The Demise of Creative Genius

The NASA study on creative potential is a fascinating look at how creativity evolves over time. The study found that of 1,600 four- and five-year-olds, an astonishing 98 percent scored at the "creative genius" level on a standardised test of creativity. However, as the children grew older, their creativity declined sharply. Five years later, only 30 percent of the same group of children scored at the same level, and again, five years later, only 12 percent did.

This decline in creativity is a worrying trend, but it's not unique to children. When the same test was administered to adults, it was found that only two percent scored at the "creative genius" level. So what causes this decline in creativity, and how can we prevent it?

One possible explanation is that as we get older, we become more focused on conforming to societal norms and expectations. We start to worry more about fitting in and following the rules, and we may be less willing to take risks or try new things. This can stifle our creativity and limit our ability to think outside the box.

Another factor is that we live in an increasingly distracted world. With so many distractions vying for our attention, it can be hard to focus on creative pursuits and give them the time and energy they deserve. We may also be less likely to engage in activities that stimulate our creativity, such as playing music, painting, or writing.

So what can we do to maintain our creative genius in a world that seems to be working against it? The answer lies in cultivating a growth mindset and actively seeking out opportunities for creativity. We need to embrace challenges and be willing to take risks, even if it means failing sometimes. We also need to set aside time for creative pursuits and prioritise them in our busy lives.

Below are eight creative pursuits that can help you tap into your full potential:

1. Writing: Whether it's journaling, poetry, or fiction, writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity.

2. Drawing and painting: Visual art can help us explore our inner thoughts and emotions, and create something beautiful in the process.

3. Playing music: Whether it's an instrument or our own voice, music can be a powerful way to connect with ourselves and others.

4. Photography: Capturing images of the world around us can help us see things in a new light and explore our own unique perspective.

5. Cooking and baking: Experimenting in the kitchen can be a delicious way to tap into our creativity and try new things.

6. Dance: Moving our bodies in rhythm can be a powerful way to express ourselves and connect with others.

7. Acting: Whether on stage or in front of a camera, acting can help us explore different characters and perspectives.

8. DIY projects: From woodworking to knitting, DIY projects can help us explore our own creativity and create something tangible in the process.

By pursuing and increasing our own creative expression we can tap into our innate creativity and unlock our full potential. Whether we're four years old, forty or older, we all have the capacity for creative genius – we just need to cultivate it. So let's embrace our inner creative genius and see where it takes us.