December 7, 2010

Making Work "Work": Resources for Busy Professionals

The Value of Being Creative

You can find a lot of advice and tips about being creative in books, magazines and on the Internet, but you may not find the answer to one important question: Beyond innovation and problem-solving, what’s the value in being creative? Here are some thoughts on why adopting a creative mindset can be good for you:

• Creativity feels good. Nothing reinforces your self-esteem like finding a fresh solution to a nagging problem or finding a new way to look at a familiar situation.
• The world changes. Taking a creative look at your surroundings can shift your perspective and make the world feel new. It also contributes to a more positive outlook—you see possibilities, not obstacles.
• Competition is minimal. If you do what everyone else does, you’ll have to work harder to stand out. Take a novel approach to problems at work and at home, and other people will notice you.
• Creativity eases stress. Focusing on new solutions and responses to the world around you can help you relax. You’ll stop fighting and start taking an active role in your own life, which will improve your outlook and your physical health.
• You’ll grow. The challenge of creativity forces you to learn new things, stretch your skills, change your thinking and evolve as a person.