2020 was going to be my year of creativity.
Lockdown was announced, and I envisaged montage scenes of myself trapped in my house, typing away at my laptop as the seasons passed outside, perhaps taking up yoga, or meditation. It was the perfect situation to finally realise my own creative potential, and maybe finish an award-winning novel along the way.
Instead, 2020 became the year I don’t remember – a fuzzy concoction of sofa-sitting, and spirals of internet-based procrastination. When my grandchildren ask me about the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ll be able to tell them about the day when I watched an entire season of Gilmore Girls without taking a break. And I wasn’t alone. It took enforced free time to throw artists everywhere against the hardest, most unbreachable creative wall of their lives.
During that time, I had to do some serious self-reflection to figure out what exactly was holding me back. Because before you can overcome something, you have to name the problem, right? My research taught me several things.
According to psychologists Michael Barrios and Jerome Singer, a creative block has four distinct causes.
1. Self-Criticism. The little (or big) voice in your head that tells you that you’re shit. We hate this voice.
2. Fear of comparison. Exacerbated by social-media, this fear tangles with your subconscious to stop you any time you dare to dream a dream.
3. Lack of external motivation. While it may seem superfluous, everyone needs a good compliment every now and then. You’d be surprised how much a casual ‘Wow, did you really make that?’ will do for the ol’ creative motivation.
4. Lack of internal motivation. That daunting question that floats in the back of any creator’s mind: ‘What’s the point?’
Maybe one of those resonates with you? Maybe all of them do? I know I frequently suffer from a combination of the above. But rest assured, once you’ve identified which of the above you’re experiencing, the solution is that much closer. Here are some things I’ve found helpful:
Self-Criticism
You’ve heard it time and time again, but giving yourself some time away from social media does wonders for the ego. It’s tempting to research the competition, but first, reflect and ask yourself: will this do me more harm than good? If the answer is yes, unfollow that person immediately.
Fear of Comparison
When tackling this fear, try turning it on its head. Don’t compare yourself to the big-leagues and over-achievers. Instead, seek out comparisons which make your goals feel achievable.
When I’m struggling to write because of the self-doubt, I read a bad book. It sounds counter-productive, but it helps me to realise that taste is subjective, and (without naming names) if that pile of nonsense made it out into the world, then why the hell can’t mine?
Lack of external motivation
For this one, you might need to think small. Find a friend who will give you some much-needed praise for your work. Talk to that easily-impressed co-worker. Most importantly – look for positive comments only. The last thing you need when you’re stuck down a pit of doubt is a helpful friend providing ‘constructive feedback’.
Lack of internal motivation
Internal motivation can be an elusive creature which is hard to catch, and even harder to tame. When the reason to go on is unclear, the solution is simple, yet effective: Remind yourself why you’re doing this.
You’re probably creating because you love it. Or because you had a great idea which you wanted to see come to life. So, for a moment, stop thinking about the critics, and the people who you want to impress. Instead, create for yourself again. Forget about the masterpiece you want to make, and just make.
As Mark Twain advised when he said: ‘dance like no one’s watching,’ create art like no one will see it. Just don’t forget to share it with the people who will give you lots and lots of compliments!