Overcoming Creative Block – How To Get Unstuck and Increase Productivity

An open journal and a pen, pages are blank.

Practical Ways To Overcome Writer’s Block

We’ve all faced those moments when our minds go blank, and creativity seems to vanish. Writer’s block or a creative plateau can be so frustrating, making us feel stuck and unproductive. It’s like our creative well has dried up, and we can’t move forward. But don’t worry, there are ways to overcome these challenges and get our creativity flowing again.

Why This Artistic Block Happens

Blank canvas on an easel.

Creative block, also known as writer’s block, happens when you can’t create new work or your creativity slows down drastically. It can last from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on what’s causing them and how you deal with them.

Why does writer’s block happen? There’s usually a few main culprits at the root of the issue.

  • Stress is a major factor, overwhelming your mind and making it hard to focus.
  • Self-doubt plays a big role too, as a lack of confidence leads to a fear of failure, stifling your creativity.
  • Perfectionism can be equally paralyzing; the pressure to create something flawless can prevent you from starting or completing a project.
  • Physical and mental fatigue are common culprits; when you’re exhausted, your brain isn’t equipped to generate new ideas.
  • Distractions in your environment can also cause your creativity to slump.

Even though it can feel never-ending, creative block is a natural part of the creative process that every creative experiences. Thankfully, there are strategies and techniques to help break through it!

Practical Tips For Overcoming A Creative Block

Creativity Is Energy

Think of creativity as an energy that flows through. We are conscious chemical reactions in a universe made up of stardust. Everything we think, feel and experience is energy in different forms.

Overlaid images: a face and a stencil of a brain. Stars drawn twinkling around brain.

“Everything is energy, and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want, and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.”

– Albert Einstein

When you’re feeling blocked, switching up your medium can help. If you’re a writer, try painting or drawing. If you’re an artist, try writing or playing a musical instrument. Whatever your preferred medium is, try switching it up! Engaging in a different type of creativity can refresh your mind and help you break through the block.

Embracing A Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset can have a huge impact how you navigate and overcome creative block.

Notepad with lightbulb drawn in the middle and positive words around it. Words are: inspiration, vision, growth, idea, progress, development and creativity.

A growth mindset is based on the belief that your skills and intelligence can grow through dedication and effort. Unlike a fixed mindset that sees talents as innate and unchangeable, a growth mindset embraces the idea that challenges are opportunities for growth. Research shows that people who are introduced to the concept of “growth mindset” bounce back stronger after setbacks and challenges. It helps foster resilience by encouraging you to view challenges as temporary, and solvable.

When facing creative block, a growth mindset allows you to approach it with curiosity and openness. Instead of feeling defeated, you see it as a chance to explore new techniques, gather feedback, experiment with different ideas, or even step away from everything and rest.

Life Is Cyclical

This planet has seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Humans are earthly creatures, and our energy goes through seasons too!

During creative block, it may feel like your creativity has come to a standstill, much like the stillness of winter. But, just because everything appears ‘frozen’… growth is still happening under the surface. Winter serves as an essential season; slower periods are crucial for rebirth and restoration, laying the groundwork for more productive and fruitful creative seasons ahead.

Ice frozen on a branch.

These quieter periods can be a time for reflection, honing your skills, and exploring new perspectives. Embrace this season of your creativity, knowing that beneath the surface, ideas are renewing and new possibilities are waiting to bloom when the time is right.

Remember, creative block is a natural part of the journey towards artistic growth.

Embrace it as a necessary pause to recharge, reflect on your craft, and refine your skills. And above all, be compassionate towards yourself during periods of creative block. Celebrate small victories, practice self-care, and trust in your ability to overcome challenges.

Grounded growth. Practical strategies.

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Published by Cassidy Barratt

Mental Wellness Educator, Artist, Eco-Warrior. I share knowledge and teachings to help people feel empowered.

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