The key to creativity is not what you would expect
As I was researching ways to inspire others to join in on the “fun” of fundraising in support of our upcoming NF Hero Challenge campaign, it struck me that the thing lots of us find challenging is being creative. It got me thinking about how we could help alleviate some of this self-doubt and give people the tools to get those creative juices flowing.
Whether you believe it or not, there’s no such thing as an original thought but rather an original perspective on a thought. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the ability to make associations between seemingly unrelated topics is one of the keys to creativity. And as I was reading an article by the ultra-talented team at Canva, I realised what an advantage our NF community have over so many others.
Aside from some of the more obvious tools to help boost creativity like opening yourself up to new experiences, using your surroundings to inspire you or taking a walk to relax the brain, it was the idea that some of the most creative individuals are those who have been, in some way or another, rejected by society.
According to Sharon H. Kim, a professor who focuses on group creativity;
Not caring about societal norms and “fitting in” is the first step to standing out and tapping into this route to creativity."
Sharon H. Kim
It was an interesting take on how to tap into our creative selves, but also quite poignant considering many in the NF community often experience bullying, self-doubt or simply struggle to feel “normal”.
So, how do we use this information to help turn a negative into a positive?
By playing by our own rules and using what we find challenging as the catalyst for the change we want to see. The NF Hero Challenge is all about showing 2020 who’s boss. What does that mean to you?
Perhaps you have experienced balance problems all your life, but now feel ready to tackle a high ropes course? The challenge can be as big or small as you like. What seems like a small task for some might feel like a huge challenge to you.
Whatever the experience, we want you to Use it. Own it. Embrace it. We want you to show the world what it truly means to be a NF Hero.
Written by Renee Anschau, Head of Marketing and Fundraising
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