How to Overcome a Lack of Creativity

Hitting a roadblock or plateau in your creative process is the worst, especially when you do it for a living. Even if you don’t monetize it, experiencing a creative block can be really, really frustrating.

Today, we are going to explore some ways that could help you to be more creative any time you are lacking ideas or inspiration.

Here are some tips on how to overcome a lack of creativity.

1. Try a Different Art Form

Sometimes, I get so caught up in my writing, that I cannot even form another word. I work too hard and burn myself out, or I am just completely out of ideas. I have found that picking up another artistic medium and just creating something helps. 

For me, painting, drawing and coloring are three activities that allow me to step back and see that I still have at least something left in me to create. Sometime

Artistic Ways to Beat a Creative Block

• Coloring
• Painting
• Dancing
• Drawing
• Sculpting
• Writing

Are there more artistic activities that you would add to this list? What are some of your favorites?

2. Work it Out

Although I am not very athletic, I do find that working out creates a quiet place for my imagination to run free. I may be the only one, but I actually work out in silence so that my mind has a chance to generate great things.

I typically take a walk outside when I take my lunch break each day whether I’m experiencing a creative block or not just to recharge my creative energy.

For me, one of the best thinking spots is the levee beside the Everglades. There is nothing out there but open air (and snakes and gators) and my mind can travel as far as it feels. I also like to think on the beach. Spending time in nature is so energizing to me.

Also, I think swimming is a great activity for stimulating creativity. There are no distractions when you spend 30 minutes underwater. Some of my best ideas were born while I was staring at the black line at the bottom of a pool. 

3. Talk it Out

Sometimes I find that my creative roadblocks are not quite the lack of ideas but more so the confusion among my ideas. I can have a really great idea that seems to be trapped in a little tiny metal vault.

The key to that vault could be talking to a like minded individual. Once your ideas come out of your mouth, they are no longer trapped. Of course, you could talk to yourself about your ideas, but the walls and floors probably won’t talk back to you.

Talking to a friend can be validating and it may add some more dimension to the small, boxed idea that you started out with. 

4. Write it All Down

Sometimes I get the greatest ideas when I don’t have the time for them, and then other times I find myself bored out of my mind with no inspiration at all. I have started writing down my good ideas whenever I get them.

I have a few notebooks, Google Sheets, Google Docs and a note on my phone where I write absolutely everything.

A lot of people love to journal, which is something that I’ve recently gotten into. Some people even keep idea jars so that they can pick an idea from random when they need some inspiration.

5. Be Spontaneous

Getting up and doing something out of the ordinary helps me get out of a creative funk. Sometimes, all it takes is a trip to the store for a little treat. Other time it involves me booking another trip.

I think the key here is less of deciding to go sky diving at 5:00 AM and more of just breaking your day to day routine.

6. Stimulate the Thinking Muscle

Get your brain fired up by learning something new. This could be as simple as reading a few pages of a book or practicing a new language.

I love to use Duolingo to get my brain going. This free app is designed to help you learn new languages. I’ve used it for Spanish for years, but recently I’ve been working on French, Latin and German. Learning languages has always been really fun for me, so it’s like playing a game but being productive.

Another way to get the brain going is to learn about the work of others. For me, this is easy since I am a content writer and blog posts and articles are all over the internet.

If you want an activity that requires a bit less effort, find a podcast that adds value to your life. Personally, I love the Ikonns. This one has valuable information on mindset, relationships, professional development and entrepreneurship.

7. Gardening and Spending Time in Nature

Nothing stimulates my creativity like spending some time in nature. Whether it’s a walk at the park or gardening in my own backyard, nature does wonders for me.

A lot of people shy away from spending time in nature because they insist that it’s not their thing. But I actually have a whole other post on the importance of being connected to nature that is worth checking out, especially if you believe you’re not an “outdoors person”

It’s Time to Knock Your Lack of Creativity

It is time to end your creative dry spell. Get out there and try some of our tips and tricks. Who knows? Maybe today is the day that you create something great.

How do you knock out your creative blocks? Have you tried any of these tricks?

PS: I included pictures of NYC in this post because I get overwhelmingly inspired any time I set foot in the big city! I am so excited to be heading back next month!