From one of my newly discovered fav blogs, GapingVoid.com.
"So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years:
1. Ignore everybody.
2. The idea doesn’t have to be big. It just has to change the world.
3. Put the hours in.
4. If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
5. You are responsible for your own experience.
6. Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.
7. Keep your day job.
8. Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with companies that champion creativity.
9. Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.
10. The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props.
11. Don’t try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether.
12. If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.
13. Never compare your inside with somebody else’s outside.
14. Dying young is overrated.
15. The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.
16. The world is changing.
17. Merit can be bought. Passion can’t.
18. Avoid the Watercooler Gang.
19. Sing in your own voice.
20. The choice of media is irrelevant.
21. Selling out is harder than it looks.
22. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.
23. Worrying about "Commercial vs. Artistic" is a complete waste of time.
24. Don�t worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.
25. You have to find your own schtick.
26. Write from the heart.
27. The best way to get approval is not to need it.
28. Power is never given. Power is taken.
29. Whatever choice you make, The Devil gets his due eventually.
30. The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.
31. Remain frugal."
MORE: No, seriously. Carve out a 20 minute chunk from your life and read this. It could be the most interesting and inspiring thing you read this week.
The Bis Key Chronicles 
"Selling out is harder than it looks." How true. As is every single one of the thirty one points. Thanks.
They’re all great points. Especially #3. I’ve been practicing piano a lot more and the effect is amazing.
Great post! Glad you shared this :-)
Very interesting insightful comments from a person that has experienced life and had the sense enough to observe the "Whys".
I like to mention here one of my favorite quotes. It is from the Valley of Fear when Watson asks Sherlock Holmes, "Why when there are so many detectives in Scottland Yard, does only one of them come to ask for Sherlock’s assistant with his cases?"
Sherlock’s response has comforted me many a time.. He said, "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself. Intelligence instantly recognises genius."
There are few that can break out of convention… and I just would like to say.. I have just recognized genius! Thanks Gandalfe
This looks to be an interesting read. Thanks for the pointer.
These were excellent points on being creative. Reminds me of Rudyard Kipling’s: If (click on If) or Shakespeare’s quote from Hamlet…To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. William Shakespeare
I personally believe that creativity is a God-given gift and best expressed when we walk in the integrity of the Creator of that gift. (Male or female) Then it won’t be spoiled or wasted.
Beth