I am frequently amazed by the creativity of humans. Sure, we create art, write, make music, and craft, but our creativity doesn’t stay in the realm of “art.”

For instance, think about how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents devised the fabulously creative idea of birthday parades to celebrate their kids while adhering to social distancing guidelines. 

Or how, during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, some creative homeowners started using swimming pools to create a makeshift fire hose system that protected their homes.

Why do the biggest bursts of creativity seem to happen during the most challenging times?

It would seem that necessity is truly the mother of invention. 

Likewise, if you find yourself in a stressful, draining career, it’s a good time to remind yourself that creativity might be the solution.

As a career coach, I work with many people who “fell into” a particular path, one that doesn’t allow for creativity, and now they feel stifled.

But it doesn’t have to stay this way. Creativity is the answer.

At the very least, a healthy dose of creativity can improve your current situation, and at the very best, it unlocks the door to a more creative career!

Neuroplasticity And The Creativity “Muscle”

Creativity is defined as the use of imagination or original ideas, and the good news is that anyone can push themselves to act more creatively. 

We are all born to be creative—it’s what makes humans special. We build gardens and high-rises, we paint and we innovate, we face problems and come up with innovative solutions—even during the toughest of times. 

However, creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised. 

Our capacity for it isn’t set. Neglect creative time and your capacity for it shrinks. Use it and it grows.  

Fortunately, neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections, means change is always possible.

Scientific research has found that creativity changes our brains. When we practice thinking creatively, new neurological pathways literally appear in our minds.

However, research has also found that we can improve creativity even when not creating or innovating. Practicing mindfulness or meditating, for instance, can strengthen the areas of the brain associated with creativity.

With time and practice, you can develop a sense of creativity that will improve your ability to solve problems, express yourself freely, reflect critically, or flourish in your personal and professional life. 

Think You’re Not Creative? Think Again.

Whenever I hear someone say, “I’m just not a creative person,” I want to say, “But that’s just not true!” 

Creativity isn’t about being “artistic” in the traditional sense—it’s about how we think, approach challenges, and imagine new possibilities. And the best part is that it’s inherent to everyone.

I like the way Chinese artist Ai Weiwei put it: “Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught.”

We don’t learn to become creative. We are born creative, and sometimes, we learn to stop being creative, to focus on other things. But creativity never left us, not really. 

One of the biggest barriers I hear about is self-judgment, believing that the things we create and the ideas we generate are never good enough.

To overcome self-criticism, give yourself permission to play, to try without knowing the outcome, to make mistakes, and to grow.

How To Infuse Your Career With Creativity

I often work with people, artists, and writers, among others, who are wildly creative but who became convinced at some point in their lives that they “should” pursue a corporate career path. Now they work in corporate marketing or branding, which allows them to exercise some creativity, but it is often a restrained form of creativity. As a result, they feel too stifled.

If this sounds like you—wildly creative but stifled at work—here are some tips for reigniting that spark inside and outside of work (often it leads to new career pathways.) 

1. Cultivate Curiosity with a Growth Mindset: Approach challenges with a sense of wonder. Ask questions and remember that any failures that occur are opportunities for growth.

2. Experiment with New Ideas: Carry a dedicated journal or use a digital notes page in your phone to capture fleeting thoughts, spontaneous ideas, or even unconventional impulses—no matter how outlandish they may seem. Make it a regular practice to explore these ideas further; set aside time weekly to refine and test select concepts, discovering what resonates and what doesn’t.

3. Recognize the Creative Process > Perfection: Focus on the journey of creation rather than obsessing over the end product. Drafts and prototypes are stepping stones. Regularly critique your work and welcome constructive feedback from others so that you enhance your creative output.

4. Turn Creative Pursuits into a Habit: Treat creativity like a physical muscle that requires consistent exercise to grow stronger. Designate specific time slots in your daily or weekly schedule where you engage in creative activities—be it writing, painting, or brainstorming. The more you practice, the more natural and fluid your creative process will become.

5. Surround Yourself with Creative Individuals: Actively seek out and connect with people who inspire your sense of creativity. Engage in creative discussions, collaborate on projects, and attend workshops or events where you can share ideas. This supportive network can stimulate your own creativity and offer fresh perspectives.

Get Career-Creative With A Dedicated Coach

A HEART-based approach to career planning requires a different take. It isn’t about polishing up your resumé, networking with strangers, or applying to hundreds of jobs—it’s about creating a path for yourself where you can truly flourish.
 
When we work together, you’ll engage in self-discovery and gain deeper insights into your strengths and interests. This process encourages you to think creatively about your future and ultimately explore opportunities that align with your core heart values.

Check out the Fried to Flourishing Group Coaching Experience to learn more. 

Want More Career Wisdom? Keep Reading

+ Burnout-Proofing Your Career: The Slow, Intentional Path to Success
+ A Cleanse for Your Career
+ Should You Discuss Salary at Work Featuring Yolanda Owens

Connect with Me

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.