10 Tips to Overcome Your Creative Block

Creative blocks can be very frustrating, how can we ever get out of one? Find out how in 10 easy and applicable steps. 

Creative blocks; we all have them at some point. They can be very frustrating, making us feel that our golden touch has faded away. Sometimes, waiting it out could eventually work. But more often than not, a creative block can drag on for a very long time, extending to years in some extreme cases.

Whether you’re a writer or an artist, below are some tips and suggestions that could ease you back into your creative mode:

1. Assess why you have lost your inspiration in the first place

Identify the root cause that first got you demotivated.  Is it because you feel you’re doing the same thing over and over again? Perhaps you feel that your work is not being appreciated enough. Maybe you’re discouraged because you feel that you’re not improving. Know that for each obstacle, there is a practical solution, but the cause must be identified first.

2. Do it differently

Experiment with new ways of doing things. Use new mediums, or even learn a new program or application. You may also like to experiment with a new field. If you sing, play an instrument, and if you write fiction, maybe you can try out poetry.

Not only will you learn a new skill that could reignite your passion, but also the bridging that happens between two creative fields can be wonderful.

3. Ditch the phone

Your phone is killing your creative flow! Spend time away from the internet. You will notice that ideas will flow much better without the distraction of social media and the sound of constant notifications.

4. Awaken your memory

Go through your old stuff like your favorite books, journals, photos, and personal objects. They will reawaken your memory, and you might find inspiration as you remember the reasons why you first started your creative endeavor and the feelings of joy and fulfillment that came along.

5. Expose yourself to inspirational content

Reading begets writing, so take the time to read books and titles that fascinate you, and you will find your pen flowing again. View artworks and design magazines and they will incite you to create your own.

6. Share your work

Find channels to submit your work and show it to the world. Having your work recognized by an official entity will make you more confident and give you an incentive to do more.

7. Do it anyway

Even if you don’t feel like creating today, pick up your tools and make yourself do it. Sometimes that’s all it takes, and you will wish you’d just done it a long time ago! Even if the outcome is not amazing the first time around, initiating can propel you to create more.

8. Take a break

A lot of the frustration that comes with a creative block stems from feeling guilty for stalling. Allow yourself a guilt-free break from your endeavors, but put a deadline. Once the deadline is over, just get started.

9. Take classes

Taking classes can help you learn new techniques and improve drastically, giving you more confidence and energy to create. There is always room to learn, even if you have been at your craft for many years. You can also take online classes from the comfort of your home.

10. Be part of a community

Join events that promote creativity and collaboration. Workshops, seminars, forums, or even simple get-togethers can inspire as you familiarize yourself with the scene. It may also open the door for conversations and future collaborations.