Many of us start out life brimming with creativity. Think about how a two-year-old plays with blocks—they’ll build anything they can imagine. Yet as we grow older, doubt creeps in. School and society can reinforce limits, telling us what can’t be done or that certain things must be done in very specific ways. In this post, based on Gary Shuster’s insights from Innovation Cafe, we’ll explore how to rebuild that childlike confidence in your ability to create.
1. Remember Your Natural Creative Spark
- Born Creative
All children have a natural inclination to create—whether it’s with toys, drawings, or made-up stories. That spark never truly goes away; it just gets buried under skepticism and rules as we age. - Self-Doubt vs. Curiosity
Adults often hesitate to try new things, fearing failure or ridicule. Children, by contrast, approach the world with a sense of wonder and possibility.
2. Shift Your Mindset
- Drop “Can’t” from Your Vocabulary
Telling yourself something is impossible or “I just can’t do it” stops your creativity cold. Swap that language for “I will find a way.” - Long-Term Perspective
Realize that solutions may not come immediately. Let your subconscious work on problems over time—it’s often more powerful than you think.
3. Feed Your Creativity
- Look for Inspiration
If you’re stuck, seek out works of art, books, music, or even technology that excite you. Visit museums or explore online galleries to spark new ideas. - Contrast Good and Bad
Reading or experiencing both excellent and terrible examples in your creative field. This contrast can motivate you to refine your own approach and avoid common pitfalls.
4. Embrace Neurodiversity
- A Source of Strength
Many inventors and artists have minds that work in unique ways. Recognize that conditions like ADHD or dyslexia can sharpen your creativity by leading you to think differently. - Innovation from Differences
Often, breakthroughs happen because someone sees a problem from an unconventional angle. Lean into what makes your perspective distinct.
5. Acknowledge Your Human Potential
- Everyday Inventions
From servers that host online videos to the lights in your home—humans just like you conceived and built them. You don’t have to be a “master” innovator; you just have to get started. - Better the World
Creativity stems from a basic human desire to improve our surroundings for ourselves and those we care about. Tapping into that motivation can fuel big, transformative ideas.
6. Next Steps for Building Confidence
- Set Personal Challenges: Whether it’s writing a short story, experimenting with a new recipe, or tackling a technical project, pick small tasks that stretch your abilities.
- Collaborate or Share: Show your ideas to friends or online communities. Positive feedback (or constructive critique) helps maintain momentum.
- Document Your Progress: Keep a journal or sketchbook of ideas, even the ones that seem wild. Over time, you’ll see how your confidence and skills evolve.
Want More Details?
Watch the accompanying Innovation Cafe video to hear Gary Shuster’s personal take on why we should all be confident in our own creative spark.