Creativity: What if?

Embracing Creativity: A Journey Through Challenges and Growth

Ingrid Fetell Lee (in her book “Joyful) beautifully captures the essence of creativity when she states that “‘what if’ thoughts are the start of the creative process: a poem, a novel, a work of art, a piece of music, a scientific theory” (153). This simple yet profound insight encapsulates the boundless potential of creative inquiry, a concept that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey.

My introduction to human-centered design came through David and Tom Kelley's Creative Confidence, assigned during a graduate course. I was immediately captivated and, admittedly, a bit frustrated that I hadn’t discovered it sooner. The book introduced me to a wealth of new concepts, tools, and resources, igniting a passion that transformed how I approached my work. It was as if a switch had been flipped, aligning my interests with a newfound direction. I was hooked, diving in with the same intensity as an Enneagram 5 absorbed in a new subject.

Reading Creative Confidence was a pivotal moment for me. It reshaped my understanding of my career and provided a new vocabulary to articulate my evolving role as a designer within the social work field. At the time, I was a professor creating and teaching a course on Social Innovation and Design, which later evolved into a university minor. Although these initiatives may not have persisted after my departure, the seeds of innovation and design thinking have since flourished in many larger institutions. The growing emphasis on creativity in the job market underscores the importance of skills like curiosity, creativity, and strategy. It’s a trend that I’m grateful to have embraced early on, as it directly influenced my career trajectory and the opportunities I’ve had since.

Creativity is not just a professional asset; it’s a vital component of my well-being. In my work as a social designer, I engage with complex social issues and design various systems and processes. When I’m overwhelmed or impacted by secondary trauma, creativity is often one of the first things to diminish. This absence is a critical warning sign that something is amiss, often before I’ve consciously recognized it.

On a personal level, when life becomes overwhelming, I tend to shut down and isolate myself. I highly recommend Trauma Stewardship by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky for understanding these responses. Lipsky identifies 16 warning signs of trauma exposure, many of which resonate deeply with me. According to her, creativity is linked to our ability to have original thoughts, adapt to change, and embrace the inherent chaos of life. A decline in creativity can signal resistance to change, stagnation, and a lack of flexibility—hallmarks of emotional and mental strain.

For me, diminished creativity can last weeks or even months. It’s a sign that I’m in self-preservation mode, retreating like a turtle into its shell. In these moments, I struggle to access vulnerability and intuition, my knowing, as described by Glennon Doyle. Brene Brown wisely notes, “We cannot selectively numb emotions; when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.” During periods of emotional and mental strain, I often withdraw, detaching from my emotions and, consequently, from my creativity. Creativity thrives on open-mindedness, play, and imagination—all of which are difficult to access when I’m in self-preservation mode.

Understanding how creativity manifests in your life, and recognizing when it falters, can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and growth. How does creativity show up for you? When does it flourish, and when does it wilt? For me, the absence of creativity is a critical signal that I need to address underlying issues and seek support.

In this journey, I continue to explore and embrace creativity, acknowledging both its challenges and its transformative power. I’ll be sharing more on these topics regularly, as they remain central to my path and passion. For those interested in delving deeper, I’ll provide links to relevant resources below.