The creative act, in any shape or form, is similar to peeling an onion until you reach the core of who you are and what you have to say. The creative process doesn’t tolerate arrogance or vanity; it’s fundamentally about openness, freedom, and your authentic self manifesting onto a canvas, book, song, dish, garden, company, or anything else you create. Since this process encourages you to shed anything that isn’t truly you and connect with your deeper core, it becomes a journey of self-discovery and transformation. And, the self-discovery aspect isn’t always about uncovering beautiful truths; it often reveals darker sides of yourself.
At 17, I wanted to make a bold statement in my style, so I bought a neon yellow maxi skirt and wore it every day until it was completely worn out.
The day before moving into a new apartment, I realized I wanted a lemon yellow wall to greet me as I entered my home.
The first purchase I made after the COVID lockdown was a yellow fluffy bag that I almost treat like a pet.
The first time I ever signed one of my artworks, I did so in yellow.
There’s a long list of occasions where I chose the color yellow to celebrate important milestones or make a statement. Yet, if you asked me what my favorite color was, yellow would probably be the last color I’d even think to mention.
One thing I’ve always valued in people—and take great pride in—is my level of self-accountability. This little yellow example made me rethink my awareness of my own opinions, thoughts, decisions, and biases, highlighting how our thinking can often be a result of habitual patterns rather than genuine reflection.
I couldn’t help but think about the importance of the nature of critical thinking. We often find ourselves thinking more critically about others’ opinions and actions than our own, when it should be the other way around. Carl Jung once stated, ‘Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.’ I love how this idea so simply highlights the profound transformative power of introspection.
As a creative in any endeavor, and as a human being, it’s crucial to practice self-awareness and critically examine your own thoughts and actions before those of others. To be critical of our own opinions, we must first detect them, observe the chain of thought or behavior, understand and acknowledge the patterns, and then decide how to proceed.The goal isn’t to be intentionally self-critical; rather, it’s about continuously understanding your own biases and prejudices, peeling away everything that doesn’t serve you, and uncovering the core of your beliefs and what you stand for.
The most rewarding aspect of being creative is that it applies to every facet of your life. If you have a creative inclination, you likely question your own opinions more than those of others. This questioning can lead to profound insights and personal growth.
My entrepreneurial journey as a founder began 13 years ago, and throughout that time, nothing has humbled me more or brought greater clarity to my thinking than the simple act of painting. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, it hits you with the realization that “no, you haven’t!” This ongoing process of learning and unlearning is what keeps the creative spirit alive.
To those embarking on their own creative journeys, I encourage you to embrace the messiness of self-discovery that comes along. Consider keeping a journal where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Do a creative exercises that push you out of your comfort zone or break habitual pattern, whether it’s trying a new art form, writing poetry, or even gardening.
Let this reflection serve as a means to gain clarity about your patterns and break free from the ones that no longer serve. You’ll never regret practicing creativity, and you can’t fully imagine the benefits it will bring to your life. As a starting point, observe your actions before following your thoughts. Remember, the journey of creativity is not just about the end result; it’s about the growth and understanding you gain along the way.