This week's readings are interesting and insightful. I found it very intriguing to learn more about specific personality traits that can be used to describe those who are creative. I also found the information about birth order to be fascinating as well. Although I am still struggling to consider myself a creative person I did identify with several of the characteristics (both positive and negative) and birth order implications.
In our text Table 5.2 describes "Categories of Recurrent Personality Traits of Creative People." After careful examination of the list I most identified with #3 - Independent. As an only child I like to think of myself as a very independent individual. I enjoy time by myself and I feel confident doing tasks on my own. In fact, I would much rather do something myself than ask for help or have someone do it for me. Some of these characteristics that I identified with most are: prefers working alone, strong willed, self-directed, self-organized. It is very curious to me how many of the characteristics that are used to describe someone who is independent describe me in my job but not in my personal life. For example, within my job I am very confident. I am also assertive. I wish that I could be as confident, calm, cool under pressure, and decisive in my personal life as I am as a teacher. I wonder what that must mean about my ability to be creative...
As far as birth order goes I have to say I am not surprised by what I read. It wasn't a shock to discover that most politicians and those with highly regarded professions were first born or only children. It makes sense. Unfortunately was never one of those only children with a IQ through the roof. I did however have an eye on me at all times. I remember saying during arguments with my parents as a teenager, "If I only had a brother you wouldn't think I was so bad." I think this type of attention can have both a positive and negative impact on only children or first borns. It truly is a perfect catch 22 scenario. On one hand it is wonderful to be the only apple in someone's eye. On the other hand it can be stressful to always feel the pressure of meeting someone's expectations.
Regardless of birth order I like to think I have creative characteristics within me. Although I may not be the most creative person on the planet I am a little creative and that is better than not being creative at all.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I'm the mother of an only child and I've often wondered what her thought patterns must be like. I think your examples are very similar to what she would say. It's made me more aware of my comments and expectations of her.
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