10 Ways to Overcome Creative Block

Writer's block, staring at a blank canvas, mush for brains, hurdle, stumbling block, stuck in the mud, or even a brain fart. Whatever you call it, we all experience it. When you’re constantly having to be creative or are put on the spotlight, this common phenomenon happens. I’m here to say that you can get through it, and I’m going to tell you what works for me in hopes that it works for you, too.

What causes roadblocks? Creative burnout is a big one. Lack of resources, negative feedback, confidence issues, lack of preparation, too-much-too-fast expectations. Maybe something personal is distracting you, stress, you've got your heart set on it happening this way and this way only (stomps foot), or the opposite of that, a general lack of inspiration.

Personal Story: I was working in a photo studio at the time. Hopping from one bay to the next, giving feedback to the junior Art Directors, tackling my own shot, working with multiple photographers, all with questions of their own. I just had too much coming at me all at once that by the time I was back at my station, I drew a blank. So I did that thing where you just stare and kind of zone out a bit, wracking my brain on what the heck I should do. "I just gave great advice to everyone else, why can't I do the same for myself?"

Now what? Here are 10 ways to overcome creative block:

1. Don't panic. (You're panicking, I know it.)

2. Relax. Close your eyes and breathe.

3. Ask yourself, "Who are you, and what are you doing?" Because you are pretty awesome, and sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that. Reflection can be a powerful tool.

4. Just leave. Stop doing whatever the task is that is making you stuck, even if it's for 5 mins. Take that bathroom break or refuel with caffeine, check emails, take a nap, or pet a dog. Then go back to what you were trying to do. Sometimes I don't even go back until the next day.

5. What inspires you? Again, leave and go do that, then come back. Reading, walking, scrolling Pinterest, a home project, painting. It's a great way to get the "creative juices flowing."

6. What if you're in the middle of a live meeting and are put on the spot? Not everyone can just take a break. When this happens, I say something like, "I'll have to think on that more," or "Let me get back to you." (Of course, the moment you are off the call, it'll come rushing to you. Go figure.)

7. Experiment. Be unpredictable. Plan to fail so you can learn from that and do it right the next time. Who knows, you may end up learning something from your failure. (Hint: you will.)

8. If you are really stuck. Like really, really stuck. Break it down into smaller chunks, then try something different - a new angle, change the perspective, re-light, re-tool, re-word, or focus on a different part of the same project. A small pivot like this can snap you out of your funk.

9. See if there's someone else who can take on the task with you or even for you. Or better yet, give you advice! I find consulting with or seeing how someone else approaches it gives me a fresh perspective.

10. If none of those work, it may be time to trash it. Start from scratch. I always take it as a sign that it wasn't meant to be. Trust your gut.

Should I STAY or should I GO now?

STAY:

• Passion: You still feel excited about your project.

• Progress: Small victories are happening despite challenges.

• Alignment: Your goals still align with your current direction.

GO:

• Frustration: You feel a consistent sense of blah with your progress.

• Feedback: You got feedback, and it was negative. Really negative. Time to put that ego away and move on.

• Opportunity: New opportunities arise that excite you more than your current project. Not that you should ditch this one completely, but it could definitely be time to consider saucing these nuggets later.

Great, so now you're back at it. Battery is full, and you're diving in! Keep riding that momentum as long as possible. Then, make note of what worked so you've got something to try the next time a lightning bolt decides to strike anywhere else but you.

At the end of the day, TRUST YOUR GUT. Your body already knows what to do - the brain just needs time to catch up.