Creativity is an essential component to success in many spheres of life. It is often necessary to take risks, and to step outside of your comfort zone to create something new. It can also be helpful to have some innate characteristics that set you apart from other people. While these characteristics can be a positive attribute, they can also be a hindrance if not properly managed. Some of these characteristics include:
1. Having a high energy level
Creatives are energetic individuals who are able to work according to a strict schedule and stay focused on the task at hand. They might do this by establishing specific routines, creating multiple projects at once or simply by choosing to focus on activities that require their full attention. However, if they don’t keep their energy levels up they might become bored and restless, leading to a propensity for willful procrastination.
2. Having a sense of curiosity
In order to be creative, it is important to have a keen eye for detail. This enables creatives to spot small things that others might miss. They might use this information to improve on existing ideas or to come up with completely different concepts. In addition, a sense of curiosity helps creatives to explore different possibilities and to find solutions that are original.
3. Being able to accept criticism
Being a creative person is not without its challenges. Creatives are more likely to suffer from negative social pressure that can lead to them feeling discouraged. This is why it is important to be able to deal with constructive criticism and learn from criticism. This is an especially crucial trait to possess when working in a team environment.
4. Being able to see a project through from start to finish
Creative people are often very invested in their work, and this can sometimes be misinterpreted as neglecting other responsibilities. For example, a musician might spend long hours practicing their instrument, or a designer might sit in front of their computer for hours on end working on a particular project. While this can be a positive trait, it is vital to know when to switch between projects and to give yourself some time away from the work you are doing.
5. Having an active imagination
The ability to process people and things as they are, but to also think of them as they could be, is a characteristic that is commonly found in creatives. This enables them to bring unique perspectives and solutions to the workplace.
Having an active imagination can be a positive attribute, but it can also be harmful when uncontrolled. If a creative is unable to stop their thoughts from jumping between completely unrelated topics, they can quickly become bored and disengaged. This can be a problem for teams, so it is important to encourage creativity in the workplace but also to help creatives to better manage their distracting thoughts. This can be done by encouraging them to break down large ideas into smaller parts and by helping them to communicate their thought processes to their colleagues.