Why is Creativity a Character Strength and how can it be developed?

Introduction

Welcome to our series looking at the 24 VIA Character strengths in Positive Psychology. In this article, I am going to be looking at one of perhaps the most obvious strengths, Creativity, exploring why it is a Character strength and how it can be developed. Creativity is a character strength that is highly valued in today’s society. It is the ability to generate novel ideas, thoughts and concepts that are original, useful and appropriate to the context. Creative individuals have the capacity to solve complex problems, see things from multiple perspectives and to come up with unique solutions. Creativity is a valuable skill that can be applied to any domain, from the arts to the sciences, business, education and beyond.

If you haven’t done so before, you can find out more about the 24 Character strengths and take the free survey to find out about your own strengths at the VIA website, VIACharacter.org. Enjoy!

Why Creativity is a Character Strength

Creativity is a character strength because it is a fundamental aspect of human nature. Humans have been creative since the beginning of time, creating tools, artworks, music, and stories that reflect their beliefs, values and experiences. Creativity is a natural way of thinking and problem-solving that allows us to adapt to the changing world around us. It is an essential quality that allows us to imagine, explore, innovate and express ourselves.

Creativity is also a character strength because it has numerous benefits for individuals and society. For instance, creative individuals tend to be more resilient, flexible, and adaptable to change. They have a broader perspective on life, are open to new experiences and are more likely to take risks. Additionally, creativity enhances cognitive and emotional development, helps to reduce stress, and improves self-esteem.

Moreover, creativity has a positive impact on the economy and society at large. Innovative ideas and inventions have been the driving force behind major advancements in technology, medicine, transportation, and communication. Creative solutions are also essential for addressing social, environmental, and economic issues. Creativity plays a vital role in shaping culture, promoting social change, and enriching the lives of individuals and communities.

How to Develop Creativity

While creativity is a natural ability, it can be enhanced and developed through various strategies and techniques. Here are some of the ways in which creativity can be cultivated:

Cultivate curiosity

Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. When we are curious, we are open to new experiences and ideas, and we are more likely to ask questions, explore, and experiment. Cultivating curiosity involves being observant, paying attention to the world around us, and seeking out new knowledge and experiences.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of awareness in which we are fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, which can inhibit creativity. Mindfulness also helps to cultivate a sense of openness and receptivity, which is essential for generating new ideas.

Engage in creative activities

Engaging in creative activities is an excellent way to develop creativity. This could include drawing, painting, writing, playing music, or any other activity that involves creative expression. The more we engage in these activities, the more we develop our skills, imagination and creativity.

Take risks

Creativity requires taking risks and stepping outside of our comfort zones. This involves being open to failure, learning from mistakes, and being persistent in the face of challenges. By taking risks, we develop our resilience, adaptability, and courage, which are essential qualities for creative individuals.

Collaborate with others

Collaboration is an effective way to develop creativity because it allows us to combine our knowledge, skills, and perspectives with others. When we collaborate, we can generate new ideas, gain new insights, and solve complex problems more effectively. Collaboration also helps to develop our communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are valuable for any creative endeavor.

Practice divergent thinking

Divergent thinking is the ability to generate multiple ideas, perspectives and solutions to a problem. It involves breaking free from conventional thinking and exploring new possibilities. Divergent thinking can be developed through various techniques, such as brainstorming, free writing, and mind mapping. These techniques encourage us to generate as many ideas as possible, without censoring or judging them. This helps to develop our ability to see things from multiple perspectives, to connect ideas, and to identify new possibilities.

Seek out diverse experiences

Exposure to diverse experiences is an essential aspect of developing creativity. This could involve traveling to new places, trying new foods, learning new languages, or reading about different cultures. Diverse experiences help to broaden our perspective, challenge our assumptions, and stimulate our imagination.

Take breaks

Taking breaks is essential for maintaining creativity. When we are constantly working, we can become overwhelmed and burnt out, which can inhibit our ability to generate new ideas. Taking breaks helps to refresh our mind, reduce stress, and give us new energy to tackle creative challenges.

Embrace failure

Failure is an essential part of the creative process. When we try new things, we are likely to experience setbacks, mistakes, and failures. However, failure is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embracing failure involves seeing it as a natural part of the creative process and using it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and develop resilience.

Conclusion

Creativity is a valuable character strength that is essential for personal and societal growth. It can be developed through various strategies and techniques, such as cultivating curiosity, practicing mindfulness, engaging in creative activities, taking risks, collaborating with others, practicing divergent thinking, seeking out diverse experiences, taking breaks, and embracing failure. By developing our creativity, we can enhance our ability to solve complex problems, generate new ideas, and innovate in any domain. Creativity is a natural aspect of human nature that can be developed and nurtured, leading to personal and societal growth and development.