Unlocking Creativity: How Trying New Things Helps You Grow (Even If You’re “Not Artistic”)

Creativity Lives in All of Us

This holiday break, I rediscovered something I didn’t expect: I am more creative than I ever believed I was.

I’ve always identified as a creative, left-handed, right-brained, out-of-the-box thinker. But I never considered myself artistic. That title seemed reserved for people with steady hands, perfect lines, and natural talent.

Then this break happened.

Giving Myself Permission to Try

On my dining room table:

• A gingerbread village

• Two painted snow people & two trees

• A 500-piece LEGO candle and wreath (my first LEGO ever!)

• LEGO ornaments

• A painted squishy toy

• A wooden nativity scene

  
  

None of them is perfect. Some colors are questionable; there is definitely paint outside the lines. A few LEGO pieces may or may not be in the right spots. But as I worked, I found myself in a peaceful, focused zone. Not a zone of performance… but a zone of play.

And that’s where creativity showed up.

Imperfection is Part of the Process

The magic wasn’t in making something flawless. The magic was in making something at all.

When we let go of perfection, we make space for curiosity. When we stop judging our results, we make room for joy. When we try, even imperfectly, we unlock new ideas.

This experience reminded me that creativity doesn’t require talent. It requires permission.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. You just have to start.

Try the thing. Be a beginner. Let it be messy. Let it be yours.

Creativity isn’t about talent, it’s about exploration. And it belongs to all of us.