Creativity: the key to freedom
Inner freedom is absolute.
Outer freedom is relative—to your level of creativity.
You can't have one without the other.
What's creativity?
It's the ability to make connections that are not normally made.
Your level of creativity determines the natural level of success, fulfillment, and freedom you experience in your life.
Here are:
The 6 levels of creativity
From outside to inward focus:
- Untrained Imitation
- Trained Imitation
- Low-Level Derivative
- High-Level Derivative
- Innovative Inventive
- Genius
It’s a continuum from 'living by convention' to 'living by invention'.
The more creative you are, the less you're restricted by your circumstances.
Let me give you an example:
- Untrained Imitation: A new barista starts at Starbucks. He follows recipes step-by-step without understanding yet—purely copying instructions.
- Trained Imitation: With training, the barista masters Starbucks’ processes and internalizes the techniques, confidently executing the recipes.
- Low-Level Derivative: The barista adds a creative twist, like inventing a coffee cocktail that combines espresso with ginger ale—a small, personal innovation.
- High-Level Derivative: They create a unique seasonal drink or product line that significantly enhances Starbucks’ offerings, gaining recognition for originality.
- Innovative Inventive: He comes up with a new category, like Starbucks Live Music, redefining customer experiences in the coffee space.
- Genius: Howard Schultz invents the “third place” concept, transforming Starbucks into a global cultural phenomenon and reshaping café culture.
Most people stop at imitation or low-level derivative—repeating or optimizing processes—but never create something truly new.
As a result, life becomes a mechanical grind. (I’ve been there.)
The truth: Life is not a process. Life is to be lived.
Who you are is inherently creative.
- Your spirit falls asleep copying others.
- But thrives on bringing something new into being.
The levels suggest a gradual advancement from one step to the other.
That's not true: Genius is always within you.
It’s not a skill to be learned but a natural ability. To access and actualize.
Genius is not only about what you create—it’s about being true to yourself: expressing & following through on YOUR unique ideas.
When you tap into this level of creativity, things shift.
- You become clear on what makes you unique.
- Your vision for your life crystallizes.
- You drastically improve the odds of successfully creating that.
The impossible becomes possible.
From meaningful relationships, prosperity, artistic expression, turning your passion into a thriving business, adventure—to inner qualities such as love, compassion, or presence.
Instead of walking the boring, beaten track, you create your own way.