Everyone has a creative side. Creativity isn't just for those working in the arts or media, but is inherent in how we think, solve problems, and express ourselves. The challenge is recognizing and cultivating that potential to truly bring meaning to life.

Self-Reflection

The first step is reflection. Ask yourself, "When was the last time I felt truly alive while creating?" or "What project most energizes me?" These moments often provide early clues to your creative side.

For example, Ria Sulistyani, founder of Papermoon Puppet Theatre, discovered her love for storytelling through puppetry while staging a small performance at the library she founded. From that simple experiment, a creative journey emerged that has led her to perform on the international stage, with works performed in over ten countries.

Experimenting

Creativity often emerges through experimentation. Ria started with recycled materials like old blankets and plastic bottles to make dolls. That simple experiment paved the way for a world-renowned work. The more we try, the clearer the areas where our creativity shines. Sometimes, it's failure that shows us the true direction.

Today, Papermoon continues to evolve. They recently toured Puno, Sewing Memories in the United States, bringing stories of loss and memory across cultures. Their work, A Bucket of Beetles, has also appeared at international festivals such as the Chicago International Puppet Festival and the Sydney Festival. Ria even co-directed a contemporary adaptation of the Ramayana in Philadelphia, combining theater, dance, and puppetry in a collaborative, cross-border performance.

Growth Mindset

Psychologist Carol Dweck calls it a Growth Mindset —the belief that abilities can develop through effort, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. Creativity isn't static; it grows with the courage to try new things. Ria's journey is a prime example. The same principle applies to anyone, in any field.

Patterns and Input

Besides experimenting, pay attention to the patterns in what you produce. What themes keep emerging without you realizing it? These could be clues to your creative strengths.

Input from others is also important. Friends, mentors, or colleagues often see things we miss. External perspectives help hone the direction of creative talent.

Reflection: This Week's Little Experiment

Discovering your unique creativity is a journey that takes time. It begins with reflection, is strengthened by courageous experimentation, is enriched by feedback, and is reinforced by patterns that emerge from everyday experiences.

Reflection: What small experiments can you do this week to further explore your creative side?