Creativity and Resilience
The way we respond to challenges, whether they are in our personal or professional lives, is crucial. Even while tough events can leave one vulnerable, we still have the freedom to decide how we respond. I saw a quote that says "Don't downgrade your dream to fit your reality. Upgrade your attitude, discipline, and skills to match your destiny."
Personally, I have been in a position where I had to transition between roles and finding employment for the new role appeared to be impossible. Because of this situation, I was tempted to return to the previous role, but I told myself that I was sure I was taking the necessary steps to advance my career. "My creative mindset chose the challenge of switching roles, my present reality says no, but my resilience kicked in to help strengthen my creative choice." Despite how difficult it was, I was able to persevere thanks to discipline, a change in mindset, and the suppression of unhelpful voices.
This is why creativity and resilience are sometimes said to be ‘inseparable twins’. Without creativity, we might never have discovered new and innovative ways to solve problems – and without resilience, we might not be able to stick to those solutions when things get tough.
Creative Resilience is an enhanced capability which enables individuals, groups and communities to respond optimally to life's immediate challenges, but also to imagine future opportunities and risks, supporting creative foresight and the development of preferable futures.
Creative Resilience is developed experientially through learning-based creative projects and activities tailored to particular contexts: In school, workplaces, hospitals, communities, or any 'pop-up' location. The development of creative resilience leads to personal and collective well-being and flourishing. (Irene McAra-McWilliam)
Although your situation may not be the same as mine, I wanted to give you a clue that you have the power to choose to be creatively resilient in the face of overwhelming circumstances. That, in my opinion, is how we can change the world for the better. Every meaningful shift we are witnessing—whether it be a ground-breaking concept or a booming company—took the forerunners a certain amount of tenacity to accomplish. By deciding to be creatively resilient, you can get those ideas going and turn them into reality.
So, creativity and resilience don’t just work hand in hand – they’re two sides of the same coin. And as long as we remember that, we can be sure that both qualities will continue to serve us well.
That's all for today!
Cheers,
'Seun.