There Is No Lazy Genius – Creativity is a Gift, Effort is a Choice

Some question whether creativity is truly a gift. I have my own opinion.
The word "gift" comes from the Latin donum and means blessing, present – something innate, a natural ability that allows someone to perform a particular task with ease.

The word "creativity," also of Latin origin, is linked to creare (to create), idea (idea), and ingeniosus (creative). In essence, creativity is the natural ability to invent and bring new things to life – and that, in itself, defines it as a gift.

From the moment we are born, we carry gifts with us – love, life, empathy. Creativity is also among them, but with something special: it connects us to the act of creating. While many gifts reveal God’s care for us, creativity reveals the reflection of the Creator in us. After all, we were made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). And if the first act of God recorded in the Bible was to create the world, wouldn’t it be natural for a piece of that creative essence to pulse within us?

If you haven’t had the chance to read the article "The Source of Creativity Is Within You – Learn to Access It," it’s worth checking out. In it, we dive deeper into creativity and explore how to tap into this inexhaustible source. But today, the idea goes a bit further. Let's deepen the topic by now exploring the meaning of talent and what distinguishes it from a gift, paving the way for the core of this article.

The word talent derives from the Latin habilitas – a term that refers to aptitude, capability, or skill. This reveals something interesting: unlike a gift, which is innate, talent can be learned, developed, and refined through practice and dedication.

Think, for example, of someone determined and disciplined who decides to play the piano. Even without the natural gift, constant practice and creativity lead them to their goal: to play the instrument. On the other hand, someone born with the gift of music tends to adopt this talent much more easily. Learning flows, as if the notes dance on their fingers without apparent effort. But this does not mean that a gift eliminates the need for dedication. Even the most talented must study, improve, and refine their skills.

Genius emerges when the perfect combination of gift, creativity, and personal effort takes place. Creativity, which blossoms with stimulation, reaches its peak when combined with relentless discipline. There is no lazy genius.

The success of João Carlos Martins is living proof that a gift, combined with unwavering dedication – practicing up to 14 hours a day – transforms effort into genius and leaves a mark on the history of classical music.

Pablo Picasso used to say: "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." He produced about 50,000 works throughout his life, and reports indicate that he spent most of his days painting, drawing, or sculpting, often working through the night in his studios.

Leonardo da Vinci divided his days between scientific experiments, engineering projects, and artistic creations. He was known to sleep in short cycles, allowing him to dedicate more time to study and creation, spending long hours exploring and refining his skills.

Charlie Chaplin rehearsed each scene tirelessly and demanded the same from his actors. During the production of City Lights, he had actress Virginia Cherrill repeat a scene of raising her eyes 342 times until she achieved the expression he sought.

All the great masters of music, art, and science devoted countless hours to refining their gifts. This trio – gift, creativity at its highest potential, and unwavering effort – is what separates geniuses from the talented.

Therefore, there are no excuses. Creativity is a universal gift, present in all of us since birth. The rest – effort, preparation, and perseverance – is in our hands. We may not all become geniuses, but as director and screenwriter James Cameron said:
"If you set your goals ridiculously high and fail, you will still be above everyone else’s success."

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About the Author: Alessandro Barros is a Christian screenwriter and filmmaker, dedicated to using art as part of his calling to inspire and connect people to faith.

Follow the author on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aale_barros/

Check it out: The Source of Creativity Is Within You – Learn to Access It

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