Creativity

I’m in the middle of a terrific book by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called Creativity. His most recognized book is Flow, and I guess you could say this is the sequel to Flow. While Flow centered around how to get the optimal experience out of everyday life, Creativity focuses on the people who have actually achieved a life of Flow. He interviewed close to a hundred in various fields of study and compiled a “profile” for the creative person. The people he interviewed were not just people usually associated with being in a creative field (e.g. artist, musician, etc.) but people who have used their creativity to break new ground in their field of choice.

One of the most interesting discoveries in this book is how the people don’t share too many similarities in their lives except for the fact they are completelly engrossed in their work, they are curious people, and they love being challenged mentally. I think this is so important to note. All of the creative individuals in this book would be considered successful not only by other people, but by themselves. I think a lot of times people define success and happiness by the ability to have time to relax and let their brain’s rest. These people are the exact opposite. They feel successful and happy because they love using their brains and they are hungry to learn and continually be challenged. That way of thinking is so different from the way we are taught in the United States that it almost seems strange to write down, but it is so true. I know how I feel when I’m laying on the couch mindlessly watching television as opposed to the times I’m using my brain. I’m invigorated when I can be curious, challenged, and in thought. I believe Creativity, and Flow, are must reads for anyone who wants to really shatter the myth that suggests success and happiness are measured by leisure time and relaxation. Put your mind to work and maybe you will feel differently…