Yet another article on the dreaded phenomena, creative block!

I’ve been suffering from this quite a bit the last few years, and like you I’ve searched far and wide for a quick solution to put the beast to rest, but every article I read made me more confused and desperate for a real solution.

Its 2 years later and I can confidently say I know how to tame the beast, and I can now  share with you what has worked for me, and yes, it’s a basic recipe which will probably work for you as well.

I see myself as quite a creative person, having been involved in creative work for most of my life, from graphic design to fine arts (painting) and for the past 13 years programming – hence I’m always on the edge of self-destruct or genius and found myself in a creative block at least once a year… ultimately one must find peace and balance in order to reach your ultimate ability, or destiny.

Creative block (common under Writers, Artists and Designers) …but also common under programmers as they have to come up with intuitive user interfaces, slick  program logic etc, and probably most other subjects/jobs where intuitive and creative thinking is required.

Instead of giving you tons of information to process, I will give you a simple list of things to avoid. Follow these rules and you will most definitely bounce out of your block!

THINGS TO AVOID, I found the below to be fuel for the creative-block-beast, and will also bring it to life.

• Midnight oil: Get sufficient rest, working long hours or till near burnout will do your body and mind no good, and being in a state of semi or full burnout will have an effect of depression on you, killing your inspiration and passion.
• Lack of exercise: Get regular exercise…contrary to belief exercise actually boosts your energy levels and gives your brain added oxygen, which in turn assists your brain’s thinking pattern.
• Negativity: Ovoid people and things that has a negative effect on you, again too much of this will ultimately make you negative and influence your thinking pattern, no great ideas can be born from a negative mind. Also keep in mind that you might be making yourself negative with no help from others.
• The rut: If you are stuck in a rut, get out! Explore new things, new ideas and meet new people – planet earth is a big place.
• Shallow waters: Maybe you had too much of average, maybe it’s time to jump in the deep end. Challenge yourself, push your limits and measure this against the best in your industry, but don’t fall into the trap of negativity if you don’t achieve this! – push harder.
• The one and only: Don’t try too hard to be uniquely you, sometimes its good to revisit your mentors work, or other people that has inspired you in the past. Some of the best creative work today (advertising, fashion etc.) are “borrowed” from previous designers/innovators ideas. Maybe it’s a good start to get your creative juices flowing again.

Remember!  Midnight oil, Lack of exercise, Negativity, The rut, Shallow waters, The one and only.

The block, unblocked – In a nutshell, if one is not inspired, nothing amazing will happen. It is from inspiration and passion that great ideas are born – if you are following the AVOID list then you are killing your inspiration and passion…and we all know where this road ends.