Creativity who?

Merry weekend everybody! Hope you’re all doing well.

I’ve been feeling fairly unproductive creatively the past week or so. I know I’ve got lots to work toward but it’s hard because when I don’t feel like I’m in a super creative I don’t feel like the end result is going to be my absolute best that it needs to be. It’s kind of writers block?? but also just a weird self preservative rut I think. If I work, I’m scared I’ll fail.

I’m sure some of you in here can empathise with that. I thought I’d just share and let you guys know it’s all a normal part of this journey. This is a type of writers block I haven’t quite figured out how to effectively work around yet. But from what I know, I treat it similarly to the more standard kind. First and foremost, I’m not hard on myself about it.

Secondly I make sure I show up to the work regardless; I make sure I’m available for when creativity returns. It’s a two way street here. You can’t expect to be creative when you’re feeling down on yourself sitting on the couch watching Netflix and avoiding the work. Rest (Netflix) is necessary but there has to be the right intention. Being active in the process is important.

Once I’ve shown up, I make sure I give myself breaks and avert my energy to exercise, gardening, reading, cooking or speaking to a friend etc. then I show up again and see what’s there. Sometimes you just need that separation from the vicious cycle and to come back with a fresh mind that’s been focused on something else.

Deadlines often help me get into gear. So that’s a strategy myself or my manager will put into place if we don’t already have a deadline. Sometimes we just need a little nudge.

Imposter syndrome is super real sometimes. I think it happens when we are left to own devices for too long and we get in our own heads. Sometimes I feel like we need someone to kick our ass and remind us where we are in the first place. Sometimes we need to do it to ourselves. At least having the awareness will be a step in the right direction.