How I Deal with a Creative Block

Recently I've been suffering from a creative block.  The things I love aren't bringing me that much joy any more and I feel like I can't create anything new that I love and feel passionate about.  When these type of blocks hit me (usually around this time each year) I just have to stop and reevaluate.  Often this is when a new passion is going to come about.  I'll find something new I'm interested in.  

While I love that, I also feel like I switch hobbies too soon.  But I'm the type of person that just goes with the flow when it comes to creativity.  I can't force it, it is something that just has to happen.  Usually, I have a good flow going....but every now and then I get stuck.  When this happens there are three things I do to try to get through it while still feeling productive.

Just Try

I try a lot of things when I'm not feeling creative.  I try to write blog posts, I try to make things, and I try new things.  Often I feel such an urge to create something but nothing comes to mind.  I have so much creative energy but nothing to focus on.  Often the things I try I fail at, and that is ok.  By trying I can get some energy out and hopefully be inspired to bring a full idea to fruition.  I find that it's not that my ideas or the things I want to make suck, they just aren't fully developed ideas yet.  When I feel a block coming on its like I have to just take a second to get all the shitty stuff out so I can get going again.  Didn't mean for that to be so graphic.

Flood Myself with Inspiration

I often browse Pinterest or Instagram more than usual when I feel I'm at a block.  I need something to inspire me to get me going again.  Flooding myself with this stuff often helps me hone in on something to create.  Maybe I'll see something and an idea will instantly click.  Sometimes I'm just looking for pretty things to make me feel something.  While doing this I often find great sources of inspiration, new users to follow, new ideas to expand upon.  And I love that.  These little tidbits of ideas get caught in my brain and months or years down the line I'll grab on to them to develop them into something my own.

Let it Pass

Sometimes I just stop.  I just don't do anything.  I sit with the thoughts that I have and see if anything materializes.  I roll them over in my mind trying to get them to form into anything.  (When I think they have, I move into the just try again phase.)  I just don't.  I just stop.  I don't force it.  I don't push it.  I just stop and try to let it pass.  I know that one isn't that helpful but sometimes you just have to.  You just have to let things happen.  At least that is what I have to do.

All of these help me gain new perspectives.  The biggest one on this list is to just try.  I just try to make something until I can get my momentum going again.  I just try something new.  I just try to get going.  I just try.

How do you deal with creative block?  Any other tips to get my mojo back?

xoxo, Moe