As a content creator, you know how frustrating it can be to suddenly find yourself unable to come up with new ideas. This is called creative block or writer’s block, and they are common. Fortunately, you can overcome it and get your creative juices flowing again with just a few mindful actions.
Here are seven ways to overcome creative or writer’s block to increase your productivity and revenue as a content creator:
Take a Break
Sometimes when you feel creatively blocked, all you need is some time away from your work. Get away from your computer, laptop, notebook, or whatever you use and take a walk. Read a book, or just relax for a bit to clear your mind. Breaks may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to get out of a rut is to take a break.
Doodle
When you’re feeling creatively blocked, it can be helpful to doodle or draw. Don’t try to make this complicated or fancy. Instead, just make some simple shapes or lines. The act of drawing can help jumpstart your brain and get the creative juices flowing again.
Write Down Your Ideas
It’s not unusual for people to suddenly get an idea when they’re in the middle of doing something else entirely. If this occurs to you, don’t ignore it! Instead, stop what you’re doing and write down the idea so you don’t forget it. When a few ideas are written down, you can start working on them and see if any of them turn into something more.
Brainstorm with Someone
If you can’t seem to come up with ideas on your own, try brainstorming with someone else. Your friends, family members, or even just another content creator can get the creative juices flowing even if you’re not being totally serious during the brainstorming. Sometimes getting another person’s perspective when you’re feeling creatively stuck is all you need.
Take a Different Approach
If you usually write blog posts, try making a video instead. Or, if you typically doodle, try painting. Switching up your usual routine to jumpstart your creativity is often what it takes to get it going again.
Be Patient
It’s important to remember that creative blocks don’t last forever. So even if it feels like you’ve been stuck for weeks or even months, eventually, the ideas will start flowing again. In the meantime, as long as you’re moving forward, practice patience by focusing on the journey and the moments and process of what you are doing.
Practice Meditation or Mindfulness
This can help you clear your mind and focus on the present, which can, in turn, help spark new ideas.
If you find yourself struggling with a creative block, don’t panic. Instead, just try one of these tips and see if it helps. Remember, everyone goes through periods of creative drought from time to time. The important thing is not to give up and keep pushing through. Eventually, the ideas will come.