Creativity is Essential for Your Business Success

You may have noticed that in my personal life and in my business coaching I place a lot of importance on creativity. Not just because I think it's an essential component of living an abundant life, but also because it's an important aspect of business success. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to think so, all businesses require creativity. Every type of business is in danger without it. And yes, this includes your business and mine. Some would say that creativity is reserved for businesses involved in the arts or for those who label themselves as Creatives. But actually this couldn't be farther from the truth. Without creativity, a previously successful business can quickly become one that fails. One that withers and fades away. One that loses relevance. Creativity is not some fanciful, woo-woo, unsubstantiated process. Creativity is not some magical gift you are either born with... or not. Creativity is the ability to see things from a different perspective. Creativity is the ability to – wait for it – have new ideas. You are creative. Have no doubt! Creativity in business is not as simple as "you are" or "you aren't". Creativity in business is not one single thing. It is complex. It's multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. And it can look different in different businesses. But no matter your business focus, when you infuse your problem-solving with imagination, you are being creative. When you add imagination and open-mindedness to your logic and knowledge base, you are being creative. If you aren't able to see yourself as creative, if you aren't able to be open-minded about the possibilities and opportunities ahead of you, if you aren't able to imagine a different way of doing things in the future... you risk stagnating and ultimately, failing. If you aren't able to see yourself as creative, you risk NOT building the business you dream of. Because if you can't envision it, you can't create it. Your business needs your creativity to weather the ups and downs. Your business needs your creativity in order to thrive, not just survive, the inevitable changes in the landscape of this ever-changing world. When you are the thought leader for your tribe, you are expressing your creativity. When you are tapping into your intuition, becoming an even more effective guide for your clients, you are expressing your creativity. Your creativity is what allows you to identify new and profitable business growth opportunities, as well. The ways in which your creativity is expressed in your business is limitless, really. In reality, you are expressing your creativity in ALL aspects of your business – especially as you flourish. But wait! That sounds like a LOT of pressure if you aren't comfortable with it, right? Aha! I know how you feel. I too used to think I was anything but creative. I mean, I'm a left-brain, logical scientist for Pete's sake! How in the world could I be considered creative?! Let me help you reframe your definition of what is creative and more importantly, WHO is creative. Here are just a few of the characteristics associated with creativity:

• Curious
• Flexible
• Imaginative
• Future-oriented
• Resourceful
• Prepared to make mistakes
• Adaptable
• Sees possibilities
• Open mindedness
• Synthesizes information for others
• Sees connections
• Visually oriented
• Motivator
• Willing to take a risk
• Takes the initiative

An intriguing list, yes? And most likely not at all what you thought it would be. Can you find at least a couple of those characteristics that describe you – especially when it comes to your business? I have no doubt that you can. Which proves my point: YOU are creative. And your business is going to succeed when you allow yourself to express your creativity. In fact, expressing your creativity is indeed essential to the success of your business. So let yourself go all out and let loose! Stop telling yourself and everyone else that you aren't creative. Claim your creativity with pride. Nurture it. Develop it. And watch your business flourish!