Sound familiar? If so, then you may be among the many people that suffer from occasional creative blocks. Commonly referred to as “writer’s block” or “hitting a wall,” these lapses in creative juices can be very frustrating to people whose branding image is their brain. Some people go days with low-fuel, which can have a seriously detrimental effect on their workplace performance. What’s a creative to do?
Although random creative blocks are totally normal, there are many helpful ways to refill your tank. Trying any of the following will help you produce a fabulous idea that will wow your co-workers and send you scrambling up the corporate ladder:
Do the Prep Work
A great way to overcome a creative block is to stay ahead of the game by always being prepared. Don’t just hope for a divine intervention at the last minute, take the time to plan your day around your personal creative style. Figure out when your brain is functioning at 100% and try to schedule creative work around that time. If you’re more productive at 5 in the morning, then you better have some strong coffee. And if your creative peak happens at 2 p.m., you should definitely plan your day with that in mind whenever possible. Of course, there are times it’s out of your control (like when your boss books a design meeting right during your afternoon slump), but that’s when planning ahead comes in handy. You can avoid having little to offer at the meeting by getting up early that morning to prepare or even doing it the day before. You might be surprised at how many creatives get ahead by always doing the prep work.
Write Everything Down
You’ve surely heard it before, “if it’s not written down, it’s not real.” It may be a touch old school, given current technological advancements, but it’s a mantra many people live by. That’s why you see so many creatives toting around journals or notebooks stuffed with the contents of their minds. To anyone else, it’s just a bunch of chicken scratch, but these “doodles” can hold endless meaning and potentially launch one of their best ideas yet.
Scribbling down things as they happen can make it easier to commit them to memory and piece thoughts together down the road. In fact, doodles have a hand in developing much of our business and products. And nowadays, it’s easier than ever to journal with an unlimited amount of available devices and apps that promise to keep your stuff organized. We think there’s beauty in creating by hand, but whichever route you go, your notes will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable resources.
Change the Scenery
Sometimes all you need to do is switch your surroundings up a bit. Back away from the computer, put down the pen and remove yourself from the building. Even if you work from home in your pajamas, the same environment day after day can be stifling. When you feel like the walls are closing in on you, take a step outside to clear your mind and awaken your senses. Go for a walk, grab a cup of coffee from your favorite place, visit your grandpa; any number of things can get your creativity back on track. New surroundings give you fresh perspective, which helps create brilliant new ideas. And you can almost always learn a valuable lesson from one of grandpa’s stories.
Do Something You Enjoy
There’s something about being able to spend a little time on a hobby or favorite pastime that is awakening to the soul. The gratification that comes with this pleasure is like a reset button on your day; suddenly, you’re more relaxed with a balanced mood and things start to click again. Some like to create culinary cuisine, while others may prefer a long hike or getting their hands dirty in the garden; whatever it is that makes you happy, do that. It will help clear your mind and pave the way for fresh creativity.
Get Inspired
A good way to get creative juices flowing about a subject it to learn it inside out. The more you immerse yourself in your work, the more knowledge and understanding you gain, which generates original ideas and new ways of looking at it. Become an expert, research and read as much as you can; you might be surprised at how many amazing ideas come to mind as you study.
Get In Touch
myheartcreative, an Oklahoma web design company, believes in the power of creativity and lives by it every day. Our team is made up of makers, thinkers and, most importantly, creatives. If you have an idea or need professional, creative input, we’d love to help you turn your idea into a reality. Contact us to schedule a consultation or click here to learn more about our company. Get connected to stay updated on myheartcreative news, thoughts, latest work and helpful advice.
