Barriers of Creativity #3: "Follow the Rules"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #3: “Follow the Rules”

            There is a lot of pressure in our culture to follow the rules. ‘Do not try to be different’; ‘Do what everybody else does’; ‘Uniformity and compliance to rules make society work’; ‘Let’s do things the way they have always been done’; ‘It makes sense’; ‘Do not rock the boat’ etc.

            For creative thinking there is no virtue in doing things the way they have always been done. Creativity means doing things in new and better ways. If we keep doing things the same way we will never improve. Following the rules is a mental block, for we will always think of things as they are not as it can be. Tradition kills creativity. Challenging the rules (there is a limit however. As a Christian, I will not intentionally challenge God's Commandments) is a good creative thinking strategy. Ask these questions: Is this the only way? Is this the best way? Are there better ways?

Challenge the rules.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)