I came across an interesting equation today referred to as the Universal Theory of Creativity: # of Quality Ideas = Stimuli รท Fear
Two things kill creativity.
The first is lack of stimuli. That is brought on my mental atrophy. If we lose that “holy curiosity” we were born with we’ll stop thinking creative thoughts. Creative people draw inspire from everyone and everything. They pay attention to the stimuli around them. And they intentionally expose themselves to different disciplines.
Here’s an idea. Subscribe to magazines that “have nothing to do with what you’re doing“. You need to get outside your mental box. I get science and business and design magazines because they are creativity catalysts for messages and marketing. They help me think new thoughts.
The second thing that kills creativity is fear–fear of failure, fear of looking foolish, fear of rejection.
Creativity involves doing something different and that always produces a measure of fear. Don’t let fear squeeze you into someone else’s mold. Here is one of my definitions of faith: the willingness to look foolish. Don’t be afraid to be different.
Creativity and normality are at odds with each other!
Normality is overrated.
