We’ve all been there—sitting in front of a blank canvas, an empty document, or an untouched workspace, waiting for inspiration to strike. Sometimes, starting a creative project can feel like pushing a boulder uphill. The desire to create something amazing is there, but actually getting started seems like an insurmountable task. This is a classic case of a creative block, and overcoming it can feel daunting. Here’s how to break through and get into your creative flow, even when it feels like creativity is hiding.
Embrace Imperfection: Start Messy, Edit Later
One of the main reasons we feel blocked is the fear that what we create won’t be good enough. That mindset can paralyze us before we even begin. To overcome this, let go of perfectionism. Start messy. Give yourself permission to create poorly. Scribble on a page, doodle with no purpose, or write out random thoughts. The goal isn’t to produce something perfect right away; it’s to get moving and let the ideas flow. Remember, you can always refine and edit later, but you need something to work with first.
Also, don’t get discouraged by seeing all the things online as they are refined creations or have gone through multiple iterations before being published, so don’t take that as that you have to create that kind of quality. On social media or online in general, curated creations are usually presented, not many people show the drafts or basic sketches.
Establish a Ritual: Make Creativity a Habit
Creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Establishing a creative routine or ritual can help signal to your brain that it’s time to switch gears and enter creative mode. This could be as simple as making a cup of tea, playing a specific playlist, or sitting in a designated creative space. The key is to find a ritual that works for you and stick to it consistently.
For example, for me, it’s usually simply starting to sketch whatever, and eventually other things will follow. I have also build a space for when I need to sketch, which creates this sketching energy and that helps too.
Change Your Environment: Shake Things Up
A stagnant environment can lead to stagnant ideas. Sometimes, the simplest way to unblock creativity is to change your surroundings. If you’re always working at your desk, try moving to a different room, a café, or even outdoors. Rearrange your studio space, introduce new visual elements, or add objects that inspire you. Small changes can lead to big shifts in perspective.
Pro tip: If you can’t change your environment, change the atmosphere. Adjust the lighting, play different music, or use a scent like peppermint or citrus to invigorate your senses and refresh your mind.
Limit Your Options: Use Constraints to Fuel Creativity
Contrary to popular belief, having unlimited freedom can sometimes stifle creativity. When there are too many possibilities, it’s hard to choose where to start. Instead, try setting constraints for yourself. Use a limited colour palette, write a poem with just five lines, or design something using only a specific tool or focus on one particular subject. Constraints force you to think creatively within set boundaries and can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. The important part is to be focused.
Do a Creative Warm-Up: Break the Ice
Before diving into your main project, spend a few minutes on a creative warm-up. This could be something as simple as free-writing, sketching random patterns, or brainstorming ideas. The purpose of a warm-up is to get your creative brain fired up and bypass the initial resistance that makes starting so difficult.
Create a Mind Map: Visualize Your Thoughts
When ideas feel tangled or elusive, creating a mind map can help clarify your thoughts. Start with a central idea or theme and branch out with related concepts, words, and images. Seeing your ideas laid out visually can help you make connections you might not have noticed otherwise and inspire new directions for your work.
Pro tip: Use different colours and drawings in your mind map to make it more engaging and stimulate both sides of your brain. This can lead to unexpected associations and help unlock new insights.
Tackle Resistance Head-On: Acknowledge It, Then Act
Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting. This resistance can come from self-doubt, fear of failure, or feeling overwhelmed by the scope of a project. The key is to recognize and confront this resistance instead of avoiding it. Take a small step forward, no matter how insignificant it feels. The simple act of doing can dissolve that invisible wall of resistance.
Pro tip: Break down your project into micro-tasks. Instead of “paint a canvas,” start with “choose colours” or “sketch an outline.” Completing small tasks will give you a sense of progress and build momentum.
Incorporate Play: Turn Work Into Play
Remember that creativity thrives on play. Treat your creative process as an experiment. Try new techniques, work with unusual materials, or collaborate with others. Incorporating playfulness can take the pressure off and allow your mind to wander into new territories. This approach is especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck because it removes the expectation of producing something ‘serious’ or ‘perfect.’
Pro tip: Set aside time each week to create something purely for fun, with no end goal in mind. Whether it’s finger-painting, collage-making, or silly poetry, playful activities can free up your mind and restore your creative energy.
Shift Your Perspective: View the Block as a Challenge, Not a Problem
Instead of seeing a creative block as a problem, view it as a challenge to overcome. Shifting your mindset from “I’m stuck” to “I have a puzzle to solve” can change your approach. When you see it as a temporary obstacle rather than a permanent state, you’re more likely to find a way around it.
Pro tip: Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I could do right now to solve this?” Your brain will start searching for solutions, and you might find that the block isn’t as solid as it seemed.
Reconnect With Your ‘Why’: Remember the Bigger Picture
When creativity feels like a chore, reconnecting with your “why” can reignite your passion. Why did you start this project in the first place? What does it mean to you? Sometimes, taking a step back to reflect on the bigger picture can remind you of the joy and excitement you felt at the beginning.
Pro tip: Write down your motivations and keep them visible in your workspace. When resistance creeps in, look at these reminders to reignite your creative fire.
Final Thoughts: Creativity Is a Journey
Unblocking creativity isn’t about eliminating the struggle but learning how to navigate through it. By experimenting with these strategies and finding what resonates with you, you can develop a toolbox of techniques to break through blocks whenever they arise. Creativity is a journey, not a destination, and every challenge along the way is an opportunity to discover something new about your process—and yourself.
Happy creating! 🎨
In case you need help with helping you with this, you can see my creativity coaching services, where I help passionpreneurs in various fields of art, design and strategy.