“I’m Not Creative” – Why That Story Isn’t True

 

So many people say, “I’m just not a creative person,” and then stop right there. The video you just watched challenges that idea. Creativity isn’t something only artists, writers, or musicians have. It’s a way of thinking that anyone can grow, one small step at a time.

That voice in your head that says, “I’m not creative,” is a thought, not a fact. It often comes from old experiences: a harsh comment from a teacher, a comparison to a “talented” sibling, or a project that didn’t turn out the way you hoped. Over time, those moments pile up and start to feel like proof. But they’re actually just one side of the story.

This is where CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) ideas can be beneficial. CBT invites you to notice automatic thoughts, such as “I’m not creative,” and gently question them rather than treating them as truth. You might ask yourself:

What evidence do I have for this thought?

What evidence do I have against it?

If a friend said this about themselves, would I agree?

When you do this honestly, most people notice they do have creative moments: solving minor problems at work, finding a new way to save money, cooking without a recipe, or thoughtfully helping a friend. Those are all forms of creativity.

Once you start to see that creativity is already there, you can grow it on purpose. Try treating creativity like a muscle: it responds to use, not perfection. Set tiny, low-pressure challenges for yourself:

Doodle for 5 minutes without judging it
Write a messy paragraph about your day
Take 3 photos of ordinary things from unusual angles
Try a new route, recipe, or routine once a week

The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. The goal is to practice showing up.
It can also help shift your focus from outcomes to processes. Instead of asking, “Is this good?” try asking, “What did I notice?” or “What did I learn about myself while doing this?” When you give yourself permission to play, experiment, and make “bad” art, creativity starts to feel less scary and more natural.

If the thought “I’m not creative” has been with you for years, changing it won’t happen overnight. That’s okay. Each time you question that story and choose a small creative action anyway, you’re rewiring the way you see yourself.

So, as you leave this video, try this simple reframe:
Instead of “I’m not creative,” try “I’m learning to see my creativity,” or “I’m practicing being creative, one small step at a time.”

You might be surprised by how much was already there, just waiting to be noticed.

If you need help with being more creative, please call our office.

Kevon Owen – Christian Counseling – Clinical Psychotherapy – OKC
10101 S Pennsylvania Ave, Suite C
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
https://www.kevonowen.com
405-655-5180 – 405-740-1249

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