Beat the Block: An Insight To Gaining Back Control of Your Creativity.
By: Jon J.
Tags: Music, Art, Tips And Tricks, Writers Block, Creativity Tips

As creatives, sometimes we hit a mentally-creative roadblock. It seems uncanny, right? Considering all the resources at our disposal to help us be creative. Well, it happens, and more often than you think. We all hope to cherish that one moment where whatever piece of creativity we conjure up in our mind is loved by the masses. Having to face the unforgiving world, not giving it a chance, is one less nuance we should have to worry about. I’m telling you, it is okay to put yourself out there.

Insecurities such as doubt, someone not liking it, or questioning your own abilities, can play a damaging role in your creative confidence. In a content-driven world, creative marketing has become more evident than ever. As we share our gifts, talents, and expertise, we are always looking for new ways to challenge ourselves to look at the world differently. Original concepts and innovative ideas also help reinvent the wheel by inadvertently drawing inspiration from literally anything we find interesting.

However, inconsistency can become our biggest flaw and insecurity if not treated properly. Personally, I draw inspiration based on how I feel or how a situation made me feel at the moment. For example, some of my best ideas through music are thought of on the spot. They are pulled from personal experiences, movies that I watched, people I’ve met, the colors I see, or just the overall sounds of outside and nature. I will also listen to different chord progressions, other music styles, watch YouTube videos on mixing, and utilize sampling. However, this inspiration only comes when it’s felt, not forced.

As writers, content creators, producers, directors, marketers, and business professionals, our persistence to keep creatively building, and moving forward, is most important when discovering a mental drain.

Below are six different techniques you can apply to help beat that creative block:

Create a Plan.

Although your creative process can come from an organic place of inspiration, it’s always good to go in with a plan on how you want to tackle your project. Write down thoughts, record it, make a rough draft, or sketch out an idea so you can see the vision/end goal of where you want it to go.

2. Change Your Environment.

A change of scenery is always a good way to get your ideas flowing. Take a stroll to your nearby park, go for a drive, or even travel somewhere. Use a new environment to expose yourself to a fresh new way of thinking. Look beyond your normal routine of work and creativity, and remember to take a second to inhale-exhale. A new place is a great way to clear your mind and understand your vision.

3. Listen to Good Music.

Music is a stimulus. Use a moment to listen to some of your favorite songs and draw inspiration from them by how it makes you feel. I personally enjoy old school 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B, and also current R&B music. In an article made by the Huffington Post (Fitzpatrick, Frank, Why Music, Part 6: Music and Creativity, April 12, 2013) was stated that “Music can help stimulate our imagination, one of the key components of the creative process. Listening to a song we love or fully immersing ourselves in a piece of beautiful music can shift our mood, create images in our mind, impact our limbic brain and open us up to new ideas.” So overall, you’ll be surprised by where it may take your imagination.

4. Revisit Your Creative Process.

In the midst of creating, sometimes we get so involved with what we’re working on, we miss the big picture of it all. Then we start to overthink in our minds again, building unwarranted insecurities. Don’t forget to take a break and go back to the drawing board. See what you missed, or what you can change, and adjust from there.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice.

We’ve all heard the phrase growing up, “Practice Makes Perfect” well, it’s true. You have to practice your craft to get better and gain a consistent routine of your creative process. Being consistently creative can change your whole trajectory in your workflow and thinking process.

6. Drink More Water.

Health is wealth, and hydration is very important. Your body needs water, plain and simple. In addition to sleep, diet, and exercise, conscious thinking will also be a benefit. These adjustments will allow you to become even more creative, and beat your mental block. Drinking water gives the brain more clarity, enhances expressiveness, and increases energy.

In conclusion, we all have a creative ability to use and contribute, but it can definitely be a dent in the process when you can’t seem to think of anything when you want to. Digest the proverbial steps mentioned above, and talk to others to get their perspective on this issue as well, and you’ll be well on your way to overcoming your mental block.

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