#9 | July/August 2023

How often have you sat yourself down needing a fruitful day, a day of creativity and breakthrough? Yet, you have ended up just staring at a blank screen or piece of paper with not a drop of creativity coming through.

Well I think we have all been there in some shape or form.

Ideally, If we are to do what matters most and to be fruitful, we need to be able to minimise these days. So how can we?

I have a book sitting on top of my cupboard (& it sometimes makes the backdrop of my videos) called Keep Going by Austin Kleon. I can’t say I have read it cover to cover yet, but it has been helpful just to flick through and prompt me to think differently and stay creative.

Inspired by this and a new coaching tool I have created (Focused Creativity) I have jotted down a few ideas I have found helpful to maintain a good and consistent level of creativity over recent years. So I thought I would share them….

Think Seasons & Spaces

Embrace the Cycles of Creativity

Just like nature has different seasons, our creative journey can go through cycles. Recognising that there are times for growth, rest, and exploration. Adapting to and understanding these natural rhythms can help us avoid frustration. These seasons vary in weeks, months or years according to the creativity & intensity involved.

I went through this exercise at the beginning of the year. My creativity and passion had hit a brick wall and initially I could not figure out why, but I had simply reached the end of that season and reached my creative capacity. If I tried to research and take more ‘input’ it just led to frustration & demotivation, so I pivoted and focused on other areas. I realised this was ok to do, I just needed rest in this area. A number of months on now, I am ready to dive back in, but I will be limiting my creative period rather than assuming it will just be an endless flow.

So when you feel stuck, try to observe the season you're in and adjust your expectations and actions accordingly.

Find & Create Inspiring Spaces

Our physical environment plays a significant role in shaping our creativity. Having spaces that inspire you and that you enjoy being in will inspire you to be creative.  It could be a corner in your home, a cozy café, or a peaceful outdoor setting. Personalize it (where you can) with meaningful objects, colors, and artwork. Retreat to this space when facing a creative block.

For me, I have been fortunate to be able to develop a number of spaces. A minimal, clean office devoid of clutter at home, a space at my local Starbucks that I can walk to and simply see what is happening in the world & a bench seat in the countryside where I can sit & see nature at work.

Think Routine & Reflection

Establish a Creative Ritual

Consistency and routine can provide a solid foundation for your creative practice. Set aside dedicated time for your craft and create a ritual around it that involves something you value & enjoy. Incorporating creativity into your daily routine like this will cultivate a habit of regular practice.

For me, this links to my inspiring space. At least once a week, (especially when I need to write something that requires some creative thought & insight) I take a walk and go to a Cafe, order my favorite tea & get into the zone.

Engage in Meaningful Reflection

Reflection is a powerful tool for understanding your creative process. Regularly assess your work, identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. Cultivating this sense of self-discovery, seeking lessons in both successes and failures will help you gain insights that propel you forward.

As you probably know from some of my previous posts in relation to this area, I am a big fan of journaling & weekly reviews. You can learn more about how they have helped me reflect HERE.

Think Experimentation & Exploration

Embrace the Joy of Curiosity

Foster curiosity to overcome creative blocks. Approach your creative pursuits with a sense of wonder, being unafraid to explore new ideas and perspectives. Embrace the joy of exploring with different techniques, mediums, or genres. This often open doors to unexpected possibilities and breakthroughs

A few years back, I was finding myself becoming more and more cynical, a mindset that just crushed my creativity, because everything I thought of or created instantly was deemed ‘rubbish’ or that won’t work. A mindset change to ‘be curious’ just like a little kid would be helped me see things differently bringing joy and inspiration. The book ‘I Did I Not see it Coming’ by Carey Nieuwhof, talks about the importance of Curiosity. Take a look.

Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone

If we are afraid of failure we will not experiment, but experimentation will lead to creativity. Try to view failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. Embrace a growth mindset, understanding that setbacks and mistakes provide valuable insights. Each experiment, even if it doesn't yield the desired outcome, propels you closer to your creative goals.

For a ‘recovering’ perfectionist and someone that does not like to get things wrong like myself, this has been quite tough to take on board. Yet a game changer for me was to reframe what failure was. The book Storyworthy helped with this, learning that our most prominent failures can often translate into our best stories. So I now see everything as either a success or a story 😀. I would thoroughly recommend this book to both reframe our experiences into story.

Make it Count.

If you have made it this far, then let’s make sure you maximise the benefit.

If you are struggling for creativity at the moment, simply pick one of the suggestions and integrate it into your life. If it seems too big to do in one go then break it down into smaller steps.

Then share what you are doing with a close friend. Sharing has a number of benefits - not only is it accountability for you (especially if you ask the person to hold you to account for this change), but also it embeds it into your life more, when you teach / pass on what you have learned and how it applies to you.

So, give the above a go and see how you get on. If you want to go deeper and transform your creative capacity, then check out my Focused Creativity Coaching.

I hope & pray this ‘Pep Talk’ blesses you and motivates you to be more fruitful. Bye for now.

Every Blessing

James.

2 Go Deeper

Here are a couple of resources I have found helpful to inspire and channel your creativity:

3 tips to help you to Do What Matters Most

I believe being able to do what matters most, requires you to; be clear on your calling, cultivate your care and channel your creativity. Here are 3 quick tips for you:

Seek out mentors or role models.

Seeking out mentors or role models who have found their calling can be incredibly inspiring and provide valuable guidance on the path to discovering your own purpose. By observing and learning from those who have already embarked on their own meaningful journeys, you can gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes. Mentors and role models serve as beacons of inspiration, offering practical advice, support, and encouragement as you navigate your own path towards understanding your calling. Their wisdom and guidance can help you gain clarity, identify strategies, and overcome obstacles along the way.

Set healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy.

Establishing healthy boundaries is essential for protecting your time and energy, allowing you to prioritise your well-being and focus on what truly matters. By setting clear limits and communicating them effectively, you create a safe space for self-care and personal growth. Boundaries help prevent burnout and ensure that you allocate time and energy to activities that align with your values and goals. They allow you to say no when necessary, protect yourself from excessive demands or distractions, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By honouring your boundaries, you create the space needed to pursue your calling and nurture your overall well-being.

Break Tasks down.

Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps is a powerful strategy for preventing overwhelm and maintaining progress towards your goals. When faced with a large project or a complex task, it's easy to feel daunted or discouraged. However, by breaking it down into smaller, bite-sized pieces, you create a sense of achievable momentum. Each smaller step becomes more attainable, and you can celebrate small victories along the way, which boosts motivation and confidence. By focusing on one step at a time, you can maintain clarity, reduce stress, and move steadily forward, ultimately accomplishing the larger objective.

Found this ‘Pep Talk’ Helpful?

Then check out my other online content & share so others can benefit.