While it’s often said that entitled individuals have a tendency to be self-centered, reluctant to apologize, and quick to complain when things don’t go their way, researchers Emily Zitek from Cornell and Lynne Vincent from Vanderbilt have identified a silver lining. Their recent study reveals that a certain type of entitlement—specifically, state entitlement—could actually foster creativity.
Zitek and Vincent found that those who feel entitled to demand the best for themselves are often motivated by a desire to stand out. In their experiments, participants were divided into two groups: one group was asked to contemplate reasons why they deserved special treatment, while the other focused on why they should not expect such benefits. The results were intriguing; those who embraced their entitlement performed better on creative tasks, such as brainstorming uses for a paperclip and envisioning extraterrestrial life. The entitled group produced more imaginative and varied responses overall.
Interestingly, the researchers note that entitlement can exist in two forms: as a stable personality trait or as a temporary psychological state. While a lasting sense of entitlement might be detrimental to creativity, brief boosts in this mindset can actually enhance imaginative performance.
During my own time in graduate school for creative writing, calling someone entitled was akin to throwing a verbal grenade! We all knew that pursuing an expensive degree in a field with no guaranteed financial rewards required a hefty spoonful of entitlement—or perhaps a sprinkle of delusion. The very act of labeling oneself a writer, and believing that one’s thoughts and stories deserved an audience, was a testament to that entitlement. I distinctly remember hurling the term at my peers while secretly fearing the same would be directed at me.
However, one of the most valuable lessons I learned during my studies was the necessity of believing that my voice mattered. While the worst connotation of entitlement suggests that the world owes us something, is it really so bad to feel deserving of good things? Especially in creative fields, where the “starving artist” trope is ever-present, it’s crucial to recognize our worth. Many artists face the harsh reality of sharing their work online for free while being told to be grateful for the exposure, rather than expecting fair compensation.
This brings to mind a recent incident involving novelist Tara West. She publicly vented her frustrations on social media after her latest work wasn’t included on a prestigious literary list. Her passionate assertion that her novel was exceptional drew criticism, but it also highlighted a sentiment that resonates with many in the creative community. Believing your work is worthy is often essential for creativity.
Elizabeth Gilbert, the author known for her insights on creativity, beautifully summed up this idea: “Creative entitlement doesn’t mean acting like a diva or thinking the world owes you anything. It’s about believing that you have a right to be heard and that your vision matters.”
When I explained the study to a fellow writer, he remarked that it sounded more like confidence than entitlement. It’s worth noting that the term “entitle” has roots in the Latin word for ownership, while “confidence” stems from trust. The takeaway from this research isn’t about insisting every artist ought to receive accolades, but rather that before diving into our creative endeavors, we should take a moment to affirm our self-worth.
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In summary, feeling entitled to good outcomes may not be as terrible as it seems—especially when it comes to nurturing our creative spirits. Embracing a temporary sense of entitlement can bolster our confidence and lead to greater innovation. So the next time you sit down to create, remember to give yourself the permission to shine!