Following the thread

Why do kids find creativity easier than adults?

One reason is that they’re less aware of The Rules. They haven’t yet been squashed into the boxes we ask adults to inhabit. They’re not held back by being sensible or the prudent.

But creativity doesn’t praise you for taking a measured, reasonable approach. Creativity prefers you to be outrageous, to be daring, to throw caution to the wind.

When I’m teaching a drawing class, I enourage people to be kind to themselves and enjoy having a go. All too often we limit our creative potential by criticising our attempts before we’re even off the starting blocks. Our inner critic is entirely unhelpful when we’re making something new.

The imagination is a mercurial thing. Follow the thread and see where it leads you. Don’t worry about making a mistake - ‘mistakes’ can be far more interesting than something ‘correct’. Be accommodating of things that don’t go according to plan - the unplanned outcome might lead you in a new direction that is helpful.

And yes, the lessons you learn while drawing can be helpful in everyday life too. Be kind to yourself, be open-minded about where you are going, and approach the unknown with curiosity. It will serve you well.