Silencing the Trickster: Overcoming Creative Blocks
Let’s face it: the struggle is real to overcome creative blocks. We’ve all been there – sitting in front of a blank canvas, staring at an empty page, or holding our art supplies with a mind as blank as the space we’re trying to fill. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and sometimes even paralyzing. But fear not, fellow creatives! Today, we’re going to tackle this challenge head-on and explore ways to overcome those pesky creative blocks.
The Trickster’s Whispers
First things first, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: that sneaky little voice in your head. You know the one – it tells you you’re not good enough, that your ideas are stupid, or that you should probably reorganize your sock drawer instead of creating. This, my friends, is what I like to call the “trickster voice.” It knows exactly how to keep you from taking action, and it’s incredibly persuasive.
But here’s the secret: recognizing this voice is half the battle. Once you can identify when the trickster is speaking, you can start to challenge its whispers and push past them.
Taming the Distractions
In our hyper-connected world, distractions are everywhere. That notification ping? It’s practically Pavlovian at this point. But to truly dive into your creative work, you need to limit these distractions. Turn off your phone notifications, close those unnecessary browser tabs, and create a space that’s conducive to focusing on your art.
The Productivity Illusion
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Sometimes, we fall into the trap of the “productivity illusion.” This is when we convince ourselves we’re being productive, but we’re actually just avoiding the real work. Sounds familiar? It might look like:
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- Spending hours searching for the perfect pen
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- Reorganizing your art supplies for the umpteenth time
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- Watching “just one more” YouTube tutorial
While these activities might feel productive, they’re often just clever forms of procrastination. The key is to recognize when you’re falling into this trap and gently guide yourself back to actual creating.
Embracing Growth and Accountability
Remember, every artist was once a beginner. Embracing a growth mindset and viewing each creation as a learning opportunity can take a lot of pressure off. Additionally, finding an accountability partner or joining a creative community can provide support, motivation, and gentle nudges when you need them most. This is a big reason that I add live Zoom events to all of my longer courses, so that we can progress together, asking questions, showing our work, and celebrating our progress.
Small Steps, Big Impact
One of the most effective ways to overcome creative blocks is to set small, achievable goals. Instead of pressuring yourself to create a masterpiece, start with something simple:
- Swatch colors: Spend 10 minutes playing with your favorite colors. Mix them, layer them, see how they interact.
- Use repetitive marks: Create a pattern using a simple shape or line. Repeat it, vary it, see where it takes you.
These small exercises can help you build momentum and often lead to unexpected inspiration.
The Path Forward
Overcoming creative blocks isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s about showing up, day after day, and doing the work even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about silencing that trickster voice, pushing past the distractions, and embracing the journey of growth.
Remember, every stroke of your brush, every word you write, every creation you bring into the world is a victory. Celebrate these small wins, learn from the process, and keep moving forward. The world needs your unique creative voice – don’t let the trickster keep it silent.
So, what small, achievable goal will you set for yourself today? Your next creative breakthrough might be just one swatch or squiggle away.
Take Your Creativity to the Next Level
Ready to dive deeper into unlocking your creative potential? Join our on-demand mini-class, “Basics of Creative Meditative Flow.” This course is designed to help you tap into your inner wellspring of creativity, teaching you techniques to quiet your mind, foster inspiration, and achieve a state of flow in your artistic practice. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to break through a plateau or a beginner seeking to establish a consistent creative routine, this class will provide you with practical tools to elevate your artistic journey. Don’t let creative blocks hold you back any longer – sign up now and start transforming your creative process today!
Join me in the “Basics of Creative Meditative Flow” Mini-Class
Remember, every creative journey begins with a single step. Take that step today and unlock the full potential of your artistic expression!
