Dear friend,
Writer’s block (or artist’s block) sucks. When the Creative Block Monster comes leering over my shoulder, it makes it so much harder to be creative. Sometimes, the Monster whispers my insecurities in my ear. Sometimes it drops distracting new ideas in my lap. But most often, it likes to frighten off all my creative impulses. Then I sigh, look it in the eye (it has only one), and say, “Really? I just coaxed them out from their hiding places from the last time you scared them under the couch. Go bug someone else, why don’t you.”
Actually, what I call the Creative Block Monster is usually just decision paralysis or my executive function turning off.
“Decision paralysis” means that I have too many options and get too overwhelmed to make a decision (because what if it’s the WRONG decision?). “Executive function” is better known as willpower. People with ADHD (like me) have a higher difficulty maintaining executive functioning skills in our brains, which, in turn, makes it more difficult to “just do it.”
As I was saying…
The Creative Block Monster is a real pain in the bum. The good news is that it might look all big and scary, but it’s got some pretty major weaknesses.
Step #1
Pray.
You have an ally that’s bigger than the boogie man, so talk to him! God’s the author of creativity, so why not go to the one who can get you past the Creative Block Monster?
This is the most important step, by the way. When you have God on your side, there’s no monster you have to fear.
Step #2
Figure out the problem.
Why are you avoiding this project? Is it that you don’t have any ideas? Is it because you have too many ideas?
Are you feeling insecure about the project? Are you burnt out? Is your space a mess?
Take some time to figure out the reason the Creative Block Monster is sitting on your project. (Hint: sometimes it’s helpful to journal about the problem.)
Step #3
Fill the well!
This is what my mentor calls it when you do stuff to fill your brain with inspiration. Read books, watch movies, people-watch in the park, take pictures of weird cloud shapes.
Daydream. Be bored. Do silly things. (And if you’re burnt out, take a nap!)
Fill your life with whimsy and your brain with inspiration.
Step #4
Make a plan.
You’ve figured out why the Creative Block Monster is plaguing you, you’ve filled your well with a bunch of inspiration, and you’ve asked God for help; now it’s time to make a plan!
Step by step, break down everything you need to accomplish for your project. Write it out, whether it’s in your notes app or on a spare sticky note.
Step #5
Kick that Creative Block Monster in the tush!
Now that you have a plan, it’s time to follow it. Focus on three of the tasks on the list. Any more than that and you’re liable to get overwhelmed again (if you’re anything like me).
AAAND just like that, you’ve defeated the Creative Block Monster. Good job! Highfives all around! It’s as simple as one, two, three…four, five.
If the Creative Block Monster has the audacity to sneak back into the room all you have to do is give it a nasty glare and repeat these steps. You should be knee-deep in creative projects in no time!
Sincerely,
R. J. Catlin
P. S. Comment which step sounds the most helpful!
All of the steps were helpful. The one I found the most helpful was to Pray, of course, which is one we tend to neglect the most. Thank you for sharing your insights on breaking through the creative block (Monster).
Thanks for reading! I’m glad it was helpful!
This was all helpful. Thank you for this. Figuring out the problem was key. Right now I am making a plan and am going to refocus and follow 3 small steps today.
Yay! I’m glad this is helpful to you!