Have you ever been stuck in a creative rut? Do you find yourself lacking the inspiration to write, design, solve a problem, or simply face your never-ending to-do list? Here are some productive – albeit counterintuitive – ways to overcome a creative block:
Step away from the computer
Staring at a blank word document can be incredibly formidable. If the creative juices simply aren’t flowing, step away from the screen to give yourself a much-needed break. Time spent away from a blinking cursor on a white screen can help you clear your head and get unstuck.
Complete a mundane task
While you’re on your break, consider completing a totally unrelated and mundane task. Let your mind wander while you make a cup of coffee, go for a walk, do a puzzle, draw, or re-organize your desk. You might find that daydreaming while completing a boring task kicks your creative thinking into overdrive.
Talk it out
If you’re struggling to overcome a creative block, don’t keep your worries to yourself! Talking it out with a colleague – or even a friend or family member – can help you see your problem from a new perspective. I often find that as soon as I talk with someone about a project, I return to work with at least a few good ideas.
Flip the script
What if you start your blog post from the middle instead of writing the introduction? Or try sketching your ideas out on a whiteboard or paper before approaching the computer. One of the easiest ways to revive your creative flow is by switching up your strategy. Try approaching a problem by doing the exact opposite of what you normally would. Flipping the script can help you avoid clichéd ideas and produce great solutions.
What are some of your top ways to avoid a creative slump? Let us know in the comments below!
