What Do Creative People Have in Common?

Chapter 1 excerpt from The Power of Thinking Differently by Javy W. Galindo

(updated 1/18/09 from draft IIII)

—-

It is true, many individuals and groups have the benefit of special circumstances and exemplary gifts. But some sort of inborn special–ness is not the common factor for being creative. The power to think differently is not a product of a common IQ or environment. Nor is it a product of a common diet or exercise program. Creative people do not all eat special brain foods, drink ginkgo biloba enhanced smoothies, live on the street, or perform exotic one-thumbed push-ups.

According to Harvard psychiatry professor Albert Rothenberg, the only consistent characteristic for creativity is the motivation to be creative.1

The one common bond between all who think differently is their willingness to do so.

This is not all we need, but it is the one common element to being creative. We cannot think differently unless we have a great enough desire to do so.

The creative process that I will describe in this book can be a difficult one. As with any endeavor there will undoubtedly be obstacles along with rewards. But without the desire to participate in it, the process cannot be completed. Without the desire to free India from British rule, Gandhi would not have made political change though non-violent protest. New works of art would not be created without the artist’s desire to create them. Without the willingness to pursue a new career, some may find themselves stuck unsatisfied with their old one.