6 Ways to Fix Creative Block and Get Inspiration
Like mechanics, a creative person runs into some difficulties with the process of creating new products. Writing becomes a chore, coming up with a script is difficult, coming up with a photographic idea becomes problematic. No matter what the deliverable is, the mind becomes dry and unresponsive. Things we do with ease without thinking about them suddenly become alien to us. These bricks are called creative blocks and they can be torturing. It's like dealing with a handicap. An ability you have but you have lost. It is painful because the mind is the site of creativity and ingenuity. If the mind is blocked, creativity is blocked and a creative will not have access to his utmost tool.
This week I'd share a few tips on how to overcome creative blocks:
Take a break and recharge: Like most creatives, I can bet that you most likely do not have a system that recharges you. Do not leave your breaks to chance. If we allow our system to block before we stop, we’d be causing lots of damage to the system or wasting resources because the cost of fixing is more than maintenance. Schedule routine walk time, reading time, praying time, meditation time and time to spend with friends. The mind makes use of those breaks by boosting our vitality and strengthening the elasticity of the mind.
Try a new approach: Never be afraid of engaging a new style, model, or approach when you hit a mental brick. Sometimes our love for safe corridors inhibits our desire to rethink our approach or to dismantle what is not working. Creating new products doesn't have to be like hitting against the wall. It doesn't have to be exhaustive. Shake things up, example experiment with a new medium, try new colour, meet new partners, connect with a new team. Always understand that it doesn't have to be one way, and there are more ways to either kill a bird or access a solution.
Collaborate with others: One way to not be overwhelmed by your own vistas is to connect with other people in your field. What is difficult for you currently is easy for some people. What is giving you stress is giving some people joy. Collaboration introduces you to the working ideologies and methodology of other creatives and professionals. Harness the inexpensive education of seeing how other people approach the same issue through collaboration.
Keep an idea notebook: Most blocks come from exhaustion. When people accept and succumb to the idea that they've used up every direction, clue, and resource to deliver on a project. What follows is mental helplessness and frustration that grounds them to spot. To avoid this, keep a notebook of ideas. Ideas are brain energizers that trick the brain to keep going.
Take on a creative challenge/Demand: The mind curates a way when there's an accepted demand. Sometimes another word for creative block is comfort zone. You will overcome it one goal at a time. When there's a deadline to meet, the mind works extra time to make it work. Same way if you create a demand zone and system, you'd overcome clocks. Demand the number of pieces you'd write in a week, the number of products you'd create in a month, the mind finds a way to sort its demand and give excuses for other things.
Stay around those who are doing things and listen to those who can inspire you: Find people who ignite your fire. Grant Cordone and Gary Vee kick me out of creative blocks through their channels. They tear my excuses and present themselves as a model to follow. Watching, reading and listening to them boots me out of creative blocks. It's difficult to sustain energy that is depleted in your environment if you're not plugged to one yourself.
I hope you've gotten some help with this series. I hope to read from you in the comments. Send personal questions you need answers to iyiolaabiola@gmail.com. Have a creative week and breakthrough from within.
Abiola Iyiola
Creative Director,
AI Leadership Consult
