Creative block: understand the causes and know how to overcome it

To be considered creative, a person does not necessarily need to be inspired all the time. You have probably lived moments when the imagination stopped flowing and the ideas seemed to have run out, didn’t you? This momentary inhibition of productivity is called a creative block and is far more common than you think.

But this situation can be a nightmare for those who work more comprehensively with creative processes, such as designers. This is because, if not resolved, the block can affect performance and compromise the quality of deliveries. So, what to do when it becomes so complicated to have new ideas? That is what we will learn in this article.

How does the creation process work?

Being creative is a skill that is born with all people and is related to the connections we establish in the different spheres of life: the more stimuli we receive, the more we develop our capacity for imagination. Therefore, creativity can be favored or harmed by several external factors, such as family and work.

But this is also an internal process, which depends on how we “see” and “absorb” these experiences. According to David Kelley, author of the book Creative Confidence, the creative method has 5 stages, which can happen in a linear or apparently chaotic way, that is, when they extrapolate rationality: the research of the theme (preparation), the internalization of information (incubation) , the emergence of ideas (lighting), the choice of the most promising ideas (validation) and the “hands-on” phase (execution).

But why does the creative block happen?

Now that you know how the creation process works, it is easy to understand that blocking occurs when one or more of these steps are hampered by internal or external factors, do you agree? The excess of objectivity and rationalization of tasks is one of the most common causes, but we can also mention others. Here are some examples:

Insecurity

When expectations regarding the result of your work are not aligned with your productive capacity, some factors – such as excessive perfectionism, lack of mastery in the use of some techniques and fear of others’ opinions – can generate insecurity and interfere with your creative process .

Tiredness

If you have sleepless nights, are experiencing some difficulties in your personal / professional life or are committed to performing more tasks than you actually can on a daily basis, this will cause physical and mental exhaustion, which reduces your productivity and prevents ideas from coming up easily.

Disorganization

The lack of strategic planning for the execution of a project – which includes schedule, budget and communication with all stakeholders, for example – can generate anxiety, indecision when making choices and culminate in a creative block, compromising the final result of your project or job.

And how can this situation be reversed?

When you identify the possible causes of a creative block, it becomes easier to work around the problem. To overcome this difficulty once and for all, some tips can help you:

Take time to rest

When your body and mind are relaxed, your productivity tends to increase. Therefore, try to organize your routine in order to guarantee good hours of sleep during the night. Also, don’t assume responsibilities that demand more than you can handle.

Take a break

During a creative block, if possible, take a break and try to get a little distracted. This way, you will be able to relieve the pressure of the moment and recharge your energies to get back to work. Take time to listen to music, take a nap or do some activity that stimulates your mind, such as reading a book.

Search for inspiration

Do something that stimulates your creativity and write down possible insights that come up. You can visit inspiring websites, browse a magazine, take pictures or watch a movie… Any activity that brings you inspiration is valid.

Take care of your work environment

Create a pleasant space to carry out your activities and keep the place always clean and free from clutter. After all, ideas emerge more easily when we produce in a creative and organized environment.

Plan yourself

Organize your projects and set deadlines to complete each process. When you plan everything you need to do and set aside enough time for it, it’s easier to prevent anxiety from getting in the way of your focus.

Brainstorm

Choose a word to start the brainstorm and record everything that comes to mind from that term. Do not repress any thoughts – even those you find useless – after all, doing this can further reduce your flow of ideas.

Control your expectations

By demanding nothing less than perfection from yourself, you can compromise your performance. Remember that, in most cases, it is possible to make changes if delivery does not meet customer expectations. So always try to improve your techniques, but never doubt your potential.

Do physical activities and healthy eating

The practice of physical exercises and a balanced diet provide a better quality of life and stimulate brain activity, helping to combat anxiety and mental fatigue, two major enemies of productivity.

The creative block can be influenced by several factors and does not choose a time or place to happen. But if you put these solutions into practice, it will be easier to get around your difficulties and bring inspiration back. Did you like the tips? Then also follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!