To the Creative Who Feels Not so Creative Right Now
Being a person with great ambition and anxiety is a double edge sword. On days when I know exactly what I want, I will run full force ahead and accomplish multiple goals. It is the anxiety of not doing enough pushing me forward to achieve my greatest heights. These days, I am goal-driven, my vision is clear, and I feel infinitely inspired. I tell myself I will build an empire of all the things I want, out of all the things I love.
Yet, some days, most days I just can’t find the motivation to do any of the things I tell myself I want to do. There’s so much anxiety in making the wrong move. I always feel like I need a ten-step plan before I begin anything and in the end, I still have nothing because well… I’m still thinking. My brother tells me to just be honest with myself and say it’s because I don’t want to. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I’d rather satisfy my need for instant gratification and quick results than put in work towards the bigger picture.
So here I am, after weeks of not writing or putting out as much content as I’d like, I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna write. Despite not knowing exactly what I want to write, I’m gonna write.
This is to the creative who feels not so creative right now. Here’s a reminder of three things to do when you’re “stuck”
Stop. Take a break, maybe you are burnt out. Do everything but, creating. Find other things that drive you. Stop for a moment to asses your needs then continue moving forward. Inspiration could strike at any moment so be present and aware.
Think and Plan. Do what you have to do to get things done. If it’s a ten-step plan do it. Think about all the reasons you’re not doing what you tell yourself you want to do. Think about how you want to move forward. Write it down. I find that writing things down puts it into perspective. Goals that seem so intangible at first become more clear.
Create. Do anything to get your mind flowing whether it be painting, writing, designing--anything really. Create without the intention of sharing your work. These moments are for you. They say there’s power in numbers and maybe that stands true here as well. Create and create until you’re out of good ideas then create some more until you’re out of bad ideas. Maybe your best work will come out of a ‘bad idea’.
As a creative, it’s so easy to stop and tell yourself that you’re stuck, having a moment of artist’s block maybe. But to stop creating is doing a disservice to yourself and those who need to see or hear your work. You won’t feel stuck forever as long as you continue moving. When motivation is long gone, remind yourself of discipline. Know that with discipline there are endless possibilities for growth in your work and in yourself.