As we become adults, we feel the need to conform to social norms. We care about what people think about us, what they say behind our backs, and how they judge our actions. However, this can often stop us from expressing what we really think and doing things we truly want to do. In other words, our subconscious desire to conform to the expectations of others hinders our creativity.

Creativity is key to achieving your goals and solving any problems you might face, and it also helps you feel free and confident. Many people say they’re not creative. In reality, that is simply not true. Creativity is not about painting amazing pictures, playing a musical instrument, or writing poems. It’s about doing daily things in a way only you can do them. When you choose which outfit you’ll wear, which book you’ll read, or even what you’ll cook for dinner, you’re being creative.

Let’s do a simple exercise. Imagine a dog. It can be any dog: your dog, your friend’s dog, or one you just made up in your mind. Then, take a sheet of paper or open the notes app on your phone and describe that dog in any way you like. “And what does that have to do with anything?” you might ask. Well, no one in the history of humanity has described a dog exactly as you just did, and they probably never will. What’s not incredibly creative about that?

Creativity requires you to be a little selfish. And while it’s often seen as a negative trait, a bit of selfishness can benefit you a lot. It doesn’t mean disregarding everyone else around you but simply prioritizing your needs. This way, you can unlock the weird and creative part of your personality. It doesn’t matter if someone tells you your ideas are crazy—yes, they might be a little odd, but that’s what creativity is about. Without it, everything becomes predictable and boring.

Now, let’s do another simple exercise. At the top of the paper, write about how you were creative yesterday but didn’t appreciate it then. At the bottom of the paper, write a big creative goal you want to achieve. The journey from small everyday creativity to your big project is possible, no matter how far away they seem. Draw the line connecting the two. See, you just did it.