There’s something truly magical about watching a child create. Whether they’re building a tower out of blocks, scribbling on a piece of paper, or crafting imaginary worlds from a cardboard box, their approach to creation is full of wonder, curiosity, and pure joy. But as we grow older, we often lose touch with that childlike mindset—the fearless, open-minded approach to making something from nothing.
Yet, when it comes to makers—whether they’re artists, engineers, designers, or entrepreneurs—this childlike mindset is the secret ingredient that makes their work come alive. The best makers don’t just make; they play. They experiment, they explore, and they approach their craft with a sense of wonder and discovery that we often forget to embrace as adults.
So, what is it about the childlike mindset that makes makers so successful, and how can we tap into it to fuel our own creativity? Let’s dive in.
The Power of Curiosity: Asking “What If?”
If you watch a child at play, one thing is clear: curiosity is their driving force. They ask a lot of questions, and no idea is too wild to explore. They constantly ask, “What if?” or “Can I make this work?” and then dive into the unknown without hesitation. It’s this fearless curiosity that allows them to experiment without worrying about failing.
In contrast, as adults, we often hold back. We ask, “What if I mess up?” or “What if it’s not perfect?” And as a result, we play it safe, sticking to what we know and avoiding risks. But the childlike maker isn’t afraid of mistakes—they see them as part of the process.
Tip #1: Embrace the “What If”
The next time you’re working on a project, ask yourself: What if I tried something totally new? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore uncharted territory. Like a child, allow yourself to play with ideas that might seem silly or impractical at first. Often, those are the ideas that lead to the most exciting breakthroughs.
Creativity Without Boundaries: Imagination as a Tool
Children are known for their incredible imaginations. A box isn’t just a box; it’s a spaceship, a castle, or a secret hideout. A stick isn’t just a stick; it’s a magic wand, a sword, or a fishing rod. This ability to transform everyday objects into something extraordinary is a hallmark of the childlike mindset—and it’s a powerful tool for any maker.
As adults, we often limit ourselves with constraints—budget, resources, time, expectations. While these are important factors, they can sometimes stifle our creativity. Makers, however, thrive when they allow themselves to think beyond the usual constraints, imagining new possibilities without immediately considering how they might execute them.
Tip #2: Break Free from Constraints
Try to spend some time creating without thinking about limitations. Let your imagination run wild, just like a child does when they play. Create a “dream board” for a project, where there are no boundaries—just possibilities. This type of creative freedom can lead to unexpected solutions and inspire you to see things from new perspectives.
The Joy of Process Over Perfection
If you’ve ever watched a child create, you’ve likely noticed that they don’t care much about the end result. They’re not obsessing over whether their drawing looks like a tree or if their block tower is perfectly straight. What they care about is the process—the joy of putting things together, experimenting, and seeing what happens next.
In contrast, many adults get caught up in perfectionism. We want our work to be flawless, and as a result, we often get paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes. But the childlike maker understands that the act of creation itself is what matters most, not the finished product. Mistakes are part of the fun, and sometimes they lead to the best discoveries.
Tip #3: Focus on the Process
Next time you’re working on something creative, shift your focus from outcome to process. Allow yourself to play with ideas, explore new techniques, and enjoy the act of creating without stressing about perfection. Remember, some of the greatest discoveries were made by accident!
Playfulness: Turning Work into Fun
Children don’t view their activities as “work.” To them, everything is an opportunity for play. And it’s this playfulness that makes their creations feel so fresh, fun, and full of energy. As adults, we tend to compartmentalize work and play, believing that play is something to be done in our free time, while work is something serious and structured.
But for the childlike maker, there is no distinction between work and play. Play is an essential part of the creative process, helping to unlock new ideas, refresh the mind, and approach problems from a different angle. When you can tap into that playful mindset, work becomes less of a chore and more of an opportunity for discovery.
Tip #4: Incorporate Play into Your Routine
Bring more play into your creative process. Try approaching a project with a mindset of experimentation and fun. If you’re designing something, make it playful—maybe try using unexpected colors or materials. If you’re working on a problem, let yourself explore wildly different solutions. The more you can bring fun into the equation, the more creative and energized you’ll feel.
Persistence: Sticking with It, No Matter What
One of the most impressive qualities of children is their determination. If a child is building a tower and it falls down, they don’t give up. They simply try again. And again. And again. There’s no fear of failure—just a sense of persistence and resilience that helps them push through challenges.
As adults, we often get discouraged when things don’t go according to plan, but the childlike mindset reminds us that failure is just a part of the journey. In fact, it’s often the mistakes and missteps that teach us the most and ultimately lead us to success.
Tip #5: Embrace Persistence
Channel your inner child when things don’t go your way. Don’t be afraid to fail—just keep experimenting, trying, and refining. The more you embrace persistence, the more you’ll discover new ways to approach challenges. Remember, every failure brings you one step closer to success.
The Magic of Wonder and Possibility
Children have an innate sense of wonder about the world. Everything is new, exciting, and full of possibility. As we grow older, we often lose that sense of wonder, becoming more focused on practicality and the limitations of what’s possible. But for makers, maintaining a sense of wonder is essential.
When you approach creation with a sense of awe and possibility, the world opens up to you. Suddenly, you see opportunities everywhere. The world is full of materials, ideas, and connections that can inspire you in ways you never expected. By embracing that childlike wonder, you unlock a whole new level of creativity.
Tip #6: Stay Curious
Never stop exploring the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Look for inspiration in unexpected places, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you allow yourself to be amazed by the world around you, the more creative you’ll become.
Closing Thoughts: Make Like a Child, Create Like a Maker
The childlike mindset isn’t about being immature or naive; it’s about embracing the freedom, joy, and creativity that come with approaching life with an open mind. Makers who tap into this mindset allow themselves to experiment, explore, and persist without worrying about perfection.
So next time you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, take a moment to reconnect with your inner child. Play, explore, wonder, and create without limits. In the end, it’s that childlike mindset that can unlock the most powerful, authentic creativity within you.
