How to overcome a creative block

As service-based business owners we create every day. It does not matter if you are sitting down to write a blog post, social media content, website copy, a report, letter, email or record a video there will be times when you need to overcome a creative block.

The truth is, you can't force creativity. Creativity comes from within and the more you force it, the more you will push it away. Have you ever been staring at a blank computer screen, watching the cursor, hoping that if you sit there long enough and try as hard as you can the words will flow? They rarely do. In fact, you can be gripping, forcing and holding on so tight that you actually stifle your creativity and make matters worse.  

Step back 

To overcome a creative block, it is important to take a step back and create space to allow creativity to flow. No amount of pushing or forcing is going to open the gates of creativity. As service-based business owners, we produce content every day across all areas of our business. We connect and communicate daily on social media, websites, blog posts, report writing, client work, phone calls etc. So, with this in mind I am sharing a few things that support me when I am overcoming a creative block. My hope is they will help you too.  

Awareness 

If you are feeling blocked creatively, bring awareness to the fact that you will not be in this state forever. It is not permanent. Being aware of this can relieve some of the stress and pressure that we can place on ourselves. Remember, the more pressure you place on yourself, the more you try, the more you push and force creativity, the more you will push it away. Bring awareness to the situation, take a step back and create space. 

Create time and space 

Creating time and space for yourself during the day is critical, even if it is for five minutes. Small pockets of time for you to be. It is essential and it is one thing that is most often overlooked. You must intentionally create time and space for yourself, and it must be non-negotiable. Doing this every day will help your creativity to flow. Schedule these pockets of time in your diary and commit to them. Start with what you can even if it is five minutes a day. 

Exercise 

Exercise and moving your body will help boost creativity. I can't tell you the number of times creative ideas, inspiration and solutions to problems have come to me while I've been training at the gym or outside going for a walk. As soon as the inspiration comes through, write the ideas down on a piece of paper or on a note in your phone. Keep it simple and don't overthink it. Write them down as they come to you, continue on with your exercise and come back to them later. Exercise and moving your body in a way that feels good for you is essential for overcoming a creative block. 

Practice meditation 

I meditate most days and I find that after I have meditated, I am more aligned, I have more energy and creativity flows. Inspiration flows, creative solutions arise, and new ideas come to play. 

Change your environment 

Changing your environment and working in a different space is a great way to boost ideas, motivation and creativity. Can you work in a café for an afternoon? Can you work from a different office? Or, if you're working from home can you work from a different space in your home for an hour or two? Changing your environment can help your creativity flow.  
 

There are many things you can do to overcome a creative block. The most important thing to know is that it is not permanent. So, rather than sitting at the computer for longer trying to make those words flow onto the page, try taking a step back, walk away from your computer and your desk, create space to reconnect, go for a walk outside and change your environment.  

You’re not alone 

As a Communications Specialist and Strategist with 20 years of experience and a business owner of 11 years, I have times when I need to overcome a creative block, and these are the tips I come back to too. My hope is they will support you too. Save this post and use it as a reference tool to help you navigate these times.  

Tip 

When creating content for your business, don’t leave it to the last minute. If possible, give yourself extra time and space in case you experience a moment where you need to overcome a creative block.  

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