I‘m a fan of simple habits—small daily actions that integrate into a thoughtful life.

Doing dishes after a meal, taking an evening walk …and creating something new and lovely. Oh, how I love creativity and the way it enriches my days.

At one point, I didn’t think of myself as a creative person—but I wanted to be. So, I decided to create anyway. Know what I discovered?

When you engage your creativity every day, it becomes easier to do it, even if you thought you weren’t creative.

And what good does creating do?

1. Better problem solving

Creating opens up your brain to more creative solutions. You look at things and think, “There could be a better way.”

2. Increased focus

Creating consistently helps your focus. Ever noticed how hard it is to read without first checking your email, then jumping over to Facebook, then clicking on another website, and then over to Instagram?

(I’m not the only one, right?)

When you create something you really enjoy—writing, painting, making something with your hands, whatever—you get into a groove because you love it.

3. Self-awareness

Tapping into my creativity gave me a new appreciation for who I am—created in the image of a highly-imaginative God. I have this amazing ability to create something beautiful, to bring something delightful to the world.

What an awesome gift.

4. Giving

Once you create something, it’s a gift to give it to someone else and enjoy their delight.

I invited my grandma over for dinner one evening, and wanting to make it special, I made a place card for her. It had her name, written beautifully (well, I tried), with the meaning of her name printed underneath.

She was so touched by that simple gesture that she still has it on her fridge and talks about it whenever we visit.

Creativity matters. Not just for you, but for others, too.

You say you’re not creative? Start with a drawing—my favorite is sketching a layout of my tiny dream house. Maybe start a blog. Try those adult coloring books. Create and upload videos. Curate playlists of your favorite music.

Or, you could paint, crochet, make soap, sew, build, design… anything. Take a community cooking or pottery class. The possibilities are endless.

And when you hit on something you love, keep at it. Then, find a way to use your creativity to benefit someone else.

Just start. Make a point to create something every day, no matter how small.