Kautsar Ikrami's Key Ideas from Creative Confidence
by Tom Kelley, David Kelley

The notion that some people have creativity embedded in their DNA and some people don’t is a myth.

We all have tons of creative potential waiting to be tapped.

Even though creativity gets blocked in us, it can be unlocked.

All it takes to regain your creative sparks is for you to change your mindset — to lose all the erroneous notions.

Creative confidence is about believing in your innate ability to change your world.

People who come to believe that they can cause change are more likely to accomplish what they set out to do.

This personal conviction is called self–efficacy.

Individuals with self–efficacy set higher goals, try harder, persevere longer, and show more resilience in the face of failure.

To keep your creative juice flowing, you must think like a traveler.

Have you heard that travel broadens the mind?

While this sounds cliché, beneath it lies a fundamental truth: things stand out because they’re different.

When we are in a new environment, we tend to notice every detail, from street signs to mailboxes. On a trip, we observe the environment around us with intense curiosity. We are constantly trying to figure out a world that is different and new.

To keep inspired, you must engage a beginner’s mind.

When we were kids, we asked lots of questions and looked at the world wide–eyed, soaking it all in. Everywhere we turned, we think, “Isn’t that interesting?”

As we become older, however, we adopt an “I already know about that” attitude, inadvertently stifling our innate creativity.

Approach the world around you with the curiosity of a traveler and that of a child, applying a beginner’s mind to the things you do or see every day: commuting to work, having your lunch, or preparing for a meeting.

Be on the lookout for new insights about familiar things; think of it all as a treasure hunt.

Stop planning and start doing.

Great creative works are always preceded by action.

When you apply the beginner’s mindset, you will begin to notice more opportunities for action around you. However, seeing is not enough.

You still have to act!

All the planning and talking without action are actually signs that you are afraid. You want everything to be perfect before you start creating.

The truth is, the right time might not come anytime soon. So, to get things done as a creative, you need to dive right in and commit to rapid and endless improvements.

Having a strong support network will ensure you have a regular flow of ideas.

Our modern society often portrays creative individuals as lone, rugged geniuses.

The truth, is that creative people treat creativity as a team sport; most of their best ideas stem from collaborating with other people.

Surround yourself with like–minded people who can help reinforce or challenge your points of view.

If what you do for a living isn’t what you’re passionate about, think again!

People have one of three distinct attitudes toward the work they do: they see it as either a job, a career, or a calling.

For those who pursue a calling, their work is intrinsically rewarding in its own right. So, what they do professionally fulfills them personally as well.

If you don’t know what you’re born to do or what you’re really good at, a good way to find out is by pursuing interests or hobbies: side projects.

While side projects can be rewarding, they may also lead to something that engages your creative energy at work.

Search for ways your weekend projects might overlap with your working life!

To identify new areas of interest and ability, experiment with lots of different activities.

It is essential that you get a taste of a different field or position before you make a drastic change and commit.

Talk to your boss about exploring new responsibilities. In these short–term roles, take note of the moments that you feel energized or at your best.

Please note that this is all about trying things out. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t love the first thing you try.