The Truth to Creativity Slumps
It has more to do with your inner self than you think.
Everyone is creative, whether they consider themselves to be or not. We are constantly creating and bringing our ideas into existence. An artist might bring to life a beautiful landscape with breathtaking mountains and lakes. An engineer might be constructing the safe bridges we drive on with trust.
As a writer myself, I face what we call writers block. It’s the imaginary brick wall that keeps your thoughts from meeting your fingers. It’s the lack of inspiration that makes you feel run down and dry. It begins to create something for itself- desperation, frustration and the horrible belief that you might not even be good enough at what you do.
This halt to creativity is one of the most stubborn things in the world. As humans, our minds are constantly running, so why are there no new ideas?
When we begin to pull at threads that don’t seem to connect, we form this resistance against ourselves in our own heads. We fuel our negative ego, which you must understand first before you blaming yourself for whatever short comings you pin on your name.
The Difficult Facts
Lack of imagination is the culprit in this scenario. When we grapple for an idea, we become desperate. We sit there at the screen, paper, canvas or whatever it is you’re utilizing, and we imagine nothing.
This sends us into a state of need, which is not a productive one. When we need something, we are emitting a negative energy all around us. Everything becomes embodied in this negative sensation as we stare at our hands waiting for a miracle.
When we believe that we have no creativity, we don’t. Why should anything change?
This negativity becomes our reality. When you are in a great momentum of writing or painting, we don’t experience this block. We keep going because we are open to it and in the state to receive exactly what you give out.
But when this comes to an end and you stare at the materials in front of you, you begin to think that you don’t have what it takes. And guess what? The natural order of things will prove that you don’t have what it takes.
That doesn’t mean all is lost!
Think about it. When you are negative and beating down on yourself, why would you come to the great realization that fruits into something truly amazing? Your need to do better drags you down mentally, and you put a stop to your own abilities.
Not all is Lost
Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? It’s a time management system popularized in the writing community that was developed by a man named Francesco Cirillo. It uses intervals for higher levels of creativity and productiveness. For one twenty-minute period, you write. Then you take a five-minute break. Then twenty minutes of work, a break, and so forth.
Personally, I have used this method many times. When I am at the verge of a writer’s block, I go on YouTube and watch writing sprints structured in this technique. I find that not only do I break through the block, but I also get more words written than if I just sat there contemplating my novel.
Why?
It’s because when you spend time working on the project, most likely struggling during the first and maybe even few periods of productivity, and then take breaks. These breaks are spent with a group chat conversing about different subjects. This is important!
This break allows your brain to detach from the subject you’re working on. It allows you to think about other things while your subconscious turns over what you are struggling with. When you return, you find yourself refreshed and ready to try again.
This method might be difficult at first, but you must learn how your brain develops new thoughts and ideas.
Change your Mindset
Do you remember when I said that the natural order of things will prove to you that you don’t have what it takes if that is what you believe?
I’m sure everyone has heard about the “fake it ’til you make it” motto. Have you tried this? I was very hesitant and even skeptical. I’m a psychology major, which brings on the necessity of trying new things, and this surprised me.
How can someone change their outlook just by using their thoughts?
It’s not exactly reverse psychology but it’s the underlying part of humanity that we think what we believe. It’s society, it’s nature, it’s whatever it might be. But it’s true. Have you ever asked a skinny person how they stay in good shape when they eat junk food all day?
I have, and the answer was, “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve always been like this.”
If you asked me why I am chubby, you know what I would tell you? The same exact thing.
Now you’re probably going to say that’s not how that works. I have to disagree. Of course, there’s a lot that goes into the biology of a person’s structure, from diet, genetics and physical exercise. But did you know that the way to speak to and think about yourself actually can change your genes? Your biological makeup?
It’s true. Our thoughts are more powerful that we give them credit for.
When you tell yourself that you are a certain way, are you not truly that way? You believe it so it must be.
There’s so much more I could go into on this topic, but I’ll save it for another time.
How to End Creative Slumps
The point remains that what you believe is what is true — at least to yourself. If you believe you are intelligent, you will make higher grades. If you believe you are athletic, you will grow strong in that way. It’s the self-fulfilling prophecy, the Law of Attraction, the way that society survives.
So, what does that mean for creativity?
First, you must tell yourself what you want to believe. Maybe it feels like a lie at first. I am creative. Practice it with me. Creativity flows from my mind and is expressed through my hands.
Easy enough, right?
Now, you must let it go. You must believe the words to be true. Laugh some, tell yourself you’re being silly. Don’t let it be a big deal. You told yourself I am, which is a powerful statement. Maybe the most powerful. You are and will be, and you must understand that it is true.
Once you’ve taken the weight off your shoulders, take a step away from it. Inspiration can’t come to a crowded mind full of doubt and insecurity. It comes to people who are open to it. You will find inspiration before you know it and you will flourish.
You are, you will be, and you have been creative this whole time. So, relax. It’s on its way. The only thing left to do now is allow it to come naturally.
