But creativity is so much more than art; it’s about problem-solving, finding new ways to connect, and rethinking how we approach life itself. In fact, creativity is a life-changing force—both for us as individuals and for the world around us.
Let’s explore why.
Creativity as Transformation
Not only can creativity change the world, it already has. Consider Dorothea Lange’s haunting photograph from the Great Depression or the Vietnam War photo that stirred Americans to demand an end to the conflict.
Art, in all its forms, has the power to open eyes, stir hearts, and demand change. And it’s not just about grand, world-altering moments. Creativity can touch us personally and deeply—a song that helps us grieve, a painting that shifts our perspective, a book that challenges our beliefs.
Lord Byron once said, “A small drop of ink upon the page can make thousands, perhaps millions, think.”
Creativity, at its best, connects us to something bigger.
Stop and think, right now, about a work of art that has changed your life: A book, a song, a poem, a painting, a photograph, a film.
We’ve all been touched and moved and even transformed by the power of art.
But here’s the twist: creativity isn’t just art. It’s innovation. It’s reimagining how the world works.
Creativity is about making something new—something that solves a problem, fills a need, or simply enriches our lives.
Think of the “desired paths” concept: when people ignore poorly designed sidewalks and wear trails into the grass, creativity steps in to design paths that work for real people.
Quite often, creativity is about designing a better, more human world.
Creativity as Problem Solving
Here’s a surprising truth: creativity is less about inspiration and more about adaptation.
It’s not just about beauty; it’s about solving problems.
Need proof? Look at Ohio State University’s campus design. Originally planned with traditional sidewalks, students kept cutting across the lawn, creating messy dirt paths.
The university could have stuck to their original design. Instead, they leaned into creativity. They built walkways where students naturally wanted to walk, creating harmony between design and functionality.
That’s creativity—solving problems by rethinking the status quo.
The same is true in our personal lives. Every time we face a challenge and respond with a new approach, we’re being creative.
When we find new ways to tell our stories or break through an emotional block, we’re not just creating art; we’re creating solutions.
Creativity Inspires Empathy and Connection
Creativity doesn’t just solve problems; it also builds bridges. One of the most remarkable aspects of creativity is its ability to evoke empathy.
When you read To Kill a Mockingbird or see a moving piece of art, it changes you. Creativity invites you to step into another’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. Harper Lee’s famous line comes to mind: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.”
Creativity helps us do that.
It also enriches life. Think of murals brightening an otherwise bleak cityscape or street art transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, welcoming places.
Creativity gives life color, energy, and meaning. Whether it’s Eduardo Kobra’s bold murals or a quiet piece of poetry tucked into a journal, these creative acts remind us of the beauty in being alive.
Creativity Is for Everyone
Here’s something we need to say louder: you don’t need to be an artist to be creative.
You don’t need to have “talent” or a polished skillset. Creativity is a human birthright.
It’s about expressing what’s inside you and letting that expression transform you.
Kurt Vonnegut said it best: “Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money or fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
That’s the beauty of creativity—it’s not about perfection or productivity. It’s about play. It’s about allowing yourself the freedom to explore, to fail, to try again.
It’s about making your soul grow.
Breaking Through Creative Blocks
Of course, creativity isn’t always easy. We all face roadblocks—time, fear of judgment, uncertainty about where to start.
One participant in a recent creative workshop shared that they’d always wanted to draw but felt too scared to begin. The pressure to “be good” stopped them before they could even start.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, creative blocks often come from fear—fear of failure, fear of wasting time, fear of being judged.
But creativity isn’t about the outcome; it’s about the process. The only way through a block is to start.
So….Draw something. Write something. Create something. Even if it’s terrible, it’s a step forward.
Creativity Changes Us
Ultimately, creativity isn’t just about what we make; it’s about who we become.
When we create, we grow. We connect with others and with ourselves. We find new ways to see the world.
Creativity reminds us that we’re alive, that we have something to give, and that the act of giving—of creating—can make the world a little better.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up that pencil, write that first sentence, sing that song in the shower. Let yourself play. Because the world needs your creativity—and so do you.
Ready to start exercising your creativity?
You’re invited to join us starting Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 for a LIVE Zoom Course designed to help you break out of your creative slump, discover new ideas, and reignite your creative spark.
The course, CREATAS: SANDBOX is an 8-week Live Zoom Community hosted by artist/musician/designer Angie Von Slaughter and me, author/poet Keith Giles where we’ll gather for 1-hour each week to share our creative projects, try new ideas, and encourage one another to take that next big step in our creative process.
For a limited time, you can register for this course and receive a 20% discount when you click HERE>
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The newest book from Keith Giles, “The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas” is available now on Amazon. Order HERE>
Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the Jesus Un series. He has appeared on CNN, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang’s “Tell Me Everything.”
He co-hosts The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and his solo podcast, Second Cup With Keith which are both available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Podbean or wherever you find your podcast fix.
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