Scroll. Like. Swipe. Repeat.
It’s easy to get stuck in the loop of consuming—videos, games, outfits, trends, even ideas.
But here’s something the algorithm won’t tell you:
The world needs more creators, not just consumers.
And if you’re a teen right now, guess what?
You are in the best position to start building things. Whether it’s an idea, a brand, a story, a song, or something nobody’s invented yet, your creativity is your greatest currency.
Let’s talk about why.
What Exactly Is a Creator?
Being a creator doesn’t mean you need to be TikTok famous or sell digital art for $1,000.
A creator is someone who:
- Builds something that didn’t exist before
- Expresses their unique perspective
- Shares ideas or solutions with others
You could be:
- Drawing comics in your notebook
- Starting a podcast with your best friend
- Designing stickers, jewelry, or merch on Etsy
- Coding a game in Roblox Studio
- Remixing songs just for fun
- Writing fanfiction, short stories, or blogs
If you’re doing something original, something you care about, congrats, you’re already a creator.
Why Creativity Is More Valuable Than Ever
In a world filled with automation and AI, creativity isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s essential.
Let’s break it down:
- AI can generate ideas. But YOU bring the emotion, vision, and personal voice.
- Jobs in every industry, from fashion to fintech, are looking for problem-solvers and storytellers.
- Companies want people who think differently, adapt quickly, and stand out.
Creativity teaches you all of that.
And guess what? Studies show that creative thinking is one of the top 5 most in-demand skills across the world (source: World Economic Forum).
“But I’m Not Creative” , Think Again
You don’t need to be a painter or poet to be creative.
Creativity is simply about:
- Seeing something in a new way
- Asking “What if?”
- Putting ideas together that don’t usually go together
It shows up in:
- Problem-solving in science class
- Rewriting your resume layout
- Turning a school project into a YouTube tutorial
- Figuring out how to turn your hobby into a side hustle
Even if you don’t realize it, you’re using creative thinking every day.
What Schools Don’t Always Teach
Let’s be honest:
School often teaches us how to find the right answer.
But the real world?
It rewards the ones who come up with the next answer.
Creativity teaches you how to:
- Tackle problems with curiosity
- Take risks, fail fast, and learn
- Tell your story in a way that connects with people
- Build something out of nothing, and then improve it
Imagine turning your science project into a prototype.
Or your love for sneakers into a reselling business.
Or your passion for mental health into an app or a podcast.
That is the power of creative thinking.
How to Start Thinking Like a Creator (Even if You Don’t Know Where to Begin)
Here’s the best part: you don’t need permission to start.
You just need to try.
Here are a few small steps:
- Take one thing you love, and remix it
- Start a mini side project (just for fun!)
- Challenge yourself to go 24 hours without consuming—and only creating
- Keep a “brain dump” notebook or app for ideas, doodles, storylines, or questions
- Learn something new every month (animation? woodworking? coding?)
The more you create, the more you see opportunities to build something from nothing.
Real-World Creators Who Started Young
Need a little inspiration? Check out:
- Emma Yang, who coded an app at 12 to help Alzheimer’s patients like her grandma (source: Forbes)
- Bea Dixon, who started making natural products in her kitchen, then built The Honey Pot Company
- JoJo Siwa, who turned YouTube videos and bows into a global brand
They didn’t wait to be chosen.
They created their own path.
Final Thought
The next generation of leaders, founders, and changemakers won’t just memorize facts.
They’ll be the ones who:
- Imagine new ideas
- Build something from scratch
- Turn a passion into a purpose
- Help others by creating something meaningful
So don’t wait for someone to tell you “you’re ready.”
You already are.
Create. Build. Share.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.