WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL CREATIVE
Recently, I have been going through a phase of life where I want to do absolutely nothing inside my house – go figure, right? This feeling has made me feel extremely uncreative – which hardly ever happens. I’m constantly making content whether I show it or not, and recently I haven’t been creating anything. If you are feeling the same way, here are a few tips that helped me get back into my regular schedule (other than waking up at 1:00 pm – that’s beside the point).
+ TRY SOMETHING NEW
Easier said than done, but when I have hit a creative road block, I find a new hobby to pursue in order to give my creative thinking a new perspective. For me as a blogger, that means focusing on more visual platforms.
For you, it might mean cooking a new recipe, or going to a new class on the weekends. Do something new to not only grow your creative background but to give a refreshing break to your usual practice.
+ TAKE A NEW TRIP
Maybe it’s not enough to change rooms or even change buildings for that matter. Maybe you just need a trip out of town to be around a new culture. Take a trip with some friends and enjoy your time together. This helps you have some free time and fresh air to clear your mind.
+ READ A BOOK
As a creative, this helps me become a better writer – and learn so much more. You can create more conversations when you read books, and become a better communicator. If you do not know what to start reading - Start with this awesome list of creative books.
+ LISTEN TO A PODCAST
There’s a podcast for almost anything. Podcasts are great for car rides, but also for a music replacement while you work. Instead of listening to your favorite music stream, check out a podcast that will bring new insight as you work.
When I start looking for podcasts, I look for my professional heroes or finding a podcast with an interesting title – that has been shared before. Some of my favorite speakers are: Joyce Meyer, Steven Furtik, and Off The Gram. I like to listen to motivational podcasts when I am not working, or not motivated to do anything – this keeps positivity running through my mind, so I am never negative about any situation.
+ COLLABORATE WITH OTHER CREATIVES
When we hit a problem, most of us try to solve it ourselves. But sometimes the solution will only be found when you talk it out with someone else. Creating new projects with others can help inspire ideas that you did not know you had before. No matter what your profession might be, it is always good to collaborate with somebody at some point. Building a team, and working together makes better projects in the long run.
+ CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
This is one of the first things I will do when I am starting not to feel creative. While routines can be good for personal productivity, sometimes it can kill your creative spirit. For me, I can become bored very easily, and get used to the way things are. This is when I find myself needing to change my space around me to spark new thoughts and ideas. Try taking a walk, or going to the park with your laptop.
Even noise levels can influence your creativity. Studies have shown that a moderate noise level provides just enough distraction to interrupt a creative thought. Find new things that will work best for you, and change your environment when needed.
As Austin Kleon says, “It takes a lot of energy to be creative.” We need to not only protect our energy, but use it well. What works today might not work tomorrow, so keep your creative mind alive and open to new possibilities. What do you do when you don’t feel creative? Let me know!