Most people think of two things when they hear the word "creativity", the first is typically associated with an artist (like Picasso or Shakespeare or Beethoven) and the second is, "I'm not creative". Its true that most of us can't be creative in the same way the masters of their crafts are creative, but that doesn't mean that creativity can't be found inside of you. Creativity isn't the sole property of fine artists, but the practice of finding unique solutions to a given problem.

Problems are an intimate part of life; some problems much larger than others and some just won't have a creative solution (there are only so many ways you can brush your teeth or put on your shoes), but there is never a shortage of challenges in life. Fear keeps us from using creative methods to solve problems. Fear of breaking the rules. Fear of failure or ridicule. Instead we settle for the status quo, but continually solve our problems with the same -- failing -- solution.

Next time you're faced with a problem, rather than recycle the same patterns, take off your shoes and get your feet wet Try something new. Get out of the box. You might fail, but you'll have at least tried.