How to Find Your Hidden Creative Genius: The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting

How to Find Your Hidden Creative Genius: The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting

Creativity is often seen as a mysterious and elusive quality that only a select few possess. We marvel at the works of Picasso and other artistic geniuses, wondering how they were able to create such masterpieces. But the truth is, creativity is not some innate talent that only a lucky few are born with. It is a skill that can be developed and honed over time.

In his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Israeli psychologist Daniel Kahneman shares a story about professional chess players who are able to make quick decisions in a matter of seconds. These players have trained their minds through years of practice, allowing them to see the best move almost instantly. This concept of "system 1" thinking, which comes from extensive practice, can be applied to any creative endeavor.

Picasso once said, "It took me thirty years to draw that masterpiece in thirty seconds." This quote speaks to the idea that true creative genius is not born overnight. It takes years of dedication and hard work to reach that level of mastery. In fact, research has shown that most groundbreaking work peaks during the late thirties, at least a decade into a person's career.

John Hayes, a cognitive psychology professor, conducted a study on 500 famous musical pieces and found that nearly all of them were created after year 10 of the composer's career. Similar patterns were found with poets and painters. This phenomenon has been dubbed the "ten years of silence," indicating that it takes time and perseverance to reach a level of creative brilliance.

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in the creative process is the fear of creating something subpar. Many aspiring artists and writers get stuck in a cycle of perfectionism, believing that their work must be flawless from the start. But the truth is, even the most talented individuals produce "shitty first drafts," as famously stated by writer Anne Lamott.

Chuck Close, a renowned artist, said, "Amateurs create when they feel inspired. Professionals create on a schedule." This speaks to the importance of showing up and doing the work consistently, regardless of whether inspiration strikes. It is through this volume of work that our creative abilities improve and align with our ambitions.

Taking action and finishing something, anything, is crucial in the creative process. Too often, we get caught up in researching, planning, and preparing to do the work, without actually producing anything tangible. But the first step in finding your creative genius is to prove to yourself that you have what it takes to create something. It doesn't matter if it's not perfect; the important thing is to take that leap and put your work out into the world.