Creativity is Passion in Action
In another blog post I mentioned the phrase that creativity is “Passion in Action.”
It’s not some special sauce or magic or something one person is born with that another person is missing. It is that one thing (or in some cases the many things) that we are passionate about. That is what makes it creative.
At this point you’re probably thinking that doesn’t make a lot of sense. What makes something that you’re passionate about creative?
What if you’re passionate about watching football, or watching hockey, or playing golf? What is creative about those things?
While it may not seem creative, I’m sure you know someone who came up with a creative excuse to get out of doing something to watch a game they really wanted to see. Or thought of creative ways they could get tickets to that a game they really wanted to go to. Or came up with a dozen creative excuses to not go to a family or work event so that they could go play a round of golf. It may not be creativity in the sense that there is a finished product at the end of it, but the passion drove the mind to think creatively “what if…”
Once our minds start churning out “what if” possibilities and brainstorming different ways to get things done, creativity begins.
We get to enact that creative plan (hopefully for the betterment of humanity) and are able to reach our goals. We come up with a creative ways to win those tickets or the excuse to go to the game.
For most others, creativity involves some making process, whether it be baking, cooking, painting, woodworking, pottery, quilting etc. It involves taking raw materials turning them into a finished product. You’re able to move from that initial idea through the steps to the finished product. The “why” behind it is the passion.
For example, I’ve always loved sewing. I’m pretty good at it, but sometimes figured I could skip certain details, like trimming seams as I go. I would get excited about finishing the project and rush through, rather than paying attention to those small details. I would always regret that in the end, because it comes down to the end product not looking as good as it could. Now in my more seasoned age, I like to slow down, check the finer details and realize that if I do take those extra steps along the way, I am happier with the end product better, because there is less fussing and finishing I need to do at the end.
The process of sewing was a means to an end, a way to creatively achieve a goal. I wanted a backpack when I was 8 and we didn’t have the time or means to get it when I wanted to, so I sewed one together and made what I wanted. Years later it was crocheted bags — cute little crocheted purses that you can use for a wedding or special event that coordinates with your outfit and doesn’t take a long time to make. It starts with an “I’d really like this” and either seeking out a pattern or coming up with one myself. The passion — or the “I want this” — is what drives the action.
You may want a piece of art for your wall, a nice abstract swooshy thing, but can’t quite find the one that matches your decor. Pick up a canvas and some paint, and see what happens. It probably won’t look the way you want it to at first, but that’s okay — the beauty of canvas and paint is that you can paint over what you don’t like and start again. (Just wait for the paint to dry first.)
If you are ever feeling like you want to say that dreaded phrase “I’m not creative,” please stop and think about what you are passionate about. Think about it or better yet, journal about it for five minutes, and see where your mind goes.
What creative ideas come up while you’re thinking about your favourite things? Let me know — I’d love to hear where your Passion in Action leads your creativity.
PS If you want to dip your toes into creative writing and journalling, check out my 5 Day Creativity Journal below: