Are you feeling uninspired, stuck for ideas, and unsure what to create?
Perhaps you are learning or have developed skills but are not sure where to take them next?
All creatives have been there. That place of limbo where you feel stuck, when you may develop feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and discouragement. Rest assured that you are not alone, and this feeling is temporary!
Read on for some tips to help yourself escape a creative rut.
More of a video person? Scroll down to the bottom to see my January mini workshop all about How To Get Unstuck.
Self Care
First – you have to be in the right headspace and feeling good in order to create freely. That starts with making healthy life choices – eating well, exercising, meditating, and getting adequate sleep. Have you ever felt groggy after several nights of too little sleep and found that you’re more irritable? On the contrary, have you tried taking a nice, brisk walk in the morning and found it puts a positive spin on the rest of your day? This is a simple way that I personally love to start my day on the right foot.
I’m no health blogger or life coach, but I do believe there is benefit to taking care of yourself so that you feel good. Because when you feel good, you are more open to creation. Once those creative juices start going, you can achieve that flow state we are all seeking.
Find Art
Take a trip to your local museum or art gallery for inspiration from others. Take note of what catches your eye. Also take note of what you DON’T like, and ask yourself what it is that displeases you. You may be surprised that the things you initially dislike contain elements that in fact inspire you!
Nature’s Cures
The power of mother nature is so invigorating and is often where you’ll find the ‘Reset’ button. Whether it’s taking your dog for an extra long walk, going for a weekend hike, or waking up early to experience the sunrise in solitude; heading outdoors can do wonders for your right brain.
Read
Check out a good book from the library spend some down time reading. As a business owner, I tend to gravitate toward nonfiction books, but every so often I find it so refreshing to get lost in a good story. If it’s been a while since you read, try a collection of short stories – less commitment, but still an escape from the to-do’s of daily life.
Write
You don’t have to be a novelist or a poet to benefit from writing. It can be as simple as jotting down your thoughts, journaling about your day, or writing a letter to a friend. Always keep a notebook and a pen handy; carry it in your purse, have one by the bed, and even on the fridge. It’s so liberating to put a thought down on paper so you don’t have to carry it around all day. When you free up your memory banks, you make space to be creative. At the end of the day, reference your lists/ thoughts/ writing and let that guide your creativity!
Doodle!
This one is my favorite. Drawing doesn’t have to be result in a masterpiece, or even a likeness of what inspired you. Simple mark making, sketching, or doodling is such a great way to simply BEGIN when you feel stuck, and may inspire some marks that can lead to your next creative direction. If you begin a zero-pressure mentality and leave perfectionism and fear of failure at the door, you will find some lovely movements. Plus, it’s fun!
These are just a few ways that have worked for me. How do you get unstuck?
Drop us a comment to share your ideas with others!
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