(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

You spent most of the early part of your life learning about stuff by acquiring knowledge and information. You picked a profession, company or job and went about learning whatever it took to be successful. All in all, a useful process.

As you got better in your endeavors you probably found yourself taking existing information and processes and repackaging them in newly creative ways. This is a way to add value to old information and is as creative as most people get.

Real creativity is much more. When you start doing things you have not seen done before (and feel you don’t have to check it out with someone first!) then you are really adding value, you are being creative. It may seem scary at first, but like a muscle that strengthens with use, you quickly start trusting yourself. Assisting you in this process is a wealth of subtle feelings, inklings, thoughts and ideas. The more you pay attention to them, the faster will be the growth of your creativity.

 

Coaching Point: Where are you already doing original work?

 

Copyright 1999 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.