1. What is Creativity?
In the VIA Character Strengths framework, creativity is the capacity to generate original and adaptive ideas. It allows us to see fresh connections, reorganize patterns, and approach problems from unexpected angles. The VIA-IS assessment captures this trait with questions like “I have lots of original ideas” and “I like to try new ways of doing things.”
Research consistently links creativity to well-being: Kaufman et al. (2016) found that creative strengths predict higher self-reported flourishing, even beyond personality traits like openness. In essence, creativity sustains both progress and deep personal satisfaction.
2. Behavior & Examples
High Expression:
- Relishes brainstorming and reframing old problems in new ways
- Is comfortable with ambiguity and experimentation
- Brings unique perspectives to group tasks
Low Expression:
- Prefers established routines
- Hesitates to try new approaches
- May shut down unfamiliar ideas
Examples:
- Product Designer: Breaks habits and questions assumptions to improve how people interact with products.
Coaching takeaway: Pay attention to moments when “What if…?” leads you toward progress. - Preschool Teacher: Crafts playful, inventive strategies to keep young minds engaged, mixing structure with surprise.
Coaching takeaway: Make room for imaginative questions—even inside routines. - Entrepreneur: Reimagines business models under constraint, treating obstacles as creative prompts.
Coaching takeaway: When you hit a wall, experiment with saying “How else could this work?”
3. Strengths & Pitfalls
Benefits:
- Enhances adaptive problem-solving and drives innovation (Runco & Jaeger, 2012)
- Bolsters resilience, especially in adversity (Forgeard, 2013)
- Supports deep engagement and “flow” experiences (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997)
- High creative self-efficacy correlates with greater life satisfaction (Karwowski et al., 2013)
Pitfalls:
- May drift toward impractical or unrealistic ideas if not balanced with follow-through
- Can cause friction in teams when change is constant or ungrounded
- For some, overuse leads to avoidance of necessary but repetitive tasks
4. Cross-Domain Parallels
- Big Five: Most closely linked to Openness to Experience, curiosity, appreciation for art, comfort with novelty
- MBTI: Salient in NP types (e.g., ENFP, INTP), thriving on abstract ideas and new patterns
- Ayurveda: Vata dosha energy, light, changeable, quick to adapt
- Zodiac: Aquarius and Gemini, favoring future vision, unconventional thinking
- Hero Archetype: The Inventor or Trickster, spots possibilities others overlook, yet may challenge structure more than needed
Integration Map call-out:
Creativity sits at the crossroads of openness, flexibility, and daring innovation – a dynamic hub on your Lifemap.
5. This Strength in Lifemap’s Life Categories
- Career: Sparks novel solutions – When did you last question the status quo at work?
- Relationships: Inspires new ways to connect – How might you surprise someone with unexpected kindness?
- Family: Makes problem-solving playful – How could you turn a routine into a family ritual?
- Emotional: Offers expressive outlets – What feeling wants a creative voice today?
- Spiritual: Envisions meaning systems – Which belief have you reshaped over time?
- Health & Fitness: Innovates habits – How might you refresh your approach to well-being?
- Lifestyle: Personalizes routines – What would make today feel uniquely yours?
- Financial: Sees new resource strategies – Where could you budget more creatively?
- Community: Builds bridges – What creative project could unite your local group?
- Creativity: Fuels self-renewal – Where is your creative edge right now?
- Learning: Encourages playful skill-building – Which skill could you approach in a new way?
- Life Vision: Imagines the future – What vision are you willing to sketch, imperfectly, today?
6. The Lifemap Holistic Coaching Perspective
Creativity is foundational, but on its own it does not guarantee flourishing. Without wisdom, self-regulation, or a sense of service, creative energy can dissipate or lead astray. Lifemap weaves creativity together with practical coaching, philosophical reflection, and time-tested models to help you see more than isolated strengths.
Picture a web where your strengths interconnect, each colored by habit, insight, and curiosity. Lifemap helps you see not just what’s strong, but what’s next.
7. Conclusion & Coaching CTA
The science is clear: creativity goes hand-in-hand with adaptive success and life fulfillment (Kaufman & Gregoire, 2015). But it’s not a label – it’s a living strength, one that can be shaped and deepened over time.
Are you ready to map your unique creative journey?
Begin Lifemap’s free 7-day Hero’s Journey course – a guided reflection to bring your creativity and other strengths into practical focus.
Dranbleiben. Your next idea belongs to the new you.
