# The 10 Paradoxical Traits of Creative People From [Mihaly Csik­szent­mi­ha­lyi](https://www.cgu.edu/people/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/) in his book [_Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061339202/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=openculture-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0061339202&linkId=3b044fb91aa2645f85bf647756ba5724). > 1. Creative people have a great deal of physical energy, but they're also often quiet and at rest. > > 2. Creative people tend to be smart yet naive at the same time. > > 3. Creative people combine playfulness and discipline, or responsibility and irresponsibility. > > 4. Creative people alternate between imagination and fantasy, and a rooted sense of reality. > > 5. Creative people trend to be both extroverted and introverted. > > 6. Creative people are humble and proud at the same time. > > 7. Creative people, to an extent, escape rigid gender role stereotyping. > > 8. Creative people are both rebellious and conservative. > > 9. Most creative people are very passionate about their work, yet they can be extremely objective about it as well. > > 10. Creative people's openness and sensitivity often exposes them to suffering and pain, yet also to a great deal of enjoyment. --- Learn more… - [The 10 Paradoxical Traits of Creative People, According to Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (RIP) on OpenCulture](https://www.openculture.com/2021/11/the-10-paradoxical-traits-of-creative-people-according-to-psychologist-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-rip.html) --- tags: #creativity #process #mindset home: [[! creative process]]