25 Things Creative People Do Differently

While most think of creative people as “right-brained” or artsy, creativity exists within us – even the most logical, linear thinkers.

However, some of us have honed our creative sides a little more than others, and we know how to capture and express that imaginative energy. Creative people cover a broad spectrum of personalities, from the stereotypical starving artist to the entrepreneurial businessman. They share some common traits that allow them to bring that creativity to life, including the following:

25 Things Creative People Do Differently:

1 – They work when the work comes to them.

This first point suggests that they only paint, draw, write, sew, dance, or write business plans when they feel like it. Creative people know the mind performs best in small bursts of concentrated work.

2 – They probably don’t have a “normal” job.

The creative spirit feels dampened by a job where it doesn’t get to roam free and do as it pleases. Many creative types turn to entrepreneurship to make money because it fulfills their soul while still allowing them to get paid.

3 – They see inspiration in everything.

Creative spirits become inspired by anything and everything, from an unusual pattern on a leaf to the bright lights of a city at night. They see the world as their oyster, and have a knack for finding inspiration in the most unlikely places.

4 – They never stop questioning.

The creative mind always wonders and wanders; creative people have highly active imaginations and ponder the big AND small questions in life. They want to know it all.

5 – They aren’t afraid to fail.

They don’t even see failure as bad because they know that the only way to grow in life is by putting yourself out there and making mistakes. Think of the Wright Brothers, and all their failed attempts at flight before their eventual success. Where would we be today without their persistence?

6 – They are very independent people.

They don’t like being told what to do or when to do things. They work best alone and feel confident walking their path in life.

7 – They are risk-takers.

Creative people don’t just love doing new things; they seek out dangerous or uncomfortable opportunities because this makes them feel alive. It unlocks new doors of creativity and might even give them insight into previously undiscovered talents.

8 – They use their pain to fuel their passion.

Creative people have likely been through very hellish and traumatic experiences, but these experiences give life to their work. They feel inspired by what they learned from their setbacks and transmute the negative energy from the pain into something positive.

9 – They practice self-development.

Imaginative people know that a foggy, unproductive, negative brain will block their creativity and not allow them to express themselves fully. They read self-help books, practice mindfulness, meditate, do yoga, and say positive affirmations. They know that a positive attitude is a cornerstone of achieving a high level of creative success.

10 – They daydream.

Creative people let their minds wander and don’t ask any questions until later. They enjoy traveling to new lands, thinking up new concepts through their imaginations, and know that daydreaming can lead to the most profound, unparalleled ideas.

11 – They enjoy spending time alone.

Most creative people are seen as loners or misfits and never fit into stereotypes or cliques. While this may not always be the case, creative people usually feel most comfortable in solitude because they do the best work in their own company.

12 – They aren’t afraid of being different.

They know they’re different but wouldn’t have it any other way. They own their uniqueness and feel honored to show it off.

13 – They only want friends who uplift and inspire them.

They don’t want to be around people who don’t have big dreams and visions – they seek out friendships with people they can bounce ideas off of and truly understand their souls.

14 – They often act before they think.

Despite the stereotype of creative people, most take huge leaps of faith without going through all the scenarios in their minds first. Why? Because they know that they must live it, not just think it, to reach their goals.

15 – They do things most people aren’t willing to do.

They don’t give up easily; they put themselves out there, fail over and over again but see it as growth, and put in hard work even when tired. Creative people are troopers; they have a strong will and don’t let anything stand in their way.

16 – They have a “yes” mentality.

They say yes to life because they know this will create more opportunities for them. They do things even when they’re scared or unsure – they realize that momentum coupled with a positive attitude creates the perfect mixture for exciting things.

17 – They have a strong work ethic.

Depending on their feelings, they might work fifteen or more hours a day. They know that dreams don’t work unless they do.

18 – They are complex people.

They might feel that no one understands them, but they don’t care. They have an intricate web of personality traits and deep emotions, but they feel proud to have so many layers. They think this makes them a more interesting person!

19 – They get bored with the same old routine.

They thrive off of new experiences, cringe, and feel caged in by doing the same things simultaneously, day in and day out.

20 – They move around a lot.

They don’t like staying in the same place too long because their creative energy thrives off of new places, faces, and activities.

21 – They are highly emotional, intuitive people.

Most creative people identify with being an empath or highly sensitive person. They feel things deeply and express their emotions through their creative work.

22 – They may have a hard time falling asleep.

Because of their active brains, they might stay up into the early morning hours some nights, either working or just thinking.

23 – They take care of themselves.

They realize their creative energy can’t move through them if they don’t keep their mind, body, and soul healthy. They likely care about their diet, exercise often, and meditate daily.