What Happens When We Ignore Our Creativity?
The Hidden Consequences of Suppressing Your Creative Expression
“Unused creativity is not benign…. It metastasizes. It turns into grief, rage, judgment, sorrow, shame. But we are divine beings, and we are by nature creative. And It gets lost along the way. It gets shamed out of us.” Brene Brown
Unused creativity is dangerous.
Remember this quote the next time you think you don’t have the time or energy to be creative. Remember this quote the next time you think you don’t have the money or the ability to be creative.
“There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Unused creativity doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear. The only unique contribution that we will ever make in this world will be born of our creativity. If we want to make meaning, we need to make art. Cook, write, draw, doodle, paint, scrapbook, take pictures, collage, knit, rebuild an engine, sculpt, dance, decorate, act, sing—it doesn’t matter. As long as we’re creating, we’re cultivating meaning.”
Creativity is essential to being human—it's how we process the world, solve problems, and express our inner truths. When we neglect or suppress our creativity, there are real consequences. Here are some of the perils of unused creativity:
1. Creative Stagnation Leads to Emotional Frustration
Creativity is energy, and when it’s not expressed, it doesn’t just disappear—it turns inward. This can manifest as restlessness, irritability, or even a sense of emptiness.
Unused creativity often finds an outlet in destructive ways, like self-criticism, comparison, or even cynicism toward others who are creating.
2. Suppressing Creativity Can Lead to Mental and Physical Distress
People who ignore their creative impulses often experience heightened stress, anxiety, or even depression because they are suppressing an essential part of themselves.
Creativity is a form of play; without it, life can become rigid, routine, and devoid of spontaneity—contributing to burnout.
3. Creativity Is an Internal Compass—Ignoring It Leads to Disconnection
Creativity helps us make sense of our experiences. When we ignore it, we lose touch with our intuition and deeper understanding of purpose.
This disconnection can manifest as feelings of loss, uninspiredness, or uncertainty about what we truly want in life.
Many people who suppress creativity feel "going through the motions" rather than truly living.
4. Unused Creativity Breeds Regret
One of the most common regrets people express later in life is not pursuing their creative ideas or passions.
Creativity often requires courage, and failing to act on it can lead to self-doubt and a nagging feeling of "What if?"
Every creative impulse is a chance to build something meaningful—whether or not it’s “successful” by external standards.
5. The World Misses Out on Your Unique Perspective
Creativity is how we contribute something only we can bring to the world. When we hold back, we deprive others of ideas, stories, or innovations that could inspire them.
Even if your work doesn’t reach millions, it could impact one person profoundly—and that matters.
6. Creativity atrophies when it’s not exercised
Like a muscle, creativity weakens when it’s not used. The longer we ignore it, the harder it becomes to access.
Many people stop themselves from creating because they fear they aren’t “good enough.” But the truth is that creativity flourishes with practice, not perfection.
How to Honor Your Creativity
Create without expectation – Allow yourself to make things just for the joy of it, not for an outcome.
Make space for curiosity – Follow the tiny sparks of interest, even if they don’t seem “productive.”
Recognize creativity in all its forms—writing, painting, music, problem-solving, gardening, cooking—it is everywhere.
Silence the inner critic – Permit yourself to create, experiment, and play poorly.
Surround yourself with creativity – Read, watch, and engage with things that inspire you.
Commit to creative practice – Even small, consistent actions will keep your creative energy alive.
Creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Ignoring it leads to stagnation, but nurturing it opens doors to self-discovery, joy, and connection. The choice is always yours and mine.