How to Eliminate a Creative Block

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By queenofcards
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Eliminate a Creative Block

All creative souls periodically suffer from creative block. This article, written by an experienced creative director and coach, offers suggestions and exercises for artists, writers, and musicians. These recommendations are general and intended to be adapted to the individual situations of artists, writers and musicians.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

An open mind

Step 1

Try to isolate the cause or causes of your creative block. These can be different at different times. Naming the root cause of your problem could lead possibly lead you to the solution. Ask yourself if it can be stemming from any one or more of the following: fear of authority, negative self criticism, deadline paralysis, recent rejection of past work, lack of sleep or rest, criticism by someone you care about, procrastination, rut or boredom from routine, or improper working environment. If not any of these, what other can relate to your situation? You could possibly be onto finding the solution from exploring.
Step 2

Sit back in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and relax. Think of a time in which you have found yourself most creative. Where were you? Were you inside or outside? Was there music playing or was it quiet? Were you at a typewriter at your desk or handwriting your ideas in a notebook on your couch? Was it morning or evening? Look for clues that you may want to replicate that will spur your ideas into action.
Step 3

Find your own way to relax. Many people come up with their best ideas in the shower, or in the middle of the night because they are more relaxed. If you currently do not have a special method of relaxation, try things like yoga, meditation, relaxing to music or simply taking a quiet walk in nature.
Step 4

Change your normal routine. Change your route to work so that you are driving down different streets for a scenery change, eat in a restaurant you have never been, explore a nearby town, visit a museum, or wander in a library or bookstore. Think of ideas that will stimulate your senses in different ways.
Step 5

Know the difference between a goal and a plan. A goal is where you want to go. A plan is how you are going to get there. Example: "I want to write a book" is a goal. " I will write a minimum 3000 words a day, 5 days a week for 3 months," is a plan. You need to have both.
Step 6

No whining. Whining (even if it is only to yourself) uses up powerful energy that could otherwise be channeled towards your creative efforts. Eliminate negative self-criticism. Turn your negative thought into positive talk. Be kind to yourself. Consider your past accomplishments and move forward. Create a positive affirmation about your work that you can say first thing in the morning. Always remember -there is no better feeling than to have created a piece of work you can be proud of.
Step 7

Don't let rejection set you back for long. Think of these examples: fifteen publishers rejected Elie Weisel's book night, which sold more than 10 million copies. Margaret Mitchell received 38 rejection letters before finding a publisher for Gone with the Wind. Galleries rejected many of the famous impressionist artists because they were trend-setters of their time. Also, take time to reflect. Sometimes the gift of feedback can contain a clue to something that can enhance your work.
Step 8

Sit down and start working, even if you are not happy with your results at first, sometimes it is about just getting started. You can do it. Deep inside, you know you can!