16 easy ways to unleash your creativity (Infographic)
Editor’s note: This article was reviewed and updated in July 2026 to meet Expert Editor’s latest editorial standards.
Only 25% of people believe they’re living up to their creative potential.
You may think there isn’t a lot you can do about this. You’re either born with creativity or not, right?
We’ve all heard people say, “I’m not really the creative type”. Perhaps you’ve even uttered that phrase once or twice yourself.
Yet science shows that not being creative isn’t an innate trait in anyone. According to research compiled by psychology professor Barbara Kerr, only about 22% of the variance in creativity is attributable to genetic influence, largely traceable to creativity’s overlap with IQ rather than a distinct “creativity gene.”
In other words, creativity is trainable.
Creativity can be nurtured in anyone through practice and persistence. Even if you think you’re not naturally the “creative type”, there are still many simple things you can do to further develop this skill set.
The Expert Editor has created the following infographic that explores the fascinating topic of creativity. Here we show:
- The careers where creativity is most important
- Some outstanding creative people today
- Common types of creative block
- 16 everyday habits you can use to unleash your own creativity.
These science-backed habits are small things you can do each day to boost your creativity — by adopting them you can ignite your imagination and encourage your mind to think in fresh directions.
Check out our infographic below for a deep dive into creativity.
What is creativity?
We speak about it all the time with young kids. We encourage them to paint, draw, write, sing, dance and to unleash their creative sides every single day. As we get older this focus on being creative tends to dissipate. Yet creativity is so important throughout our entire lives.
So, what exactly is it?
Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. It’s about seeing the world in entirely new ways and finding hidden patterns and connections that no one may have seen before. There are two aspects to our creativity: thinking and then producing.
Creativity is what drives us to not just create, but to innovate and come up with entirely new ways of thinking and doing.
How boring would life be if we all thought the same! Creativity is about breaking free from the mould and seeing the world in a whole new light.
Anyone can be creative. Creative thinkers come in a variety of forms, but they all share one common trait: curiosity. It’s curiosity that encourages us to explore deeper and further in order to unlock our creative side.
Creativity isn’t something we should forget as we get older. It’s something we should embrace as kids and develop continuously throughout our lives. It can help us in so many different aspects of life and help us lead a healthier and more fulfilled life in the process. So, what exactly are the benefits that come from being creative?
Why is creativity important?
Now that we have a good understanding of what creativity is, let’s look at exactly why it matters. Here are 8 reasons you need a little more creativity in your life.
1. To motivate you
No matter what you do from day to day, doing something creative is a great way to lift your spirits and shake off your frustrations. Whether you’re home with the kids, at work, or a mixture of both, having a creative outlet can make a real difference to your mindset.
By turning the focus onto something engaging and fun — baking, drawing, painting, a puzzle — you fire up your mind and get it moving again. This helps you leave behind those frustrations and negative thoughts after a long day, and can give you a fresh outlook on a problem you’ve been wrestling with.
2. Improve mental health
Our minds run at a remarkable pace — we can cycle through tens of thousands of thoughts a day. It’s no wonder we feel stressed and overwhelmed. Focusing on a creative act can help settle your mind and has a calming effect on your overall well-being.
Note: If you’re experiencing significant mental health challenges, speaking with a qualified mental health professional is the best first step.
3. Connect with others
Creativity gives us a natural reason to connect. When we create, it’s an opportunity to join the community around us — whether that’s an online group with a shared interest or an in-person gathering you attend each week. Exchanging ideas, giving feedback, and talking about your interests can be deeply rewarding.
4. Increase your confidence
The more time you give yourself to explore creativity, the more confidence you build. Success looks different depending on the activity you choose — it’s about having a go and keeping at it, not about the results. The confidence you build tends to overflow into other areas of your life too.
5. Form new ideas
Coming up with new ideas is much easier when you make space for creativity. Whether you’re stuck on a project at work or caught in a personal rut, a creative habit can shift your perspective. The books on your shelf, the shows you watch, the tools you cook with — all of them exist because someone made something new. Creativity is what makes that possible.
6. Express yourself
We all need a creative outlet simply to let us be ourselves. Whether you choose painting, sculpting, drawing, cooking, or exercise, the options are endless. A creative practice also gives you space to understand your own thoughts and feelings more clearly.
7. Makes you smarter
Creativity is genuinely good for your brain. According to research on creativity and health, engaging in creative activities draws on multiple cognitive networks, sharpening mental flexibility and improving overall cognitive function. Finding a creative outlet is one of the more enjoyable ways to keep your mind sharp.
8. Helps you live longer
Creative habits may be good for your longevity, too. A study highlighted by Scientific American found that people with a creative personality showed a reduced risk of early mortality — with researchers suggesting that creative engagement helps maintain healthy neural networks over time. While the research focused specifically on creative disposition in older adults rather than any single activity, the finding adds to a growing body of evidence that an active, curious mind supports long-term health.
Finding a creative career
Bringing creativity into your everyday working life is one of the most rewarding things you can do. There are so many creative careers to choose from — artists, designers, actors, writers — and even a small shift toward more creative work can make a meaningful difference.
Of course, a career change isn’t always possible. It can help to bring a little creativity into your existing workplace. Here’s how!
- Change up team meetings: do you always meet in an office with a whiteboard and throw around ideas? Get creative! Go for team walks, to a team lunch, or take a day off for team building. Mixing things up can inspire fresh thinking across the whole team.
- Change up yourself: if you can’t jump into a creative career, why not express yourself creatively through what you wear and how you style yourself. A new look — new clothes, a different haircut, fresh accessories — is a genuine form of self-expression.
- Talk, talk, talk: share ideas with others in the office, ask them for ideas, and get the conversation started. Bouncing off each other sparks new ways of thinking and brings out the creative side in everyone.
There’s always room for a little more creativity in our lives — it’s about finding it and holding onto it. Be inspired by the creative thinkers around you, as well as those we spotlight in our infographic above.
From Alicia Keys to Tim Burton, Stephen King and Daymond John, the achievements of these creative minds show that a commitment to creativity pays off in remarkable ways.
Creativity matters — and the good news is that it’s well within your reach. Now it’s time to start.