Alexandra Plesa
Creativity isn’t only about innovating or making great art.
Sometimes it presents in more subtle ways.
So subtle you might not even recognize the ability for what it is.
Just because no one called you a visionary until now doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential to be one.
People who are highly creative but don’t realize it often display these 11 unique behaviors.
If any of these apply to you, stop selling yourself short.
1) They daydream
Daydreaming is a hallmark behavior of highly creative individuals.
They need an outlet for their imagination to roam free, so they can often be found lost in their thoughts or staring blankly out the window.
Within the realms of their mind, they construct vivid scenarios and explore fantastical worlds much more interesting than the real thing.
Not only that but their daydreams serve as a wellspring of inspiration.
They spark new ideas and insights they can apply in their everyday life.
Does that sound like anyone you know?
You may fancy yourself a practical, unimaginative person.
Spoiler alert: you’re anything but.
2) They solve problems in ingenious ways
Highly creative folks may possess a unique ability to solve problems in ingenious ways, even if they are not fully aware of their potential.
Their mindset transcends the conventional, so they can approach problems from angles that aren’t obvious to everyone else.
They have a knack for thinking outside the box and coming up with solutions that challenge the status quo.
What does that mean, exactly?
Maybe your managers praise you for your innovative ideas, even if they don’t seem like anything special to you.
Maybe your friends tease you about your “whimsical” social media posts.
Maybe your partner gushes about your resourcefulness when facing problems that leave them stumped.
All these point to someone who has a rich creativity reserve, even if they don’t realize it.
3) They get bored easily
I think of myself as creative, a trait that allowed me to make a living and brought plenty of joy into my life.
One of the downsides of creativity, however, is that I get bored easily.
I’m great at coming up with ideas, finding projects I’m excited about, and trying out new hobbies.
Following through with any of these, on the other hand, is much, much harder.
Creative minds constantly seek out new experiences and challenges to stimulate their minds.
But when faced with mundane, repetitive tasks, they lose interest.
For instance, I love the idea of starting a website or social media account about something I’m into.
I’ve done it in the past. I got hyped during the process of setting up the site and coming up with the initial posts.
Keeping that site or account regularly updated?
That was a far less captivating endeavor.
Creative people crave novelty and variety to stay engaged.
That brings me to my next point.
4) They don’t do well with routine
People who are highly creative but don’t realize it hate routine.
They thrive on spontaneity and flexibility, so they find monotony stifling.
If their schedule is so set in stone that it leaves no room for improvisation, they begin to dread it and long to escape.
They can adjust to rigid environments and follow rules, but they feel suffocated, no matter how hard they try to suppress the unpleasant sensation.
Plus, feeling stuck drains their passion and zeal for life.
They are more likely to excel when doing work or entertaining interests that tickle their creativity.
5) They ask a lot of questions
Creative people are curious by nature.
It’s what drives them to push boundaries and expand their horizons.
They don’t accept things at face value. Instead, they like to challenge existing assumptions and norms.
They often succumb to this boundless curiosity:
- They display a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for understanding
- They’re always asking questions
- They don’t shy away from a debate
- They keep an open mind when interacting with others
Highly creative individuals can become consumed by their interests, to the point where they research them obsessively.
If that sounds like you, stop calling yourself conventional.
Let your creative flag fly.
6) They don’t mind ambiguity
Despite their curious nature, people who are highly creative don’t mind ambiguity.
They cherish it.
They know how to navigate uncertainty and don’t run away at the mention of the unknown.
They view it as an opportunity for exploration and discovery.
While many people see things in black and white, creative folks notice the shades of gray.
That makes their perspective much more interesting.
7) They have eccentricities
Highly creative individuals often exhibit eccentricities or unconventional behaviors.
Again, these eccentricities don’t seem like anything special to them, but they’ve been remarked upon by others.
Perhaps people like to occasionally comment on any of the following:
- Your unique sense of fashion
- Your avant-garde taste in music
- Your quirky communication style
- Your rebellious nature
- Your bizarre habits
Creative people have a more unconventional approach to life.
It’s because their willingness to challenge conventional wisdom leads to them acting in ways that may seem eccentric to others.
That’s nothing to be ashamed about.
Quite the opposite.
8) They procrastinate
Procrastination is a common trait among highly creative individuals.
I can unfortunately vouch for that.
It may be because they have a multitude of ideas swirling around in their minds.
The sheer abundance of inspiration is overwhelming, making it difficult for them to focus on one project at a time.
They may also procrastinate due to perfectionist tendencies or fear of failure.
Alternatively, they do it because they find the task at hand mind-numbingly boring. As we discovered at 3), that’s a huge turnoff.
While procrastination certainly affects productivity, it’s a common struggle for creative folks.
You’re probably used to it by now, and you’ve come up with strategies to curb it when the situation gets dire.
That’s also your creative mind at work.
9) They experiment
People who are highly creative but don’t realize it may be caught conducting experiments every chance they get.
They might try out different routines, change jobs frequently, date a wide plethora of potential partners, or be a part of several social circles.
They do so because of their curious nature, especially if their job doesn’t allow much room for creativity.
Experimentation allows them to break free from conventional thinking and explore alternative perspectives.
It lets them push their boundaries and test the limits of those around.
10) They appreciate art
Highly creative individuals often possess a deep appreciation for art, even if they are not fully aware of their own creative potential.
They have a heightened sensitivity to aesthetics and beauty.
Besides, they tend to derive inspiration from art in its various forms.
Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, piece of music, or performance, they are drawn to art that resonates with them on an emotional and sensory level.
They may find the art revelatory or simply entertaining.
But the best pieces will move them deeply, and they’ll think about them for days on end.
They might also feel a sense of kinship with artists whose work resonates with their experiences.
If you’ve been obsessing over a song or movie recently, it’s because it spoke to you in a meaningful way.
And it may also be because you have the potential to create something equally powerful.
11) They adapt easily
Creative individuals are more inclined to adapt to new situations and challenges.
Since they are open to fresh ideas and approach change with curiosity, they have a better shot at acclimating to unfamiliar territory at warp speed.
Their secret weapon?
They draw on their creativity to overcome obstacles and navigate unexplored terrain.
If your loved ones praise you for your flexibility and resilience, you’re more creative than you think.
Bottom line
Creativity is a transformative ability that enriches your life in countless ways.
And if you’re guilty of any or all of the behaviors above, you’ve got an endless supply of it.
Learn how to harness it, and you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
