98% of Kids Are Creative Geniuses—Why Do Adults Lose It?
We’ve all heard that kids are little creativity machines, but did you know that 98% of 5-year-olds test as creative geniuses and by adulthood, that number nosedives to a dismal 2%. What gives? More importantly, how can we reignite creativity that’s lost or needs a boost? Spoiler alert: it’s not too late. With a few key habits—play, curiosity, and courage—you can unlock your creative potential.
Key Insight: Why Do We Lose Creativity?
In the 1960s, NASA tested creativity in kids and found that 98% of 5-year-olds were classified as creative geniuses. By age 10, only 30% still had that spark, and by 15, it had dropped to 12%. The adult group? Just 2% retained their creative genius. Why? Traditional schooling and societal norms favor critical thinking over imaginative exploration. But here’s the twist: we need both.
Creativity fades, but it’s not gone for good. The biggest hurdle? Fear—fear of failure, fear of looking silly, fear of the unknown. Luckily, creativity can be rekindled with three simple habits.
Habit 1: Be Playful
Somewhere along the line, “play” became a dirty word for adults. We see it as unproductive or childish. But what if we reframed it? Play is about being fully present, letting go of outcomes, and allowing your brain to connect the dots in new ways. Monks call it joy, scientists call it essential, and your brain calls it a creativity cocktail—clink—cheers.
Play fuels imagination: Your brain's creativity centers light up when you’re playful.
Play isn’t just for kids: Adults who play become better problem solvers and more innovative.
It’s not about being childish: Play helps you think with an open mind and find fresh perspectives.
Key Takeaways:
Play boosts problem-solving skills by up to 20%.
Companies like Google and LEGO use play to fuel innovation.
Reframe play as letting go of outcomes—it’s not about winning, it’s about doing.
Habit 2: Be Curious
Curiosity is the engine behind every great discovery. It’s about asking, “What if?” and leaning into the unknown. The magic isn’t in knowing all the answers—it’s in finding them. Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, often emphasizes the importance of approaching challenges with the right mindset. He points out that those who look at obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth—rather than as problems to avoid—are the ones who ultimately find creative solutions. For example, he notes that “You’ll never stumble upon the unexpected if you stick only to the familiar” Curiosity encourages fearless expiration where we can embrace questions, challenge assumptions, and keep learning.
Curiosity drives learning: Asking “What if?” opens your mind to new possibilities.
Not knowing is powerful: It’s not about having answers but enjoying the discovery process.
Curiosity disrupts routine: Thinking like a beginner helps you find innovative solutions.
Key Takeaways:
Curiosity leads to a 30% increase in innovative ideas.
You don’t need the answers—asking questions is what gets you there.
Ask yourself, “What else is possible?” and let the creative doors open.
Habit 3: Be Courageous
Courage is our third habit and it isn’t something you find before you act—it’s something you build through action. You don’t become courageous by standing at the edge of the pool. You become courageous by jumping in. Fear is natural, but the trick is to acknowledge it and act anyway. Creativity thrives when you take risks, even if you’re unsure of the outcome.
Courage combats fear: Stepping into the unknown is uncomfortable, but it’s essential for innovation.
Failure is part of the process: Taking risks means accepting that not every idea will work—and that’s okay.
Start small: Build courage by taking small steps outside your comfort zone.
Key Takeaways:
Courage doesn’t happen before action—it develops through action.
Fear is normal; it’s how you manage it that matters.
Small, bold steps lead to bigger creative breakthroughs.
Conclusion: Unlock Your Creative Genius
Creativity isn’t something you outgrow—it’s something you stop practicing. By embracing play, curiosity, and courage, you can tap back into your creative genius and approach problems from a whole new angle.
Final Takeaways:
Play drives imagination, making creativity feel effortless.
Curiosity sparks exploration, leading to innovative solutions.
Courage pushes you to act, even when fear tries to hold you back.
Start small, embrace these habits, and watch your creativity soar. That’s it! Now, go out there, be playful, stay curious, and take those courageous leaps. Your creativity is just waiting for you to jump back in.