Technique (noun): A systematic procedure, formula or routine by which a task is accomplished.
When we unleash our inherent creativity, we tend to judge and dismiss our creativity based on the output – our creation. We create a “bad” painting, meal, poem, etc., and say, “See! I’m not creative.” And, thus, we support our underlying belief that we are, in fact, not inherently creative.
What we don’t realize is that we are pointing our finger in the wrong place. We are making the assumption that because our creations are not what we would judge as good, we lack creativity, when that is horribly untrue.
Here’s a very short depiction of creative process that hints at why I call technique the “sneaky” creative killer:
Creative Creator (You) > Technique (Learned Skills) > Creation (Output)
The technique phase, right in the middle of the creative process, is NOT US. It lives outside of us. It has NOTHING to do with who we are inherently. Instead, it is a learned set of skills that allow us to translate our creativity into output. Output that, if we take the time to learn and practice technique, we ourselves might even judge as excellent.
If we apply the truth that technique does not equal creativity, we can separate our inherent creativity from our output. We will know that even if our painting, meal, poem, etc., “got away from us,” the essence of us is unchanged. We were being creative and that means we are creative.
What’s wonderful is that we can choose to refine our technique and, therefore, influence our output, anytime we want.
It’s interesting to note that we creativity coaches come to you with this assumption: You are already creative. Plain and simple. We merely help you get in touch with that truth, support you in navigating your saboteurs and encourage you to play around with the systems, formulas and routines that will support you in expressing what is already within. Above all, support you in allowing creative expression despite technique – to see, honor and own your creativity and to see all your creations as beautiful evidence of creative you.
To separating what’s outside from what’s inside,
Susan B.