“Sustaining creativity comes down to your ability to stay focused on the challenge rather than on your identity”.
This statement comes from a very interesting article from Mit Sloan Review, written by Dirk Deichmann and Markus Baer, and encapsulates a perspective on the nature of creativity and its sustainability. At its core, creativity is a dynamic process that involves navigating various challenges, from generating novel ideas to overcoming obstacles in their execution. Focusing on these challenges, rather than on one's identity as a creative individual, can offer several advantages in nurturing and maintaining a consistent level of creative output.
In a recent study exploring creativity, researchers uncovered interesting parallels between the experiences of first-time cookbook authors and those of other creative professionals getting along with the challenge of replicating initial successes. This study revealed a fascinating dynamic: while half of the novice cookbook writers went on to publish a second book within the subsequent five years, an equal proportion discontinued their writing endeavors, reflecting a trend observed across diverse creative domains.
What makes this observation even more compelling is the discovery that individuals whose debut cookbooks boasted originality and garnered prestigious awards were paradoxically less inclined to embark on follow-up projects. This phenomenon, akin to the "Harper Lee effect," underscores the psychological issue of sustaining a creative identity. The reluctance to pursue subsequent tries may comes from a deep-seated fear of jeopardizing the perceived integrity and prestige associated with their initial triumphs.
To delve further into this phenomenon, researchers conducted rigorous experiments. Their findings illuminated a trend: participants who received acclamation for their innovative ideas and were primed for potential recognition were more prone to experiencing a heightened sense of threat to their creative identity. Consequently, this perception of risk diminished their eagerness to embark on fresh creative ventures.
These insights offers valuable lessons applicable to a spectrum of creative pursuits. They underscore the significance of prioritizing the creative process over fixating on outcomes, advocating for the adoption of systematic approaches, collaborative behaviours and the cultivation of nurturing environments can help creativity. By embracing these principles, individuals can mitigate their fear of failure and foster intrinsic motivation.
Ultimately, the essence of success in creative endeavors lies in the passion for the creative process itself! As culinary luminary Julia Child once remarked, "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it" — a timeless mantra encapsulating the essence of sustained creative exploration.
Mentioned article: Mix Creativity With the Right Mindset to Serve Up Innovation, Dirk Deichmann and Markus Baer, Mit Sloan Review
