Creative people are able to decipher the world around them and imagine how it could be differently. This kind of imaginative thinking is often paired with a sense of playfulness and the ability to see the light in things that might be quite dark. These traits allow creatives to work late into the night and persist with their ideas long after others have given up.
Creatives may also be able to find inspiration in the most mundane of places, noticing patterns and connections that other people might miss. They can be a bit impulsive when it comes to their thoughts, but they also tend to be open-minded and are willing to leave their comfort zone to try new things and explore what’s possible.
While we might idolize creatives for their ability to work long hours and immerse themselves in their craft, they know that their brain and body need time to rest in order to be able to produce the most original work. For this reason, many creatives practice meditation. This mental exercise allows them to clear their minds and hone in on the areas of their work that need improvement without getting distracted by the world around them. Some famous creatives who are avid meditators include Sting, David Lynch and Hugh Jackman.
It’s also not uncommon for creative types to enjoy their work more than their personal lives. They might become very knowledgeable about religious politics or niche subjects, and they use the deepest thoughts in their innermost being to create at their peak. While they may be able to separate their work from themselves, they are not afraid to be critical of it either. This is the only way that they can find the areas of their work that need improvement and make it better.
When they are able to put their egos aside and accept constructive criticism, it can be easier for creatives to learn from their mistakes. This can be challenging for those with a more stubborn nature, but creatives understand that they can only improve by embracing the failures in their process.
Creatives have a tendency to be sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, which is why they often feel empathy for those in need. This can be a burden, but it is also what drives them to be successful. They want to help others and are willing to go out on a limb to do so.
Despite their playful and carefree demeanor, most creatives have a sense of doggedness and persistence. They are able to balance creativity and discipline by working late into the night and sticking with their project when other less driven individuals would give up. For example, the Renaissance painter Paolo Uccello once spent an entire night arguing with himself about the laws of visual perspective. He continued to do so even after his wife called him back into bed. This kind of perseverance is what has allowed creatives to achieve their greatest accomplishments.