Creative people often have an extraordinary amount of physical energy. This is often manifested in a great deal of activity at the outset of a project and a sense of urgency to see it through. Yet at other times, they can seem quite quiet and at rest. This is because a creative person can be extraverted or introverted at different times, depending on the circumstances and their current focus. For example, a musician who is in flow while performing may come across as extroverted, but when they are not playing they can seem very introverted.
Creatives tend to be open and sensitive to new experiences, emotions, and sensations. This can be a source of great inspiration, but it can also cause creatives to feel overwhelmed by the amount of new input that is being poured into their conscious mind. This is why many creatives practice meditation. It is a way of tuning into the body and mind to get back in control and allow only the necessary input to enter consciousness.
Creativity requires intense concentration, so it is no surprise that the brain and body need to take a break from time to time. While some creatives can thrive on working nonstop, for most people this is a recipe for burnout. This can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, a loss of interest in one’s work, and cynicism. It is no wonder that many creatives are drawn to therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The best creatives are able to find a balance between playfulness and discipline, or responsibility and irresponsibility. Creative people have a lighthearted, almost naive approach to their work, which is complemented by doggedness and perseverance. Creatives will often work late into the night on a project, and they are able to push through even when others might give up. They can be self-critical, but they know that sabotaging their own creativity will only make it harder for them to produce new ideas in the future.
Despite their playful, often carefree attitude to their work, creative people are well aware that they stand, in the words of Isaac Newton, “on the shoulders of giants.” They have great respect for the field in which they work, and they understand that it is their own unique perspective that has allowed them to contribute something meaningful.
A great many creatives have experienced hardship and tragedy in their lives, but they are able to use these experiences as sources of creative growth. They are able to connect with other people who have had similar struggles and to find strength in their shared experience. This is why they are able to empathize with the suffering of others and are willing to work tirelessly on projects that they believe in. Creatives can be stubborn, but they are also able to change their minds, and they are often flexible in how they approach a task, seeing it through different lenses.