Creative block: 5 keys to overcome it

We have all experienced the feeling that comes from a creative block. This paralysis usually occurs due to different factors: stress, presence of insecurities or fears, extreme self-demand, etc. Furthermore, the most common thing is that they are combined, enhancing the effect they would have if they were presented alone.

When faced with this type of situation, it is best not to become obsessed with it, since excessive stress will only aggravate the situation. Furthermore, the solution to the problem is usually found at its origin. Let’s see what this blockage consists of and how to overcome it.

Go to the source of the problem

A creative block can occur for various reasons. Before applying a solution, it is best to analyze the situation we are in to know the circumstances that have blocked us. The main causes of a creative block are:

Stress: It is very difficult to be creative in a stressful situation. Therefore, a difficult stage at work or in our personal life can be the origin of a creative block.Unsafety: This is another reason that can lead to a creative block, feeling doubt about our own ideas.High demand: When nothing we do seems good enough to us, it is common for us to become obsessed with improving to the point of not being able to come up with new ideas.Fatigue: Lack of sleep can cause our brain to not function properly, preventing us from performing at our usual pace.

Keys to get out of a creative block

Once you have identified the problem that has given rise to the creative block, it is time to act. You can put into practice some of the solutions below.

1. Cover your basic needs

What may sound obvious, is not so obvious when we are stubborn in finding a solution that does not arrive. We forget that we haven’t showered in a week and that the flies around us aren’t just a product of the heat. Fulfilling our basic needs first will make us feel comfortable and satisfied and then start creating.

2. Relax and have fun

Just as the body must be rested and healthy, a happy and optimistic attitude helps creativity flow. The good news is that this attitude is based on habits and can be trained.

Try to relax and spend time on your hobbies. When the time comes that you dedicate yourself to creating professionally, you are going to need an escape route. The best way to not obsess over our lack of creativity when we are blocked is to disconnect and do other things that distract us.

3. Read, consume content instead of trying to generate it

Reading is a great means to enrich ourselves and learn. Therefore, if you are going through a stage of creative block, reading a book can help you distract yourself and get new ideas to apply to your work. Analyzing paintings would be useful for painters, sculptures for sculptors, or radio programs for announcers. Inspiration, on many occasions, comes from a good dose of knowledge.

4. Practice therapeutic writing

There is a form of automatic writing that can help you in certain circumstances; We talk about writing as a form of relief, as a way to give voice to your internal dialogue. Automatic writing of the truth, not for the purpose of writing for someone. It doesn’t matter if it is legible, the style or the form. Fears, anger, hatred, tiredness, anger, frustrations, etc. are invited.

Start writing the first words that come to mind, whatever is obsessing you inside. Put everything on paper without worrying in the slightest about style or literary quality. In fact, the best thing you can do as soon as you finish writing it is to read it, analyze it to try to better understand what is brewing inside your mind, and then destroy the paper. Burn it as a symbolic act, making a “clean slate.”

5. Get out of your comfort zone

If there is a style or genre in which you feel comfortable and always work, try to get out of that routine on autopilot from time to time. Try new options: If you dedicate yourself to writing, write something fantastic, or a detective story, or something for children, etc.. Something that is very different from what you usually do.

If you do, your brain might say, “I don’t like this, I don’t feel comfortable. Okay, okay, I’ll go back to my usual behavior if you go back to our usual style.” On the other hand, Maybe what you learn outside of what you are used to will serve as inspiration to generate new content in your field.

6. Work on your self-demand

Sometimes, perfectionism and the demand to improve are the obstacles that prevent improvement.. It is essential that you believe in the quality of your work and always try to improve it, but do not forget that perfection is not within anyone’s reach. Enjoy the process and the result and the path will take itself.

7. Perform creativity exercises

There are many artists who have addressed creative block and how to solve it. If you are looking for resources and exercises, you will surely find some activity that will help you resume your creative production.

8. Write down your inspirations

Many times, inspiration comes in sudden moments and when you are doing another activity, even in dreams. Therefore, if you don’t want to lose any ideas, always carry a notebook with you or reserve a space on your electronic devices to write them down as they come to mind. You will discover that you have many more ideas than you think.

9. Give yourself some time to rest

Finally, remember that no one can produce art and content indefinitely. Before forcing yourself with exercises, work and searching for ideas, consider what mental state you are in. You may need a vacation, something everyone deserves.

And above all, don’t forget that the products of your imagination are as good as anyone else’s. As long as you strive to improve and enjoy your activity, it will be worth it to use your brain to bring beautiful things to the world.

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