Creativity Is Just Connecting Things

You've probably heard it before from an art teacher or as a sarcastic jab, but what does it actually mean to be creative?

Creative people are often labeled as sensitive, eclectic, outlandish and scattered but really they're just good at spotting connections most people miss.

Yes, some are born with a stronger antenna than others but everyone has the capacity to develop a creative muscle.

Why?

Because all it means to be creative is to be able to create connections.

Take the founders of Airbnb for example.

Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky were just two normal guys struggling to pay rent when Joe came up with an idea, bounced it off his roommate and well, you know the rest.

Travelers prefer homes over hotels + residents willing to rent out their homes for extra cash = a win-win.

They connected the dots and boom, a 100 billion dollar company was born.

As you can see, a disruptive innovation starts out as a problem someone is trying to solve.

Just as an exceptional song begins as a poem or a few guitar chords.

And a timeless painting stems from a single brushstroke.

Just like your favorite movie or novel was initially a few lines on someone's computer.

You won't see the full picture right away or perhaps not even for a long time.

But if you're willing to connect the dots, whatever it is you're creating will eventually crystalize.

Start with the first connection, then the second.

Don't force it, stay patient, be creative.