How to Get Through a Creative Block

I’ve really struggled with a creative block the past several months. My usual hobbies haven’t interested me. Whenever I’ve managed to start a project, it isn’t long before I abandon it. I look at what I’ve made and feel frustrated because it doesn’t look right, whatever “right” is. My closet is currently filled with half-finished projects. Part of me feels like I should toss them out, and part of me holds on to them with the hope that I’ll eventually get around to finishing them. 

If I’m being honest, pandemic living has been challenging at times. I’ve been trying to embrace the ebbs and flows that come with the uncertainty of life. However, there are times where I feel listless and existential. I get way into my head.

I’ve been taking some time to explore all this, and I’m finally starting to feel like creating again. In no particular order, here’s what’s helped.

Braindump Journal

When I was younger, I carried a notebook with me everywhere. I wrote down all my feelings and observations. At some point, I stopped. I came to the conclusion that this meant I was carrying more things inside of my head. Maybe getting them out would help unblock me somehow. I started keeping a journal by my bed and set a goal to write 10-15 minutes a day. I wrote about whatever I was thinking or feeling. This has actually sparked new ideas and encouraged me to pursue my creative interests.

Organizing

After taking stock of my surroundings, I noticed there were certain areas of my living space that felt cluttered and chaotic. If I got these areas in order, maybe this would somehow transfer over to the other areas of my life I was struggling with. I think this helped activate part of my creativity as I’ve had to figure out how to use different resources to solve these problem areas. So far I’ve organized my kitchen cabinets, cables and cords, and closet.  

Moving Around

I’ve found that doing things like roller skating outside or taking a short walk around my neighborhood while listening to music helps me find inspiration in my surroundings. I notice things like cloud shapes and sunset colors which sometimes motivates me to incorporate those into my own projects.

Cozy Days

Conversely, there are some days that I don’t feel like being that active. I curl up on the couch with my favorite blanket and book, or sometimes I watch a movie or show. I think this helps my brain relax and find sources of inspiration from other creatives. I’m also learning to accept that sometimes I need to slow down and simply exist instead of worrying about producing something.

Letting Go

After some reflection, I realized that I sometimes hold myself back out of fear. I shoot down my own ideas before I’ve even given myself a chance to try them out. I’m afraid of not being “good enough” or worried that “no one cares.” I’ve been reframing my thinking and telling myself that it doesn’t matter how good I am or if people care. What really matters is that I’m enjoying myself. 

If you’ve been dealing with your own creative block, I hope that this post inspires you to try something new and different.