Too many of us buy into the idea that unless we paint, play a musical instrument, write poetry or compose music, we are not creative. I like the definition of ‘creative’ in the Cambridge dictionary. It suggests that creative souls ‘ produce or use original or unusual ideas’ to carry on. We are creative when we make do in a pinch of time and/or resources, when we manage without electric or water in the aftermath of an ice storm or when we successfully balance busy lives to make time for family and friends.

Recently I saw a suggestion that might help us counteract in 2019 those ingrained beliefs that we are not so creative. BE OPTIMISTIC! Why, you ask?

*Optimists tend to give folks the benefit of the doubt when actions and intentions collide. Good intentions can go awry if we act with impatience or shortsightedness. *Optimists get those good intentions back on track.
*Optimists consider failure a temporary state of affairs. Since we are humans, failure is inevitable sometimes, but we can learn from it, regroup and make progress on the way to success.
*Optimists don’t turn tail and run when criticized. We can’t get better or correct errors if we receive ONLY pats on the back and ‘attaboys’ for our endeavors. Of course we all love great feedback, but it is constructive critiquing that leads us to better outcomes.
*Optimists believe everything can be better. That leaves a door open for creative muses to slip improvements or modifications right into our thinking caps. We don’t have to fix something that isn’t broken, but its good to know there are available alternatives if a kink shows up in the works.

Let creativity get comfortable in your brain in 2020. Think optimistically!