How To Navigate a Creative “Rut” or “Block”

There’s one thing every creative soul, healer, coach, or artist needs to understand truly: creative inspiration is a beautiful thing, and with tools and practices, can be kept as a pretty full well. That said, even the most inspired creatives face ‘ruts’ or ‘blocks’ in their creative inspiration.

In this post, I’m diving into how to actually navigate a creative ‘rut’ or ‘block,’ or period of a lack of inspiration…

1. Consider the last time you took a real break

For many, creative blocks and a lack of inspiration can simply be fatigue or bordering on burnout. “Burnout” refers to a state of physical and excessive mental exhaustion after serious and prolonged stress.

The two key defining factors of burnout are that it’s from prolonged or extended stress, which is quite common for entrepreneurs (especially in the early stages of business), and that it is deeply tethered to our sense of accomplishment.

Feeling burnt out? Read this post that talks about how to actually heal from burnout.

2. Get Back to Basics

Whether you’re burnt out or simply feeling blocked creatively, taking time to get back to basics, such as creating and fulfilling a morning routine, can be massively impactful.

When we get caught up in the rhythm of running our creative business, we can forget about things like self-care, when in reality, regular rest and self-care are actually some of the best ways to ensure we feel consistently creatively inspired.

Why is self-care extra important for creative biz owners? Read this!

3. Explore how you are uniquely inspired

Wandering around an art gallery? Going to the park? Shopping for plants? Visiting a market of artisans? Going to the movies? What makes you feel the most inspired? Regularly engaging with the creative community and building relationships by getting out and exploring the work of others is a great way to fill your inspiration cup. Even if you’re not an artist, being around art may inspire you. Or maybe going out to eat at a new restaurant really inspires you to think in new and diverse ways.

We need to get outside of ourselves at times to feel re-inspired.

4. Play with your creativity rather than fight it

If you’re feeling really blocked by a blank white page or a lack of inspiration for a particular project, try creating just for fun again.

Colouring is one of my favourite ways to get creative when I’m blocked. As an artist, I typically prefer to do my own art, but when I’m blocked, I really find colouring is a great way to relax and unwind while getting my creative juices flowing.

Consider: what can I create right now?

Maybe it’s a just-for-fun project?

Maybe it’s just showing up and painting even when you don’t know what you will paint?

PLAY with your creativity rather than focusing so much on what you’re not doing! Embracing where you’re at is very healing, rather than feeling like you have to fight or break through it.

5. Remember this universal truth

Every single person has the ability to be creative in a way that makes sense to them. When you’re up against a creative block, you may feel like there’s something wrong with the work you’re doing or that you ‘don’t have what it takes.’ – but because you’re human, you ARE creative.

Or, as Elizabeth Gilbert so beautifully says, “If you’re alive, you’re a creative person.”

Get Back to Basics + Get Reinspired…

… by playing with your creativity + relaxing into it. This colouring booklet contains three hand-drawn mandalas for you to mindfully colour + reignite your creativity with! Colouring isn’t just for kiddos – adult colouring is a popular way to destress, relax and recharge your creativity! Grab your free copy now…

Other Articles You’ll Enjoy

The Journey of a Creative Entrepreneur: Embracing the “Highs” and “Lows”

How To Take a “Break” or Vacation as a Creative Entrepreneur

Setting Goals as a Creative Entrepreneur

The Importance of Messaging as a Creative

Why a Growth Mindset is Key To Creative Entrepreneurship

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