Noticing your way to creativity

Every time someone asks me how to become creative, I start by rephrasing the question, and instead, give an answer to how I (continue to) hone my creativity.

That answer always begins with my first Fine Art class back in junior secondary school. Like many subjects then, the first lesson was about the significance of the subject. The Why. In hindsight, that was a brilliant idea from my school.

“To instill the deep appreciation of art” was point 5 or so on the list. I’ll never forget it—not in theory, not in practice.

If I had to point to one thing that has shaped the quality of my ideas and creations, it’s this: I deeply notice and appreciate quality ideas and creations from others.

Is creativity innate? Yes, but for all of us. Only a few people hone it. And one of the most powerful ways they do that is by pausing to notice and appreciate good things. Not just glossing over life.