We all experience those dreaded moments when inspiration seems to escape us, and we find ourselves stuck in a creative block. Whether you’re a writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to inject more creativity into your life, hitting a creative block can be frustrating and demotivating. But fear not, because in this article, we’ll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you break free from creative slumps and stay inspired.

P.S. Prefer to listen? Check out Episode 62 of the Bright Life Podcast: What to Do if You Hit a Creative Rut.

5 Tips to Get Out of a Creative Block

Take Breaks & Honor Your Rhythms

Taking breaks and understanding your body’s natural rhythms can do wonders for your creativity. Pay attention to the times of the day when you feel most productive and creative, and use those moments for your most demanding tasks.

Incorporate short breaks into your work schedule to refresh your mind, go for a walk, or indulge in activities that bring you joy. Oftentimes, we feel like we’re lacking creativity, when we just need a break. Being mindful of your energy levels and giving yourself regular mental breaks can help prevent burnout and keep your creativity flowing.

Set Time Limits & Eliminate Distractions

When you’re faced with a daunting creative task, try setting time limits and eliminating distractions. Allow yourself focused blocks of time to work on specific projects without distractions like social media, emails, or unrelated tasks. I personally like to keep my phone on Do Not Disturb mode so I only see texts when I’m done with my project. I also close out browser tabs or anything that could lure me in!

Once you complete your work within the time limit, reward yourself with a well-deserved break. For me, this technique creates a sense of urgency and helps me become more efficient and productive. I tell myself that after my work is done, I can check social media or other websites, and this always seems to encourage my creative juices to get flowing.

Embrace Your Natural Voice

When faced with writer’s block or any creative block, try speaking the content as if you were sharing it with a friend or family member. Record yourself speaking about the topic, then transcribe it. This technique often helps break down the mental barriers we impose on ourselves when trying to sound professional or perfect. Embracing your natural voice can make your writing more engaging and relatable, while removing the pressure you put on yourself to do it perfectly the first draft.

See What’s Underneath Procrastination

Procrastination is often rooted in fear. Take a closer look at the tasks you’ve been putting off and ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?” Identifying and addressing any underlying fears can be liberating and open up new pathways for creativity. Procrastination might just be your mind’s way of protecting you from stepping outside your comfort zone. Confronting these fears head-on can help you overcome creative blockages and see what’s really underneath.

Surround Yourself With New Ideas & Experiences

To keep your creative juices flowing, expose yourself to new ideas and experiences regularly. Consume different types of content, listen to podcasts, read books, take courses, and attend workshops. Try to break your routine by visiting new places or trying new hobbies to jolt your brain out of its comfort zone. Engaging in new activities and experiences can stimulate your creativity and provide fresh perspectives on old challenges.

—

Hitting a creative block is a common experience for all creative people, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock in your work. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can stay inspired and productive even when faced with creative challenges. Remember, creativity thrives on exploration, experimentation, and embracing imperfection. So, the next time you encounter a creative block, don’t be discouraged—use it as an opportunity to grow and evolve as a writer or creator.

Ready for Your Biggest, Brightest Life?

Read my book: Your Bright Life: Get Clear on What You Want, Overcome Self-Doubt, and Bring Your Dreams to Life.

Learn from self-paced masterclasses: My self-paced workshops featuring videos, workbooks, journal worksheets, and practices guide you through each stage of bringing your dreams to life.

Start your own business: If your dream involves starting a business or becoming your own boss, my business course teaches you step-by-step how to start a copywriting business, based on my experience traveling the world as a writer, running a copywriting agency, and writing for HuffPost.

Coach with me 1:1: 12 weeks of private coaching to design your brightest life or business, overcome the fears holding you back, and get a step-by-step plan to bring your dreams to life—together!

Sign up for a free training: 5 steps to build a 6-figure copywriting business (even if you’ve never written professionally before)! I’ll break down what I learned in 15 years in the industry, a journalism degree, and being inside global brands mentoring writers AND on the outside as a writer getting clients and building a business… so YOU can create more freedom and fulfillment as your own boss, too!

P.S. More on this: Work From Home Series: How Becoming a Copywriter Changed My Life, What Does a Copywriter Do? [A Day in the Life] and Why You Should Let Your Creative Ideas Marinate.