Tips to beat your creative block

Tillie  
Tips to beat your creative block, assess what is holding you back, and show up for your art.

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!


6 Comments

Luluo

Self-criticism is my big one… though the criticism I get isn’t just self-inflicted! It is deserved though :sweat_smile:

Jul-31 2023

Baekdoggo

Force limitations on yourself so you can think creative solutions outside of the box. Solving the hardest problems of your story can wield satisfying results.

Jul-31 2023

Wendyg

Sorry, I couldn’t help comparing your lockdown experience with that of Isaac Newton (bubonic plague lockdown in the 1600’s):

The moral is - one should always have an apple tree to sit under and then who knows what might happen! :innocent:

Aug-01 2023

Glitterpen

@Tillieb Very helpful blog post! :slight_smile:

Aug-01 2023

Jacksavage

What is the point? That one is very much me. By far my biggest struggle.

Aug-01 2023

Vanschiz

I love the tip to read a bad book. This really works!

Aug-01 2023
Click here to reply
Member submitted content is © individual members.
Other material ©2003-2024 critiquecircle.com