauty. Over time, especially through my work as a photographic artist, I came to realize: Creativity isn’t a special gift given to a lucky few—WE ARE ALL CREATIVE. Creativity is a basic human need. It’s how we solve problems, express who we are, and bring something meaningful into the world. And for entrepreneurs?
Creativity is not just important—it’s non-negotiable.
In today’s fast-paced world, creativity is the foundation of innovation. For entrepreneurs, whether you're building a brand, launching a new offer, or shifting your business model, creative thinking allows you to see opportunities others miss. Creative thinking is what it takes to actually come up with your best solutions too.
Fun Fact: According to McKinsey, companies that prioritize creativity outperform peers with significantly higher revenue growth and returns. Why? Because creativity leads to innovation—and innovation is what keeps businesses alive, thriving, and ahead of the curve. More info is HERE.
This isn’t just about big corporations. Artists, solopreneurs, and creative entrepreneurs like you and me are seeing the same results. When we tap into creative problem solving, we build offers that resonate, marketing that connects, and brands which stand out. We make smarter decisions, we take bold action—and yes, we make more money in business. Creative thinking leads to creative doing, and that’s where business success takes root.
If you’ve ever doubted your creativity, I want you to know: you already have what it takes. Future posts, my podcast, The Art of a Meaningful Life Podcast and my upcoming creativity course is designed to help you reconnect with that spark, turn it into action, and use it to fuel your business and your life. But first, let’s dive deeper into the why. In the next post, we’ll explore HOW creative problem solving gives you an edge when facing the unexpected—and why this matters more than ever.