What is the true definition of creativity? And how
does it have the power to lead to something truly great and become life
changing? Those are the two questions that really stood out for me whilst
reading Hegarty’s message in Hegarty on
Creativity. An inspirational book on ideas such as: Ego, Money and
Technology which are in the heart of creative thinking.
Google’s
definition for creativity:
“the use of imagination or original
ideas to create something; inventiveness”
So, according
to the definition above, being creative means that you produce original ideas; and
prior to me reading this book I would have completely agreed. However, now I see
the arrogance in saying that an idea is “original”, its lazy and narrow minded.
Yes, there have been “original” ideas in the past but never TRULY original. It
is meaningless, an empty adjective that is used way too much and due to that it
has been completely semantically saturated. Give me one original idea? Every new
film, new novel, new song and new technology is based on a creative idea from
the past. Nothing is created in a vacuum; no one lives that far under a rock to
not be subconsciously influenced by the world. This definitely does not mean
that the world is any less creative, humans are influential and have the power
to create something “fresh” and “different” which is what creativity is REALLY
about… not trying to be “original” because that will NEVER happen.
Another idea
that stood out to me in the book is a big concern of mine and that is how to
earn a living through creativity? There are no rules or guidelines to follow,
it would be much easier if there was a textbook to learn but unfortunately it’s
all down to confidence, commitment and fearlessness. What makes you any
different from the millions of people who strive for the exact same thing?! It’s
a scary question and right now I would not be able to answer it myself! I don’t
seem to have anything different or fresh about my blog, the clothes I wear or
the way I go about my daily life! But once you/I find something to stand out
from the crowd with, it’s important to use it and grow from it!
The book has
made me see the industry with a completely different perspective. Its huge,
exciting and most of all scary! An industry I want to be part of but can’t ever
see myself succeeding in… and THAT is a mindset I need to get rid of! I can’t
be a cynic. That is a person I refuse to be. Technology is on our side,
blogging is a way of expressing and presenting yourself completely to the rest
of the world, and the best thing I can do is take advantage of it and explore
the possibilities fully!
