Be Creative! Why this order doesn't work

"'Being creative' is not something beyond us, nor do we have to become it. "Creative" is an idea that compartmentalizes and limits our experience. When we start thinking about being creative, we break from the present. Our bodies are in one place (present) and our minds are in another (future). Another way to look at creativity is to say that it's not about being creative, but simply about being. "Being creative" implies being other than who you are, when actually creativity is being more of who you are." Ruth Zaporah

Have you ever had someone tell you to do it again, but better?

In theatre school that was the infamous directors note we all laughed at. "Could you do that again, but better?"

It happens all the time in business & education.

"Be creative."

"Play more."

"Be better."

Just to prove a point. This is what "being creative" looks like via google images:

THAT IS NOT WHAT I WANT AND IS NOT A USEFUL FOCUS.

Rather, how do we create a culture in which words like "creativity," "play," "social change," and "innovation" become a reality without effort-ing them into being.

The question we could be asking is:

HOW DO WE MAKE PEOPLE FEEL GOOD?

Hint: People feel good when they are appreciated, acknowledged and accepted.

AND THEN...

people that feel good create because they are allowed to be MORE of themselves which means they are more "interesting" and "original" without trying to be "interesting" and "original."

Create a safe & supportive environment and creativity will follow.