Yes, that is a ginormous lobster on the side of a Maine restaurant. Who would have thought to make such a thing? You! Your artistry is integrating objective with accomplishment.
Creativity is whole brain thinking integrating logic, imagination, need, emotion, intuition, left brain, right brain, up brain, down brain. You are a part of this ingenious, compelling universe of creative accomplishment and you’re fit even if you can’t draw a picture or play music. Your artistry is integrating objective with accomplishment.
Steve Jobs wrote, “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.” (Steve Jobs, Inventor, Co-Founder Apple, Inc.)
Here are some examples of people and the dots they connected to be creative and ingenious.
Alfred Nobel: Invention of dynamite + wealth + wanting positive legacy + not wanting to be known as “the merchant of death” + preparation = Nobel Peace Prize
Muhammad Yunus: Knowledge of economics + activism against poverty + networking skills + compassion + loaning + giving = Institution that provides small loans to poor people (Grameen/Village Bank)
William Kamkwamba: Bicycle + blue gum trees + windmill books + the sun + water + planning + a Malawian village + poverty + need + self education = Electricity, water, and an inspiring book: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope
Jane Addams: Women’s suffrage + desire for world peace + needs of children + public health + volunteerism + work with poor + education + friendly visiting = Co-founded Hull House, from which the profession of “social work” was born
Barry Marshall: Skepticism in current treatment of ulcers + purposefully drinking H. Pylori bacterium + courage + belief + ulcers + antibiotics = Discovery of a successful cure for the H. pylori bacterial infection that causes most duodenal and gastric ulcers (once thought to be caused by spicy food, acid, stress, or lifestyle).
Jean Vanier: Developmental disabilities + humanitarianism + compassion + belief in equality + philanthropic vigor = Founded L’Arch an organization which creates communities where people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them support each other. ( NPR interview with Jean Vanier: http://being.publicradio.org/programs/wisdomoftenderness/soundseen_vid-interview.shtml)
Creative people come in all types such artists, musicians, physical scientists, babysitters, fast food window cashiers, garbage men, teachers, medical doctors, mothers, hotel maids, and business people. Go to this site and see how the necessity of the moment or the logic of events led to creative people doing creative things. For instance, glasses may have been invented in the 1200’s. In 1305. Who would have gotten up in the morning and said, “I think I will invent glasses today”? (http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors)
Remember, you too are creative. The only requirement is that you use your whole brain and connect your objective with its achievement.
Quote
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative man plays with the objects it loves.
- Carl Jung, Swiss Psychiatrist, Founder of Analytical Psychology
Activity
Activity: Making Creative Connection
Materials: Paper and pen or pencil (or notecards)
Time: Ten minutes to write and ten minutes per person to discuss the results.
Instruction:
1. Think of a time in your life when you had to solve a problem or accomplish a mission. Write the creative connection that made that happen. Follow the formula model in the lesson: _______ + _______ + _______ + _______ + _______ = ? List the qualities, logic, imagination, need, emotion, intuition, asset, help – whatever made this event happen that solved the problem. (You can use notecards to write each variable. If you do use notecards, see if you can place them in the logical order that led to the solution or completion of a mission.)
2. Think of a problem that you have not solved, but would like to solve or a mission you would like to accomplish but have not yet been able to accomplish. Write the creative connection that can make that solution or mission happen. Follow the formula model in the lesson: _______ + _______ + _______ + _______ + _______ = ? List the qualities, logic, imagination, need, emotion, intuition, asset, help – whatever will make this solution or mission happen. (You can use notecards to write each variable. If you do use notecards, see if you can place them in the logical order that will lead to the solution or completion of a mission.)
3. Discuss your results in your group or with a friend or family member.
4. Take the steps to solve this problem or accomplish this mission. Follow the creative connection formula you have designed and be successful. This is your artistry, creativity, and ingenuity that will lead to mission accomplished.
Affirmation
I am creative and ingenious so I can .......We'd like to hear your story about being creative accomplishing your mission. Write your story below.
- « Previous lesson: Speaking in, up, and out: I have a voice
- » Next lesson: Interdependent: I rely on a good support system