How to Avoid Creative Block

Take a break to avoid stress.

Many people assume that individuals working in a creative field get to "play" all day. While many artists are doing what they love, they also have to work very hard and long hours to achieve goals. Creative block can occur when people are overworked or being perfectionists and is a very frustrating and disheartening hazard. By following some simple tips, you can avoid creative block and burn out from happening to you.

Instructions

1. Take a break. Many individuals can feel stress from working too hard or too long on a project. This stress is demanding on your brain and can interfere with your product or output. Take a walk, drink some tea or watch a movie.

2. Change your environment. If you work from home or if you work in the same space every day, you may need a different environment. Go to a coffee shop or restaurant. This change of pace can also help you come up with new ideas or inspirations.

3. Look for inspiration. Find another artist you appreciate and look at their work or listen to their music, depending on what medium in which you are working. You can also find inspiration in a format different from the one in which you work.

4. Stop negative self-talk. If you doubt yourself or tell yourself you cannot do something, you are more likely to hit a road block. Change the negative talk to positive talk; you can accomplish more if you believe in yourself.

5. Spend time with friends. Get away from work and go to dinner or a movie, or take a weekend vacation. Your friends can help you relax and get your mind off of work.

References

• Inspired Magazine: 10 Tips to Avoid a Creative Block
• Roberto Blake: How to Avoid Creative Burn Out

Resources

• "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity"; Julia Cameron; 2002