### connections >_"Creativity is just connecting things."_ Steve Jobs ^3fd15d - This quote is a good example of how '[[Art is everything..]]' ![[image-placeholder-title.jpg]] https://www.creativeboom.com ^2fef45 read this article about the future of creativity - weirder, more human, less serious: [](https://www.creativeboom.com/features/more-weird-more-human-less-serious-9-creatives-share-their-vision-for-the-future-of-creativity/) Sounds like what I want my [[Newsletter]] to be! Maybe use it to aid my first one 🧑‍💻 - [ ] look up and research Creative Boom #Learn 🆔 DSU7RN 🆔 V1YfcT [[David Bowie]] would take his [[Time]] in the studio, the band sitting around reading the paper, until someone might start playing a chord and someone else likes it and thing’s progress naturally from there. Some places to find lots of new artists and relevant connections and help build up my [[Limbic Brain 🧠]] knowledge # A normotic mindset That which prioritises strict adherence to societal norms and expectations, can significantly hinder creativity by suppressing the freedom, individuality, and risk-taking necessary for creative thinking. Creativity thrives on exploration, challenging conventions, and embracing uncertainty—qualities that are at odds with the rigid conformity of a normotic perspective. #### 1. Fear of Nonconformity • Creativity often involves breaking away from established norms and thinking “outside the box.” A normotic mindset, however, values conformity and discourages deviation from societal standards. • This fear of being judged or standing out can prevent individuals from experimenting with unconventional ideas or solutions. For example, an artist with normotic tendencies might avoid bold, experimental work to create pieces that feel “safe” or widely acceptable. #### 2. Suppression of Individuality • Creativity relies on tapping into one’s unique perspective, experiences, and emotions. Normotic individuals, however, often suppress their individuality to align with what is considered “normal” or socially acceptable. • This focus on fitting in can lead to homogenised ideas that lack originality or personal expression. Without the courage to express their true selves, individuals might create work that feels derivative or uninspired. #### 3. Aversion to Risk-Taking • Creativity involves taking risks, whether by exploring new techniques, proposing bold ideas, or accepting the possibility of failure. Normotic individuals often avoid risks because they fear rejection, failure, or straying from societal expectations. • This risk aversion can result in a preference for familiar, conventional approaches, stifling innovation. For instance, a writer might stick to formulaic plots rather than experimenting with novel structures or themes. #### 4. Over-Reliance on External Validation • Normotic individuals often derive their sense of worth from external approval, such as praise, recognition, or societal acceptance. This focus can hinder creativity by: • Discouraging experimentation that might not be immediately understood or appreciated. • Leading to work that panders to popular tastes instead of exploring deeper or more meaningful ideas. Creative breakthroughs often require a willingness to disregard immediate validation, which normotic individuals may find difficult. #### 5. Suppression of Emotional Depth • Creativity is often fuelled by the exploration of deep emotions and complex inner experiences. Normotic individuals may suppress or ignore their emotional depth to align with societal norms of “normalcy” or emotional control. • This suppression limits their ability to draw on powerful emotional sources for their creative work, resulting in output that may lack authenticity or resonance. For example, a musician might avoid writing about personal struggles for fear of exposing vulnerability. #### 6. Rigidity in Thinking • Creativity requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives. A normotic mindset fosters rigid thinking, as it emphasises strict adherence to rules and predefined standards. • This rigidity can block the mental openness needed for brainstorming, lateral thinking, and exploring new possibilities. In collaborative settings, normotic individuals might resist innovative ideas that challenge the status quo, slowing creative progress. #### 7. Discouragement of Playfulness and Curiosity • Playfulness and curiosity are critical for creativity, as they encourage exploration and the discovery of new ideas. Normotic tendencies, however, prioritise seriousness and [[Productivity]] over playful experimentation. • This discourages creative individuals from “wasting time” on seemingly unproductive activities, which are often the breeding ground for creative insights. For instance, an inventor might dismiss an unusual but promising idea because it doesn’t align with conventional methods. #### 8. Lack of Tolerance for Ambiguity • Creativity often involves working with ambiguity, uncertainty, and open-ended questions. Normotic individuals, who prefer clear rules and predictable outcomes, may struggle with the discomfort of these creative processes. • This intolerance can lead to premature closure, where ideas are abandoned or finalised too early, before their full potential is realised. ### How to Overcome Normotic Barriers to Creativity #### 1. Embrace Uniqueness: Encourage self-expression and celebrate individual perspectives. #### 2. Redefine Success: Shift focus from external validation to intrinsic satisfaction and meaningful goals. #### 3. Cultivate Playfulness: Engage in activities that prioritise exploration and curiosity without worrying about results. #### 4. Encourage Risk-Taking: Reframe failure as a valuable part of the creative process. #### 5. Develop Emotional Awareness: Explore and express emotions as sources of creative inspiration. #### 6. Challenge Norms: Regularly question societal or cultural expectations and consider alternative viewpoints. By moving beyond the constraints of a normotic mindset, individuals can unlock their creative potential and contribute original, boundary-pushing ideas to the world.