Everyone, at some time feels that they have come to a road block; that creativity and spark are not flowing. The key to overcoming this is not through dwelling on the negative, but by challenging ourselves to get those creative juices flowing again.
Maybe it is a career, of a hobby, or relationship that needs inspiration. Usually it is self-imposed barriers that keep us from realizing our potential. Working though these barriers will empower you to fulfill your creative potential.
Some solutions:
Don’t feel that you have to re-invent the wheel. Worrying that our ideas are not ‘original’, believing that we lack talent, or fretting about what others will say are really good was of avoiding that first step into a project. Forget that others are ever going to see or critique your work. You may find it helpful to write your doubts down. The physical act of acknowledging your obstacles can relieve to stress of creative roadblocks. What is important is that YOU take pleasure in what you create.
Sit down and have a ‘brain storming session’ with yourself. Write down all possible ideas and angles. If it is a work related project, do your research, see what has been done by others (the internet is a great tool!), search for as much information about the subject as you can find. It may help to build a ’story board’ pinning up your ideas on a wall or writing them on a white board so that you can see everything al once.
If you are working on a hobby, craft or art project, make yourself a ‘project box’. When ever you find interesting images or items related to your project, keep them in the box or a binder to refer to later. Don’t try to re-create the images you collect, but rather look to them for emotive themes. It is amazing how ideas can spring forth from a swatch of colour or a photograph of a flower, person or animal or even words cut from a magazine. The act of collecting these materials and filling the box is a creative process in itself!
When it comes time to get down to the ‘work’ of creating, make yourself a ritual, play a piece of music that reflects what you are trying to achieve, signal to yourself (and your co-workers) that you are focused and nothing can interfere.
Take time for yourself. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove yourself from distractions. Go on a retreat, take a walk, or simply take time away from tv, internet, shopping etc to clear your mind and renew your creative process.
But most importantly, don’t get hung up on it. Everyone is a creative being. Developing your creative skills will help you to realize your true potential.
