The Many Benefits of Creativity

Creativity is an incredibly valuable skill. All too often, we outgrow our imagination with age due to an encroaching sense of self doubt, an ingrained belief that it’s an impractical pursuit, or firm guidance from more experienced grown-ups advising engineering over art school. Although almost everyone would agree that creativity is important, budget cuts to areas of education like art and music programs demonstrate differently.

Creativity should be encouraged along with technical knowledge, since the two go hand in hand. Still more importantly, creativity infuses our lives with depth and richness. The ripple effect of valuing creativity more highly in students would be broad-reaching and vast. Creativity inspires happiness, and a desire to share that with others. What’s more important than that?

To more specifically outline the benefits of creativity, we have created the following list. The benefits far outnumber 12, but this is a great place to start. Creativity…

1. …is multidisciplinary. Not only can you practice creativity through many different mediums, its benefits are applicable to almost all professions.

2. …allows you to express yourself. An integral part of the human condition involves learning who we are, and recognizing how that fits into the rest of the world. Creativity allows self-discovery, as well as the opportunity to share a hidden side of ourselves.

3. …promotes thinking and problem solving. From technical details of writing, drawing, or composing to the challenge of creating, problem-solving is a required component of the creative process.

4. …reduces stress and anxiety. People usually pursue creative projects because they enjoy the process or the outcome. Just the act of creating inspires a sense of contentment.

5. …allows you to enter your happy zone and have fun. Creativity is really another form of play, and play is universally important to each individual’s sense of joy and well-being.

6. …gives you a sense of purpose. Writers, artists, and musicians often identify by those words whether they make money at their craft or not. Their creative method is their way of processing the world and a way of describing who they are.

7. …can lead to feelings of accomplishment and pride. The combination of brainstorming, the technical process, and a finished process is often the perfect recipe for personal satisfaction.

8. …can link you to others with the same passion. Art is important because it fosters a sense of connection and understanding about what it means to be human. A creative focus can help you find your community and feel less alone in the world.

9. …improves your ability to focus. The act of creating requires dedication and commitment, not only to each individual project but to the craft itself.

10. …promotes risk-taking and iteration. Making things isn’t easy; making things others will appreciate is even harder. Creativity requires courage, confidence, and the willingness to fail and try again.

11. …is a prerequisite for innovation. Every advancement known to mankind started with a new idea, and new ideas are inspired by imagination and creativity.

12. …encourages us to be lifelong learners. Creativity requires the humbleness to know that there’s always room for improvement and a commitment to continue challenging your ideas and ability until new growth occurs.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services