Does creative block have you by the neck? Feeling uninspired or not feeling it when it comes to moving forward with a new project? Chances are you’ve run into a mental dead end and you’re here looking for something to get your imaginative juices flowing again.
Worry not! You’re not alone. In fact, today we are going to discuss simple ways to tackle ye ole innovative block and my version of beating creative dead end till the white meat shows. 4 Tips on how you too can overcome this common issue amongst creatives. Keep reading i’ve got you covered!
Relax, It Happens To Everyone.
First, understand you aren’t the only one who has or will deal with this. Creative block happens to the best of us. Unfortunately no one plans to have a creative block, life’s pressure and other factors happen and it… happens.
“A creative block is a phenomenon best described as an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in the creative process without the ability to move forward and make anything new. You may find yourself staring at your computer screen or the blank page, struggling to take the next step. Perfectionism, your inner critic or self-doubt may be inhibiting your creative thinking. ” (source Masterclass.com)
Creative burnout is a real thing, and sometimes can be overlooked as something else. More than likely you’re not depressed, you’re just blocked from your next great post, or video. Here are a few symptoms of creative block.
- Inability to focus – finding yourself unable to complete or more less start a new project
- You’re doubting yourself – you question everything you do. Is what i’m doing good enough?
- Overwhelmed – everything seems like too much
- Comparison – Obsessed with other’s work. Frustrated they are where they are and you aren’t.
If you can relate to any of these, chances are you’re in a full out creative block. You’re not the only one, keep reading to learn about my struggle with creative block.
My Tango With Creative Block
More recently after having a hot streak of pumping out fire content and consistently posting to all my social media accounts for about 6 months straight. One day, I woke up and felt… uninspired. Nothing, zip, zilch. Just gross. I didn’t have the desire to create new content and my brain felt dried up, I missing my ‘muchness’ when it comes the ability to hatch beautiful ideas on command.
Of course, there are always contributing factors. For me personally, I had recently moved, dealing with typical single mom shit, and day to day business operations. Sis, was burnt out physically, emotionally, and mentally. And for the first time since I started Eat n’ Bougie my creative process was effected. Maybe it was the change of environment and overthinking, but more than likely unnecessary stress. I don’t know the cause 100%, but I felt completely lost in terms of making new content.
Girl, Just Stop. It’s Okay.
I made the decision to put down the vlog camera, ignore my laptop, not whip out my iPhone at any given moment, and took a pause on developing new content. I realized, it’s okay not to be filming, writing, or making content if I can’t handle it. Besides, It’s always quality over quantity in my book. Had I not made the decision to stop I would be posting lackluster content just for the sake of posting.
Truth be told, my decision was a little unsettling. Make it, extremely unsettling. Mainly because I had just gotten PR packages from 3 new brands. You never want to have people waiting on content, especially as a newbie creator and an overall professional. But what do you want from a girl? I’m literally moving all my crap from one space to another, sincerely thinking of becoming a minimalist, and contemplated shutting down my business altogether. And I was one phone call not being answered by my best friend away from considering checking into a facility (LOL NO CAP). All in a 2 week period. Trust me, the last thing on my mind was recording a sweatshirt for a GRWM ad. Tuh.
Now What?
With emails and dms on my back about “where’s my shit” lol. (not really, but really) I became proactive and sent out professional notice that I was moving and I needed a few days to get settled and gave realistic deadlines to have the work completed. I left off the portion about nearing a mental break down lol.
Whew. That was that. Now… how the heck do I get my creativity turned on to have the drive to do this again? It was a process but I made it through and thought this would be the perfect way to help someone else who may have a dried creative tap. Keep reading I’m going to give you 4 ways I overcame a creative burnout. Hopefully these steps will get your mojo back sooner than later. You got this sis, and help is here.
4 Ways To Overcome Creative Block
Go To God and Then Within
I know this sounds like a typical philosophical answer but it’s true. Whoever you go to for source, start there and head in that direction. I simply meditated and prayed. There was something about surrendering it all to God and asking for the spiritual guidance needed to get back to creating. It felt amazing and released a lot of pressure.
Praying more and worrying less is truly a thing.
I kid you not, within days little things showed up as a sign everything would be okay. Which in turn gave me a sense of peace and calmness. One thing I specifically want to acknowledge was a Youtube video a friend sent me from the lovely Sarah Jakes Roberts. The title of this topic was I know Better. It had the tears rolling and literally cleansed my spirit of what had been weighing me down.
From there I felt the sense of gratitude which made me show it more. We all know gratitude is the stimulant for personal growth, receiving, and mental healthiness. Once I gave my problems to God things started happened within. I felt less worry about life and my creative spark was flickering.
“There was something about surrendering it all to God and asking for the spiritual guidance needed to get back to creating.”
Do Things With Love
Although I believe love is not all you need, it’s powerful. I started focus on things and people I loved. It was something as simple as texting an old friend kind words and ending it with an I love you. Talking to my silly son and confessing my love for him. Or simply hugging my daughter. Lots “Girl, I’ve gotta laugh to keep from crying” conversations took place. Doing these small acts boosted serotonin and those feels loosened the block in my brain to start to flow again.
Do Some Drugs
Seriously, everyone has a drug of choice. Whether it be yoga, taking a walk in nature, or unnecessary shopping. Do it. Truthfully I tried an edible (IYKYK lol) and boy, within an hour the inspiration started pouring out. Before I knew it, I was inspired to write the post that you’re reading right now.
Please don’t read this post and do something wild and end up in jail. I don’t have your bond money love. However, find a vice that stimulates happiness and creative flow and do it. Another drug of choice for me, just chilling the freak out. My daughter and I had our infamous girls night with snacks and watched Disney+ on our big comfy couch. It felt good not to worry about anything and relax. We revisited Peter Pan. Did you know Peter was a such a player? lol
Just Do It
Sometimes the best way to get rolling again is just to jump into it. I had to overcome all distractions and personally demand creative time. I grabbed my hard drive and plugged it in, took my camera out of the drawer, and just started rolling. Granted, I probably won’t use the footage but it stimulated the act of working again. From there, I started watching my old content, reading blog posts and was like ‘okay girl!’. Looking at how far I’ve come inspired me. Go figure. Next thing I know I’m back in front of my camera in my new space floating and doing what I love. The pictures in this post are an example of me getting back to someTHING.
A combination of these 4 simple practices and a little determination had me beating creative block in the head till the white meat showed lol.
Wrapping Things Up: Beating Creative Block
These are just a few ways I got my wheels turning again. Granted it all took about a week and I still feel a little unsure even writing this post. However, one of the main factors that can help us through this, is knowing we have a goal and dream we have vowed to accomplish. Suck it up buttercup. Get ish done!
Remember, everyday is not going to be the best day, but its a new day to try. And just like a snowball rolling down the hill, it starts off small but with a little push and momentum it will evolve into something BIG.
Feeling a little pressed creatively? Let’s talk about it and get through this together. Drop some comments below to let me know your creative block stories and how you are getting/ got through it. Hopefully this article contributes to getting you out of this rut and running again.
Keep going creator, you’re amazing and we need you.
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-Ash
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