One day, I woke up and couldn’t create anymore.

Of course, it didn’t quite happen as dramatically and there were a few different events leading up to it, but surprisingly, not being able to create is something that happens quite often to creatives.

There are moments in our creative career where we hit a wall and don’t know how to get back. And while it can be both sad and scary, it’s important that we realize it’s a part of the journey.

I wanted to take some space on the blog to offer both encouragement and actionable steps to help you inch closer to becoming unstuck.

Of course, I’m no expert, but I have experienced a lot of creative blocks and wanted to share the best practices that have helped me overcome them. Soon, you’ll be back to the buzzing creative genius you’re meant to be.

Let’s get started!

How to Bounce Back from a Creative Block

1. Embrace it

The first step to bouncing back is to first understand and embrace the fact that you’re in a creative block. And I can confidently assume that if you’re reading this post, you probably already have a good idea.

Even so, a creative block, similar to a writer’s block can sometimes feel like it’s all in your head - or portray itself to be something else.

For a long time, I knew that I didn’t feel like writing or creating anymore, but I never truly identified it for what it was. I just assumed that I needed more time, or needed to sort out my thoughts – but then when I got the opportunity to finally do that, I still felt so stuck. It wasn’t until I truly came to terms with my creative block, that I finally felt things shift. When I understood that my mind wasn’t allowing me to create for a reason, then I started looking for a deeper problem (which there was) and found out that my creative block was actually my mind telling me that I needed a reset.

Likewise, your creative block can be easily mistaken for other things – procrastination, generally feeling overwhelmed, or lack of inspiration. If you have offered yourself plausible solutions to these problems and they still haven’t gone away, that could be a signal that these may be symptoms of the creative block and not the actual root of the problem.

Once you embrace that you have it, then you can move on to figure out the deeper issue behind it.

2. Revisit your “Why”

God created you for a purpose, and because of that, every creative has a why.

It’s the underlying motivator behind all of your work, the reason why you create, and why all those hours are worth it.

So, whether that’s a who, a what, or a movement — the next step to bouncing back from your creative block is revisiting that why. Often times, we forget why we started creating in the first place, and taking time to revisit that “why” can help reignite the fire for the passion that was once burning in your heart.

When I was in my creative block, it took me some time to realize that I had stopped writing for a purpose and started writing out of vain. I had to take time to myself to dig deep to uncover the foundation of my blog, and remember why it mattered. Once remembering that it’s to connect other people to God through my experiences, stories, and voice, I felt a familiar flicker of inspiration.

It helped me realign all of my creative projects and see where I had gone off and forgotten that purpose and vision.

Likewise, in the midst of creating, you may have lost sight of the reason why you’re doing it. Though recognition, money, and fame may seem great, there’s a reason at the core that keeps us going, and when too many things pile on top of it, it can be hard to hear. Take time to recover what that is, and see if it’s still worth it to you.

3. Talk it Out

Accountability partners are important, and having someone you can talk about this with is the next step to help you bounce back from a creative block.

I spent a lot of time sharing my thoughts and working through my headspace with my significant other and my blog friends. Each time I shared, I felt a weight lifted on my shoulder and felt closer to my answer. Nobody judged me for where I was at mentally or the creative block I was experiencing. Instead, they listened, shared their wisdom, and let me know how much they were excited for when (not if) my creative inspiration came back.

I didn’t realize that’s what I needed to help me feel safe and heard enough to want to create again. And listening to myself speak about the things I was passionate about started to reawaken the passion for it.

Sometimes our creative blocks can make us feel lonely… a lot of who we identify as is a creative, and when that’s gone (even for a split second) it can make us feel lost or unheard. So, having a person that we trust to help talk through our creative block journey can make the world of a difference. It can help you feel not so alone and understand that there’s someone who truly cares that’s rooting for you in your corner.

So, whether that’s a therapist, a significant other, a best friend, or a family member – having someone who you can share what you’ve been feeling lately is extremely important.

4. SEEK OUT INSPIRATION

Creatives inspire other creatives. Just like there is nothing new is under the sun, the majority of the things we’re creating are inspired by someone or something else.

The next step to bouncing back from your creative block is to revisit the people or things that normally inspire you.

Take time to pay attention to how it makes you feel… what spoke to you when you first saw it? Does it still speak now? And if not, that’s okay. It may be time to search elsewhere for new inspiration.

My favorite source to start for inspiration is Pinterest and YouTube. People take so much time to curate such incredible content, images, and posts on Pinterest. And every time I go on there, I feel so inspired. I’m also inspired by people’s talent on YouTube. Home tours, vlogs, or any spaces where people are creating quality content and pushing it out in organized ways was such an inspiration.

You can also seek out inspiration from podcasts or sermons. When I was going through my creative block, I tuned into sermons that had to deal with my calling and doing things in vain. This sermon really helped me a lot.

If during your search for inspiration, you fall into a comparison trap, try taking a step back until you’re in a better mental place. Comparing will only lead to you feeling worse and will eventually lead you farther away from a creative breakthrough. And as much as it’s hard not to compare, the most important this is to understand that nothing comes easy and as much as you wish you were them, nobody else can be you and that is your superpower.

5. Ease back into it

Once you start to feel inspired again, the last step to bouncing back after a creative block is to ease back into creating.

Your first reaction may be to dive back into your creative work, but it’s important you don’t overdo it and instead let it grow organically on its own.

When I first started to feel the inspiration to create again, I began writing down potential blog post thoughts in my notes app on my phone. That way it was less pressure and truly a moment for my mind to freely create. I also started getting back on my Instagram stories and eased back into sharing with the world. Taking time to create interesting stories and writing on a smaller scale all helped boost my creative energy and get in the habit of creating and writing again. This eventually led me to be able to sit down and actually write again.

Likewise, it will be super exciting to feel that familiar flicker of inspiration tickles your soul again, but it’s important to take it slow. We want to cultivate that inspiration, not tire it out. So, try easing back into creating by doing it on a smaller scale.

Remember to give yourself grace through this process. Creating is a beautiful thing and every time we create we grow closer to our Creator. I know you may be super discouraged in the midst of this creative block, but please don’t ever feel like it’s lost for good.

You were born to create, and that part of you is not going away. It may take some time to come back, but it will be back. So, allow yourself the grace to move through this process and I promise, you’ll be back to creating soon.

I hope these tips were helpful! Of course, if you have any questions or extra tips, I’m all ears. Feel free to leave a comment below or you can contact me personally.

Always,

The Corporate Queen