Creativity just like anything else in our lives is innate and shaped by our environment.

Creativity what is it?

Creativity is the mental process involving the creation of new ideas, or being able to view experience something differently by associating existent concepts and ways of looking at things with tools available to you. Creativity comes from the Latin root creatus which means "to have grown".

Where does it come from?

Nature: Some of it is innate talent that we are born with that scientist attribute to the genes transferred to you from your biological parents, other attribute it to God etc. Basically we don't know (at least I don't know, maybe you do) where it comes from so we need to come up with a palatable story for ourselves. John Nash for example was born with an affinity for mathematics displayed in an early age in his fascination of mathematics, games and logic; he later went on to make significant contributions in game theory.

Nurture: The other contributing factor to creativity is how we are raised. Is it an environment that nurtures creativity? Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's father for example was a prominent court deputy and musical teacher. He nurtured Mozart's interest and provided him with opportunities to grow his talent.

Oppressive Environment: Often instead of a nurturing environment it is an oppressive environment that forces people to express themselves creatively. Pedro Almodovar is an example a famous Spanish film director famous for such films as Matador, All About My Mother, Talk to Her and many others.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Almodóvar

His creative melodramas show a deep exploration of the human psyche much of which is rooted in his own life experiences.

Creativity is often a retaliation to something and is triggered by events that change a person so much that he wants to let it out, share it with people and does so in the medium he is most familiar with. Often the most powerful works of art are triggered by something bad and often consumes the artist herself. Nash mentioned above for example fell victim to schizophrenia a point where to him the idea that aliens are sending messages to him was as plausible to him as his visions for mathematical solutions.

Is Creativity Cyclical?

I think a person is always creative. Creativity is a state or an attribute of a person. A person is either creative or not. This of course is relative to how one measures creativity and it does not mean that people cannot become more creative. Do you measure it by being able to think outside of the box and approach problems in a different way then your peers? Or is it measured by a product that others feel is significant?

Greatness and Genius

Great creative people those considered and remembered throughout history burn as bright as a flame and just as quickly are consumed by this internal fire that sets them apart from the rest of the world. There is a period in time where they are the most creative and original and this time is never eclipsed by a future period. Creativity in a person allows her to sense something in a different way and express it to others. Because its novel and fresh to the person it is often consuming, just like being with the same person for a long period of time, you begin to loose yourself for the sake of your relationship with the other person. With great artists, musicians etc. they often cannot deal with the world or even regular way of thinking or feeling after they have experienced this other sense and they loose themselves to it. Often it's the experience of not being able to grow, or believing that you are no longer growing that is what is difficult to deal with and makes creativity appear cyclical. However, for those of us making popsicle stick projects I do not think this state is anything to concern ourselves with.

Benefits of Creativity

Creativity allows us to approach things different ways. Often on resumes business and technical firms like to see interests under the Other section. Why? Because they want to work with a person not a machine. Creativity enriches your life and allows you to experience more of it.

Is Creativity Cyclical Part II and how do I start the cycle anew?

So we are back to is there a cycle. Unless you are a genius on the verge of burning out and by the way many of these geniuses have found their second wind in a different area of expertise where they were able to apply and prove themselves again. Yes creativity is cyclical, you have a vision and this allows you to channel your inate creativity into making this vision happen. However, if you stay with the same project, the same medium you will eventually get bored and get too good at whatever it is, such that the inspiration is no longer there. The best way to rekindle creativity, make a relationship feel new, make the day go faster is to try something new. Don't be afraid to fall down or be bad at something. Not only will you eventually get better but the newness will allow your creativity a new channel to flow through. In addition your acquired skills, or new ways of looking at things will produce synergies.

So is it God given, divine, only for that guy? NO WAY get out there and try something new. Finger painting, getting muddy jumping in puddles, picking up the guitar, unicycling is for everyone and will make you just that much happier. Have fun!