Becoming Creative with Pablos

What Pablos can teach us about becoming a creative person

Creativity has a bizarre place in my life, and I suspect it in many others. My earliest memories of recognizing creativity were seeing my good friend’s art at about 5. I couldn’t believe what he could do with a pen and paper.

It didn’t make sense in my brain that someone could draw a lifelike horse. In a lot of ways, it still doesn’t. It was a joy to see and experience, but for whatever reason, the very thing that made it wondrous to me was the very thing that triggered the notion that “I can’t do that.”

Throughout my young life, I was given praise here or there as an athlete or perhaps for writing an essay or giving a speech, but I don’t think I ever heard anyone categorize me as creative - which became a sort of silent reinforcement. Of course, because I had already told myself that I wasn’t creative, I never attempted traditionally creative things, so you’re off the hook, third-grade teacher.

Not off the chain, as the kids say, but off the hook.

What if we gave more people the compliment that they are creative?

As I’ve grown older, I’ve gained no more understanding into why I art and thought, “I can’t” instead of “I want to.” What it did instill in me is f a sense that I wanted to help those who could, share that kind of creativity.”

As I have found my way through my 30’s, I have entertained the idea that I am a creative person, and so are you.

How to be Creative and Stay Creative

So now that we are feeling all fluffy and great that we are creative people for a few moments, let’s test it by leaning into a second Pablo quote:

Actually, don’t be that Pablo at all. Let’s try it again:

At the end of the day. Be a good Pablo.

A good Pablo is in constant motion. Make whatever is interesting to you, but don’t sit and wait for the inspiration. Make and make and make and make. One of those random things you create will lead to the “you are creative moment.”

But you will know that it wasn’t in that moment that you were creative; you will know that you have been all along; you will be tomorrow as well.