As creators, we all occasionally hit a wall that disrupts our creative process. These walls take many forms, from elusive plotlines to stubborn characters, from uncooperative tunes to hard-to-decipher business strategies. The good news is that it’s completely normal to experience these obstacles, and there are proven strategies to dismantle them.
Our creative community is a vibrant space filled with independent creators like you, and in this article, we’re going to explore five strategies to reignite your creative passion and push past these challenges. These strategies have been gleaned from the experiences of some of the most successful creators around us, who’ve graciously shared their wisdom.
1. Challenge Yourself Creatively
One way to break free from a creative rut is to challenge yourself. Think of a concept that feels outside your comfort zone and give it a shot. Diana Gabaldon, a bestselling novelist, once dared herself to write a ‘triple-nested flashback,’ pushing her limits and increasing her motivation. Remember, growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.
2. Switch Up Your Creative process.
Changing your creative methodology can be an excellent way to shake up your thinking and approach your work with a fresh perspective. If you usually stick to a structured outline, try letting your story unfold organically. Alternatively, if you’re more of a free spirit, experimenting with planning might lead to unexpected insights. This doesn’t mean you need to stick to this new method, but even a temporary change can spark innovation.
3. Experiment with Different Perspectives
Exploring different points of view can breathe new life into your work. Have you ever thought about narrating a story from the perspective of an inanimate object, an animal, or an extraterrestrial being? By challenging yourself to see through different eyes, you might uncover unique and engaging angles for your project.
4. Connect with Your Inner motivation.
Poet Ralph Angel once shared that his writing was an essential element of his identity. Remembering the deep, intrinsic motivation that drives you to create can help you surmount obstacles and maintain focus. Your craft is an extension of yourself and your unique voice; it’s an invaluable tool for expressing and exploring your identity.
5. Rediscover the Joy in creating.
Ultimately, the joy derived from the act of creation should be your guide. Put aside thoughts of audience reception or commercial success and reconnect with the simple pleasure of bringing something new into the world. Remember why you started your creative journey, and use that sense of fun and satisfaction to fuel your work. Pleasure in the process of creation is a powerful motivator that will sustain you through the ups and downs of your creative journey.
Remember, your journey as a creator is unique, and every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth and development. Lean on these strategies and your creative community as you continue to produce work that resonates with your passion and purpose.