It doesn’t take long to find a link between Positive Psychology and creativity, and research into the link between well being and creativity is constantly growing.
A quick look at the VIA framework reveals creativity to be one of its 24 signature strengths.
More specifically, creativity is one of the character strengths, along with curiosity, judgment, love of learning and perspective, which define the virtue of wisdom and knowledge. All of these are cognitive strengths which entail acquiring and applying knowledge.
In the VIA, creativity is seen as synonymous with originality and ingenuity and is defined as the ability to think of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and achieve goals.
Creativity can be viewed as a continuum. From practical creativity which we are all likely to experience on a daily basis, to those once-in-a lifetime mind-blowing achievements, usually reserved for those with true mastery of their chosen field.
In Authentic Happiness, Seligman describes creativity as one aspect of a broader category of strengths including ingenuity, originality, practical intelligence and street smarts. In his words:
“When you are faced with something you want, are you outstanding at finding novel yet appropriate behavior to reach that goal? You are rarely content with doing something the conventional way.” (Seligman, 2002, loc. 2375)
Conditions for Creativity
Creativity requires a certain state of mind. Barbara Fredrickson (2003) points out in her well-known broaden-and-build theory that an increase in positive emotions leads to a broader thought-action repertoire. This ultimately leads to more creative, flexible, integrative and open thinking patterns.
Research from the University of Western Ontario (Nadler et al, 2010) supports this theory. The results of the study showed that participants who listened to happy music or viewed funny clips were more likely to think innovatively and solve the problem at hand than those who were not exposed.
These findings suggest that we first need to create a positive environment conducive to creativity in order to see an increase in our flow of ideas and innovation.
Creativity and Positive Psychology
In the context of positive psychology, an interesting question is how creativity might lead us to increased well being or even flourishing. Three mechanisms play a role here are:
- The Authentic Self: those individuals who count creativity amongst their signature strengths derive a sense of authenticity, purpose and meaning from exercising this strength, and finding ways of bringing as much creativity as possible into their lives.
What shape or form this creativity takes depends on our personal “brand” of creativity, it may be artistic, cultural, inventive, scientific or basically any other kind of original activity.
If creativity is one of your character strengths, make sure you find ways to regularly exercise your creative muscles.
- Positive focus: Czikszentmihaly’s book “Creativity” is based on interviews with creative individuals from many walks of life and from varied careers. He found that creative outlets can harness otherwise destructive energy.
“ (…) entertainment keeps chaos temporarily at bay, but the attention it absorbs gets wasted. On the other hand, when we learn to enjoy using our latent creative energy so that it generates its own internal force to keep concentration focused, we not only avoid depression but also increase the complexity of our capacities to relate to the world.” (Czikszentmihalyi, 2007, loc. 5901)
Finding the time to incorporate creative activities into your life can open your mind to new discoveries, which can lead you to new places and ways to engage with the world. Creativity when harnessed be beneficial for your well being, even if creativity is not necessarily one of your signature strengths.
- Flow: When challenges closely match a person’s abilities they can enter a state of flow. Flow is the feeling of complete immersion and loss of sense of time when merging actions with awareness. This is experienced by individuals across a range of activities from artistic pursuits, to sports, music, science or invention.
Flow leads us to perceive an activity as enjoyable. In fact, according to Czikszentmihalyi (2007, loc. 1981):
“The process of discovery involved in creating something new appears to be one of the most enjoyable activities any human can be involved in.”
A Take Home Message
No matter which way you express your creative potential, there is definite benefit to your health and well being. Creativity starts with an encouraging environment and grows from opportunities where your innovative and original perspective is challenged. Find your flow, live your authentic self and welcome well being and flourishing into your life.
“Even though personal creativity may not lead to fame and fortune, it can do something that from the individuals’ point of view is even more important: make day to day experiences more vivid, more enjoyable, more rewarding. When we live creatively, boredom is banished and every moment holds the promise of a fresh discovery.” (Czikszentmihalyi, 2007, loc. 5817).
Need some inspiration?
Check out this list of TED talks that demonstrate just how many guises creativity comes in – perhaps you will discover a new outlet for yourself!
References
Czikszentmihalyi, Mihaly (2007). Creativity. Kindle Edition. London: Harper Collins ebooks
Fredrickson, B.L. (2003): The Value of Positive Emotions. In: American Scientist, Volume 91, p. 330-335.
Seligmann, M. (2002): Authentic Happiness. Kindle Edition. New York: Free Press
Nadler, R., Rabi, R. and Minda, J.P. (2010). A positive mood allows your brain to think more creatively. Retrieved (15/06/2016) from: http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/a-positive-mood-allows-your-brain-to-think-more-creatively.html
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