If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “I can’t draw a stick figure!” or “I don’t have a creative bone in my body!” I would certainly have a sizable savings account! I heard it again just the other day. As soon as someone finds out you’re an artist, they immediately tell you they are not. I usually respond with, “You could learn to be if you had a few basic guidelines!” And usually, I get more denials and eye-rolls.
I’m not a cartoonist. I’m not a restaurateur. I’m not a city planner. But I am quite sure I could learn to be any of those with the right attitude and training. I might, however, draw the line at becoming a physicist, an accountant, or an economist. Math is certainly not my forte and, even though I could probably learn to be passable, I don’t think you would want me on your team! It’s hard to be stellar at something you truly don’t enjoy.
Why So Many People Believe They Aren’t Creative
When I hear someone emphatically declare they are not creative, I cringe. Our creativity is a given if we believe we are a direct reflection of God—the greatest Creator of all. What I wish I could impart to everyone is that they exhibit creativity in countless ways: how they get dressed in the morning, how they plan their day, how they solve problems, prepare a meal, plant a garden, or pull off a birthday party.
But as soon as someone mentions creativity, the knee-jerk reaction is to push back, often because they feel inadequate. Society has conditioned many to believe that creativity isn’t “productive” enough—that you must be practical and measurable to be valuable.
Yet the truth is this: you don’t need to be an artist to unlock your creativity. Creativity is already present in your daily life. It simply needs room to breathe.
I will never be a Vermeer—trust me. It’s not my goal. I could probably pull off a reasonable copy of a great master if I tried hard enough, but I’d rather do something that represents me, my training, and my interests. I’m not in competition with other artists. If I compared my art to those I admire, I could certainly find myself lacking. Instead, I paint, draw, and create what I enjoy. And if I want to improve, I practice and seek more training. I enjoy learning and growing.
Creativity Is a Muscle—And You Can Strengthen It
Pablo Picasso famously said:
“The chief enemy of creativity is good sense.”
What Bob Doll says about creativity in his book Shut Up & Draw reflects exactly what I believe.
“Creativity in general and drawing specifically is a skill that can be learned with practice like any other progressive skill… the more you use it for creative purposes the easier it becomes.”
This is the essence of creativity. It isn’t a magical gift bestowed on a chosen few—it is a skill strengthened by practice. If you want to unlock your creativity, you don’t need more talent. You need more curiosity. More openness. More play.
Creativity isn’t something you’re born with or without—it’s something you grow into.
What’s Really Holding Most People Back
Mozart was a prodigy. Michelangelo was a master. And yes, some people are predisposed to excel at certain creative pursuits. But recognizing that others are talented should not disqualify us from exploring our own creative abilities.
Perhaps when people say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body!” what they really mean is:
- I don’t want to fail.
- I don’t want to look foolish.
- I don’t want to put in the work it takes to get good.
- I don’t want to compare myself to the masters and feel small.
Saying “I’m not creative” becomes an easy out. It lets them avoid the discomfort of learning something new.
Fear—not lack of creativity—is the real barrier.
When we let go of comparison, fear of judgment, and unrealistic expectations, we begin to unlock our creativity in gentle, powerful ways.
Creativity doesn’t demand perfection.
It simply asks you to show up.
Your Creativity Is Waiting — Are You Ready to Unlock It?
You were designed to create. Not to compete. Not to compare. But to express, explore, and enjoy the process. Creativity isn’t reserved for “real artists.” It’s part of being human. And when you learn how to unlock your creativity, you’ll find it flowing into every area of your life—your problem-solving, your relationships, your confidence, and your joy.
If you’re ready to rekindle that creative spark within you, I created something to help you get started.
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