The Challenges of Being Creative

So you’re a creative person! Good for you… or not so good.

Let’s get a handle on this right now. You’re creative. Let me guess, you were the artsy one in high school, you did all the drama, the music, you like to write. Maybe dance was your thing. You went on to college to pursue a career in dance, the arts, etc.

According to Understood.org, having ADHD doesn’t make you an especially talented musician, painter, or anything else. There’s no research to suggest that natural artistic abilities are tied to ADHD. However, ADD/ADHD-types are able to create lots of solutions for certain problems.

I would want them on my team any day! There are certainly advantages and disadvantages of having such a wonderful creative mind. Accepting both sides of your talents can help you use your powers for good.

Table of Contents

• Bothersome Talents
• Imagination or Creativity?
• The Benefits of Our Creative Power
• Final Thoughts

Bothersome Talents

The problem with having too many talents is that persons with ADD/ADHD minds are not able to do one thing very well. The Green Garage Blog refers to this as “bothersome talents”. Although people with ADD/ADHD are capable of doing many things, they can just do it to a certain extent but not to a very talented level. So they can’t master a single talent despite the fact that they are good at things.

It’s important for people with ADD/ADHD to work on the skills that could keep their creative dreams from becoming a reality. Improving those skills can help clear the way for creativity to flourish.

Here is a list of common challenges that can inhibit the progress of the creative thinker:

1. Can’t remember all the great ideas. The person explodes with ideas for a project, but might not remember them long enough to write them down.
2. Can’t finish what they started. Because of focusing challenges, it hard to stay on task, which might lead to unfinished projects or scattered ideas. After the initial wave of excitement, passion for the project fades and procrastination and guilt may creep in.
3. Poor executive function. Creative persons find it challenging to organize and execute creative visions. The flood of ideas can be overwhelming and everything can come to a standstill.
4. Time management issues: Hyperfocus on creative tasks can lead to neglecting other responsibilities. At other times, procrastination might hinder progress.
5. Perfectionism and self-doubt: Some individuals with ADD/ADHD may struggle with self-criticism, feeling that their ideas aren’t good enough. This leads to the project being abandoned.
6. Emotional sensitivity: Rejection or criticism of creative work can feel more intense for someone with ADHD.
7. ADD/ADHD people tend to be messy. When in a creative rush, we can’t be troubled with small details. We often prioritize the creative process over tidy spaces, much to the disdain of those around us. This disorganization can affect the project outcome.

Creativity in individuals with ADD/ADHD can be both a gift and a challenge. Which one of these can you relate to?

Creative people don’t have a mess, we have creative ideas lying around everywhere.

-Geri Seiberling

Imagination or Creativity?

According to Linda Naiman, a creativity and innovation expert, creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. Her opinion is if you have ideas, but don’t act on them, you are imaginative but not creative.

Sir Ken Robinson, was one of the world’s leading thinkers on creativity and innovation, especially in the education environment.  He holds a similar viewpoint:

“The first step is imagination, the capacity that we all have to see something in the mind’s eye. Creativity is then using that imagination to solve problems—call it applied imagination. Then innovation is putting that creativity into practice as applied creativity.” -Reading, Writing, and Creativity, Business Week, February 2006

So it sounds like we may have more imagination than creativity. It’s the follow through that’s holding us back.

The Benefits of Our Creative Power

When we get on a roll, there’s no holding us back. There are some beautiful parts to be seen coming from our “imaginative” brains, whether we follow through or not.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and I could say, “I used everything you gave me.”

-Erma Bombeck

1. We can help other people. According to the Green Garage Blog, our ability of having lots of ideas or thoughts enables us to solve many problems for those who need it. This makes us an excellent resource for assisting people to solve problems. We don’t have to worry about regulating our flow of ideas and choosing what to take action on, that’s our friend’s problem.
2. Problem-solving skills: Creativity enables you to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to challenges. ADD/ADHD challenges, like impulsivity and risk-taking, could have the benefit of enhanced creative thinking.
3. Self-expression: It allows you to communicate your thoughts, emotions, and individuality in unique ways to be shared with the world.
4. Emotional well-being: Creative activities like painting, writing, or music can serve as a therapeutic outlet, reducing stress and promoting mental health.
5. Adaptability: Creative minds are often more flexible and open to change, which can be invaluable in life’s unpredictable moments.
6. Innovation: Creativity drives breakthroughs, whether it’s inventing new technologies, creating compelling art, or finding new ways to improve daily life.
7. Connection: Sharing your creative work can help build relationships and inspire others.
8. Sense of fulfillment: Bringing ideas to life fosters a sense of achievement and purpose.

There’s no doubt about it, our divergent thinking fuels amazing results. If you’re a creative thinker, embrace this superpower!

Final Thoughts

Many people with ADD/ADHD find ways to channel their creativity into incredible achievements. As long as you can manage the challenges (and understand that finishing isn’t always the goal) you can rock your skills.

I’ll leave you with this parting thought from Erma Bombeck:

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and I could say, “I used everything you gave me.”

Yours in creativity -Renee