How To Overcome a Creative Block

Have you ever been tasked to come up with something whether it be an idea, writing, drawing, etc. but found yourself struggling to start? Most people have experienced it at some point in their life or still occasionally experience it. It’s completely okay, but it can be very frustrating especially if you have a deadline. Overcoming a creative block can be difficult but it can be achieved

If you find yourself sitting in front of a blank canvas, an empty document page, or, you might be experiencing a creative block also known as writer’s block.

Creative block doesn’t just happen to writers. Creatives from all aspects, artists, musicians, poets, and entrepreneurs can suffer from it. Sometimes inspiration just doesn’t strike.

What is a creative block and how do you combat it when it hits? 

What Is Creative Block?

Creative blocks are described as the inability to start or finish an idea. It can be difficult to get past a creative block, but often simply becoming aware of when, how, and why a creative block develops can help a person work to address the creative block and prevent it from returning.  

Creative blocks can experienced by anyone, for a number of reasons. Many writers, artists, and musicians reported periods of stalled creativity at some point in their careers.

What Can Cause a Creative Block?

Stress

Stress can play a huge role in causing a creative block.

If you’ve got too much on your mind it can become impossible to come up with creative ideas. Stress can come from things such as paying for bills, meeting a deadline, pressures from your peers, etc.. It can cause you to feel worn out, tired, exhausted, and just not fully there. 

Fear

Fear can be another cause of a creative block.

Most creatives struggle with fear. Fear of putting themselves and their ideas out there. Others judging them or criticizing their work. Fear of being rejected by publishers or their readers. While fear is completely normal, it becomes a problem once it prevents you from creating anything new. Fear is possibly the biggest reason that some creatives don’t make it.

Motivation

Motivation is what drives your ability to work and come up with ideas.

The lack of motivation can cause you to be distracted and most of the time it causes you to procrastinate until the last limit. 

Ways To Overcome A Creative Block

Change of Scenery

Sometimes the environment that you work in all the time can prevent you from thinking straight at some points. If you’re used to creating ideas in your room, finding a new space to work may help. 

Try going to a coffee shop. The smell of fresh coffee being made can wake your senses and drive you to work.

Switching Tasks

Maybe you’ve been working on the same project for too long. 

Switching to a different project for a few minutes can help alleviate pressures from the previous one. Working on a new task can have the potential to give you new ideas for the old.

This could be another creative activity, like painting, or something simple, like walking the dog or cooking a nice meal. Switching tasks can be a quick reset if you’re feeling stuck.

Listen To Music

Studies have shown that music has the power to improve your mood and productivity. Discover what type of music helps you work best and turn on your favorite playlists when you face a block.

Eliminate Distractions

Distractions can be harmful during the creative process. Distractions can be in the form of noise, social media, your phone, tv, or your peers.

Try creating a distraction-free space for yourself when you’re writing or doing creative work. This includes both your physical space and mental space. Switch off all notifications, go offline if possible, and, if you work from home, let co-workers or family members know that you have office hours.

Take Breaks

Take breaks. Avoid being in your own work for too long can become overwhelming. Your work may be repetitive, dull, or lost.

Stepping away and taking breaks at certain intervals can help you relax and get your mind working again. Try not to take too many breaks where you start losing track of your progress or lack thereof.

Read or Research

Reading or researching certain topics can help you expand on what you’re working on.

Having previous or newfound knowledge on a particular subject helps the creativity flow a little better. Its that boost of confidence about knowing what you want to write about or work on that helps that drive a little more.

Exercise

One of the best ways to beat a creative block is by engaging in physical exercise. Going out to exercise has been proven to reduce stress, focus the mind, increase productivity, and enhance memory.

Go for a run or walk. Aerobic activity releases endorphins and helps memory and cognition.

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