Creativity refers to the ability to produce original and unusual ideas or to make something new or imaginative. Beyond artistic activities and expressions, creativity takes many forms such as fashioning beautiful spaces (home, office, garden); planning party or special meal; crafting innovative solutions to work problems; curating a wardrobe that makes a personal statement. Creativity infuses our own take or flair into anything we might choose to do. Christine Valters Paintner reminds us that, ...“the primary creative act is the living of our daily lives, making of it, a work of art” (2011, p. 16).

Four Thousand Weeks - Time Management for Mortals

Authenticity is broadly defined as knowing and expressing one’s True Self. Scholars suggest that authenticity has to do with living in accordance with one’s values and beliefs; striving for genuineness and openness in close relationships; and being consciously aware of one’s own mental state, regardless of whether thoughts or feelings are socially undesirable or conflicting. (Scholars have a variety of subclassifications – trait versus state authenticity, subjective versus objective – but for us, a basic understanding will do!)

People feel like they are purpose-full when their lives follow a pattern in which they make everyday choices that align with their inner Compass (i.e., their strengths, values, and sources of personal meaning). Given that the “guts” of our inner Compass are unique, each of us live out our sense of purpose differently. Let’s face it – those of us that funnel our purpose choices into accomplishing or creating something often get more affirmation and attention over others who focus on being a certain way in this world by intentionally enacting virtues like kindness, compassion, or gratitude in real-time.

I love writing goals for myself, especially on the cusp of a new month (week or year) after a good night’s sleep and a cup of coffee when everything in life feels oh so possible. However, sometimes my goal-achievement hit-rate is pretty paltry and discouraging, which prompts me to wonder about the value of setting goals in the first place.