Ironically, despite thousands of tech layoffs being made to fund AI models, we’re told the most sought-after skills in the AI boom will be human-specific. Skills such as creativity, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence and high-level critical thinking.
But what if your role doesn’t exactly scream these attributes? Can you learn these skills regardless of your profession or stage in your career?
That’s what we looked into to find out.
In a series of career future-proof articles, we will look at ways to practice these skills, starting with creativity.
Not blessed with the “creativity gene”?
Psychologist Robert Epstein, PhD shatters the belief that some people just aren’t endowed with the creativity gene: “There’s not really any evidence that one person is inherently more creative than another.”
Instead, Epstein says creativity is something that anyone can cultivate.
What does being creative mean?
Before suggesting how to build and enhance your creative abilities, it’s helpful to understand what creativity actually entails.
According to psychologist Dean Keith Simonton, PhD, from the University of California, Davis, “You can’t be creative unless you come up with something that hasn’t been done before. The idea also has to work, or be adaptive or be functional in some way; it has to meet some criteria of usefulness.”
This definition reveals that creativity isn’t always about wild, impractical ideas, but rather generating novel solutions that actually work. This makes it incredibly valuable when artificial intelligence is being adopted into out everyday lives and workplaces.
That said, Epstein suggests you shouldn’t shy away from projects or ideas that don’t necessarily have a solution or logical reason (yet).
Examples like this, which have taken off as successful businesses, include frozen fruit concession stands in grocery markets (e.g., frozen grape snacks) and food truck stops (e.g., frozen bananas dipped in chocolate with your choice of toppings).
Developing creativity is a science
Robert Epstein’s research has led to what he calls Generativity Theory. It’s a framework that shows creative behaviours can be learned and strengthened systematically. His work at Harvard University with pigeons, children, and adults has shown that people can deliberately learn creative skills through specific practices and techniques.
This research gives us confidence that with the right approach, anyone can significantly boost their creative thinking abilities and use it for career advancement.
Strategies anyone can follow to boost creative thinking
Practice dreaming and brainstorming
Set aside regular time for generating ideas without judgment. Use techniques like traditional brainstorming, mind mapping, and reverse brainstorming—where you identify problems first to find creative solutions.
Even dedicating just a few minutes daily over your morning cuppa to this practice can yield surprising results. Just have a notepad nearby to jot down ideas or make a voice note on your mobile phone.
Ask “what if?” questions every day
Challenge your assumptions by exploring alternative possibilities. Try the technique:
- What if I change this?
- How could this be improved for a certain group of people?
- What if I use this in 10 years?
- What if I had unlimited resources to improve this?
- What is something I have to do each day and wish I didn’t have to?
Apply these questions to everyday objects, workplace challenges or personal goals.
Get involved in diverse experiences and new perspectives
Expose yourself to different fields, cultures, and viewpoints. Read outside your expertise, attend talks on unfamiliar topics, or simply strike up conversations with people from different backgrounds.
This means getting out, such as attending events in new areas or joining new Meet-Up groups. If you have small talk anxiety at networking events, we have a list of fool-proof small talk questions to help take off the pressure.
Make calculated risks and attempts for fun
When you learned how to ride a bike, you fell, and you got hurt. However, the end goal of riding that bike and all the fun that would ensue kept you going. You kept making “attempts” to stay upright until riding a bike became second nature.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid to try unconventional approaches and attempts. It’s fun. Creativity often involves stepping outside your comfort zone and tolerating uncertainty. When something doesn’t work, do not think of it as a mistake. Just put it down as data that informs your next attempt.
Cultivate active curiosity
Maintain a genuine thirst for knowledge and constantly ask “why” and “how.” This isn’t passive wondering—it’s about actively seeking out ideas, people, and experiences that inspire you. We all had this instinct as toddlers and young children, but often our traditional education systems discourage this. Go back to your childhood curiosity and learn more.
Schedule a dedicated creative space and time
Give yourself permission to establish specific times and places for creative thinking, even if it’s just 10 minutes each morning. Your environment matters—choose a space that feels inspiring and free from distractions.
How to build creative confidence
The first bit of advice you should take is to stop comparing yourself to others and start embracing your unique perspective. That is what makes something creative and new.
Having confidence in your own work and learning not to compare yourself to others can boost your creativity. If you avoid putting yourself into a box of perfection, you’ll feel free to try new things and have creative ideas.
Sometimes the best creative insights come when you step back from overthinking and allow your mind to wander. This is why many people have their best ideas in the shower or during walks—their conscious mind relaxes, allowing subconscious connections to surface.
Pick a technique or two and start practising
Developing creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike—it’s about building a practice that makes creative thinking as natural as any other skill. Start with one or two techniques that resonate with you.
With AI nipping at our heels, freelancers must learn how to generate novel ideas, see connections others miss, and adapt their thinking to new challenges.
The encouraging news is that these abilities are available to anyone willing to practice.
Therefore, there is nothing stopping you from becoming the most creative person on a project or in the room. When clients and social media followers increasingly turn to you when a clever solution is called for, you’ll start to see that practising creativity techniques pays off.
