When we think of creativity, we often associate it with certain professions — designers, writers, artists — assuming that these roles inherently produce more innovative work. But is creativity really tied to a specific occupation or skill? Or is it something deeper, something more fundamental? Inspired by figures like Steve Jobs, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bruce Lee, I've come to believe that creativity is less about what you do and more about how you think.
Redefining Creativity Through Personal Experience
Recently, I collaborated with a UX designer friend to redesign the interface of my app. My goal was to create something innovative and different that would stand out. While the designer addressed several UX problems effectively, the final prototype felt eerily similar to many existing social apps.
When I shared the prototype with a few friends, they echoed my opinion — it looked like everything else on the market. This left me questioning my assumptions about creativity. I had thought that working with a designer would automatically lead to something groundbreaking. But I realized that creativity doesn't come with a job title; it's a process influenced by many factors.
Perhaps the issue lay in how I framed the project or my expectations. Or maybe creativity, by its very nature, is subjective and hard to quantify. This reflection led me to ask: How do we define creativity, and how can anyone, regardless of their profession, tap into it?
My Experience as a Software Engineer
As a software engineer in Silicon Valley, my routine often revolved around meetings, coding, and managing assignment tickets. It was a highly structured environment, leaving little room for exploration. I started to wonder, "If I'm doing the same things every day, how am I supposed to achieve something truly innovative? Where does my creativity come from?"
In the tech world, especially with today's omnipresence of AI, the word "innovation" is thrown around constantly. It's tempting to believe that technology inherently equals innovation. But does it? Better tools may enhance productivity, but do they guarantee creativity? These questions made me realize that creativity isn't tied to any particular industry or toolset — it's a mindset.
Steve Jobs: Connecting the Dots
Steve Jobs famously said, "Creativity is about connecting the dots." His ability to integrate ideas from different domains helped him create groundbreaking products at Apple. But connecting the dots isn't always straightforward. For example, I enjoy anime and traveling. Could I create something new by combining these interests? Perhaps an animated travel guide? While this thought exercise is fun, it's clear that meaningful creativity requires more than just pairing unrelated ideas — it demands intentionality and vision.
Leonardo da Vinci: Learning Across Disciplines
Leonardo da Vinci's interdisciplinary approach highlights another key aspect of creativity. His curiosity spanned art, science, and engineering, enabling him to make groundbreaking contributions in multiple fields. Reading about his life inspired me to embrace learning beyond my core profession. By expanding my knowledge base, I realized I could open new doors to creative thinking.
This idea is particularly practical — statistically, the more knowledge and skills you acquire, the more connections you can make between them. However, even da Vinci's approach requires a specific mindset, one I found best articulated by Bruce Lee.
Bruce Lee: Be Formless, Like Water
Bruce Lee's philosophy, "Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water," offers profound insights into creativity. While Lee wasn't explicitly referring to creativity, his words emphasize flexibility, adaptability, and openness — qualities that are essential for innovation.
During his time, martial artists often adhered rigidly to specific styles. Lee, however, combined techniques from various disciplines, creating something uniquely his own. His idea of being "formless" reminds us that creativity flourishes when we let go of rigid structures and embrace adaptability.
Unlike "connecting the dots," which suggests pairing existing ideas, "being formless" challenges us to transcend boundaries and preconceptions. As we grow older, these boundaries — our identities, cultures, professions — often narrow our perspectives. Lee's philosophy reminds us to remain open to new possibilities.
Creativity Is a Mindset
Bruce Lee's philosophy of being formless shows that creativity isn't a skill or a profession — it's a mindset. To be truly creative, we must remain flexible and adaptable, like water. This mindset allows us to break free from the constraints of our identities, environments, and routines, opening the door to new connections and innovations.
By embracing formlessness, we can learn across disciplines, connect meaningful dots, and foster the kind of creativity that leads to innovation. Whether you're a designer, a software engineer, or someone navigating daily life, creativity is about cultivating an open, curious, and flexible approach to the world.
