Unlock your creativity: A guide to developing your creative intelligence

Lien Potgieter, Acting Head of Marketing: Medihelp Medical Scheme

Creativity has always fascinated me, especially in those who express it effortlessly through art, writing, dance, cooking, or design. 

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For years, I thought creativity was reserved for these talented individuals, believing I wasn’t “creative” because I didn’t produce traditionally beautiful things, writes Lien Potgieter, acting Head of Marketing: Medihelp Medical Scheme.

However, a deeper exploration revealed a liberating truth: creativity isn’t limited to artistry. 

Each of us is inherently creative, shaping our lives through our actions, thoughts, and feelings. 

Even better, creativity is a skill that can be cultivated with the right environment and mindset.

After researching many aspects of creativity, creative intelligence, and the creative process, I believe there are seven building blocks for becoming more creative, a critical skill for leaders in today’s evolving workplace. 

The seven building blocks are:  

Physical environment

Research shows your physical surroundings play a significant role in your creativity. 

Light, noise levels, temperature, and even scents can impact how easily ideas flow. 

Dim lighting, for instance, is often better for creativity because it reduces feelings of pressure and allows ideas to emerge more freely. 

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is key to creativity. Recognising, understanding, and managing emotions in yourself and others enables a positive, open mindset essential for innovative thinking. 

Contrary to the myth of the “tortured artist,” negative emotions often stifle creativity. 

Understanding your values, passions, and personality traits aids in developing self-awareness, the first step in building EQ. 

Knowing yourself helps maintain emotional stability, allowing you to stay receptive to new ideas and avoid creative blocks. 

Mental creativity

While emotions are crucial, creativity also involves logical and analytical thinking, which originates in the brain’s left hemisphere. 

Mental creativity relies on critical thinking – engaging in reflective, independent analysis to form fresh ideas. 

However, fixed belief systems and negative thinking often limit this capacity. 

Curiosity

Curiosity is the heartbeat of creativity. Albert Einstein famously credited his creativity not to talent but to “being passionately curious”. 

Curiosity drives us to ask questions, explore the unknown, and observe the world through fresh eyes, which enhances our ability to make novel connections. 

Moreover, curiosity is highly valued in the workplace, as it signifies adaptability, empathy, and a love for learning – key traits for modern professionals.

Your unique creative expression

Everyone has a distinct creative style, an individual way of bringing ideas to life. 

Whether you’re a strategic thinker, a visual artist, or a dynamic communicator, recognising and cultivating your unique expression enhances creativity.

Intuition

Intuition is often an underestimated part of creativity. It’s that “gut feeling” or flash of inspiration that strikes when we least expect it. 

Many view intuition as unreliable or unscientific, but it’s an essential component of creative thinking, guiding us to innovative ideas that we can later analyse logically. 

Dreaming and visualisation

The final building block of creativity involves imagination and dreaming. 

Daydreaming often leads to creative breakthroughs by allowing the mind to wander freely, unbound by logic or structure. 

People who engage in regular daydreaming are shown to have higher levels of creativity and intelligence. 

Additionally, focusing on your nightly dreams can also offer unexpected insights, as the subconscious mind is actively processing thoughts and emotions.

By understanding and nurturing each of these building blocks – physical environment, emotional intelligence, mental creativity, curiosity, personal expression, intuition, and dreaming – you can unlock your creative potential and transform both your personal and professional life.  

Through providing medical aid cover, Medihelp supports its members in living their personal values and reaching their dreams. 

Creativity is one of the personal values that Medihelp recognises and supports in our members. 

For more information on Medihelp, click here.