...through Creative Thinking
Welcome to Principle #2!
I’m paraphrasing here…but Einstein said, “You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” That insight opens this week’s discussion on success and creative thinking. It’s about challenging our long-held notions and hopefully that helps you understand how they can be redefined to create a fabulous creative life.
Tell me if this resonates…
We are educated through repetition and the memorization of “facts” and “rules.”
Okay, these methods have their place, but they can also limit our ability to adapt to new circumstances. As we evolve and our world changes, clinging to outdated knowledge and rigid rules can stifle our creativity and growth.
To thrive, we must be willing to let go of the old paradigms and embrace new information and perspectives. This doesn’t mean discarding everything we’ve learned but rather being open to reinterpreting and expanding upon it. Traditional views of success may no longer apply universally.
For example:
- Stable Corporate Job:
- Traditional: Success was often defined by securing a stable, long-term job at a reputable company. This typically meant working a 9-to-5 job with benefits and the promise of a pension upon retirement. The security of a steady paycheck and long-term employment was highly valued.
- Today: Many people prioritize flexibility and autonomy over “security.” Freelancing, remote work, and the gig economy have become more appealing, allowing individuals to control their schedules and work from anywhere.
- Advanced Education and Degrees:
- Traditional: Attaining advanced degrees (a master’s or doctoral degree) was seen as a critical path to success. Higher education was associated with better job prospects and higher salaries.
- Today: While education is still important, there’s a growing recognition of alternative paths to success. Vocational training, self-taught skills, online courses, and entrepreneurship are increasingly valued. Many successful individuals have built careers without traditional degrees, leveraging skills and knowledge acquired outside formal education systems.
- Being a Creative Professional:
- Traditional: Careers in the creative fields (artists, writers, musicians, and designers) were often seen as less stable and financially rewarding compared to professions like law, medicine, or business. Pursuing a career in the arts was frequently viewed as impractical and risky.
- Today: Being a creative professional is increasingly recognized and valued as a viable career. The digital age has democratized access to audiences and markets, allowing creatives to monetize their work through various platforms. Creative careers are now seen as legitimate paths to success, allowing creatives to thrive on their own terms.
More Good News
- Creativity is now valued across all industries, not just within the traditional “creative” fields. Problem-solving, innovation, and unique perspectives are crucial in business, technology, education, and beyond. Success is increasingly linked to one’s ability to think creatively and adapt to changing environments.
- There is a growing appreciation for the cultural and economic contributions of creative professionals. Platforms like Patreon, YouTube, and Etsy enable creatives to reach global audiences and build sustainable careers. Success can now be measured by the impact and reach of one’s creative work.
- Many creatives are now also entrepreneurs, blending their artistic talents with business acumen. The rise of creative agencies, personal branding, and independent content creation has opened new avenues for success. Creative entrepreneurs can innovate and drive change in their industries, making significant cultural and economic impacts.
My Experience
There was a time in my life when I thought I just “needed to find a job.” I worked with a coach. We wrote and rewrote resumes, practiced interview skills, and matched keywords. I applied, and applied, and applied again…only to hear “crickets.”
I had a strange feeling I didn’t want to do this anymore. Working on my values (see my last article HERE) helped to define what success looked like for me. For a long time, it was the traditional view. But as my life shifted, so did my values.
Security used to be at the top, now freedom is. Why?
The answer can be found in adaptation – new knowledge, new information, and new technology. What I knew and believed decades ago was no longer working.
Creativity is not just about artistic expression; it’s a way of thinking that allows us to see beyond the conventional and explore new possibilities. It encourages us to ask questions, seek new solutions, and adapt to changing environments. By fostering a creative mindset, we can redefine success in a way that is more aligned with our personal values and aspirations.
What Success Means to Me
For me, success means:
- Location-independent work; working for myself (freedom)
- Multiple streams of income doing things I love (freedom, authenticity)
- Being a practicing artist (creativity, joy)
- Control over my focus (authenticity, freedom)
- Teaching others (contribution)
That level of freedom described in my view of success is not right for everyone. You must decide that for yourself and build around your definition. You must decide what mindsets are holding you back and which mindsets will move you forward. Be willing to change the former.
Exercise: Defining Your Success
- Take a moment to reflect on what success means to you.
- Write down your thoughts and compare them to your core values. (Go back to the last post for help on this.)
- How can you incorporate more creativity, and creative thinking, into your life to align with this vision of success?
- What old mindsets do you need to challenge and change to move forward?
By examining these ideas, we can begin to reshape our lives and our society, one creative thought at a time.
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