3 tips for overcoming lack of motivation and creative block

Do you often feel envious of other artists doing the things you want to do but you’re unsure how to do it? 

Or maybe you’re feeling uninspired or have negative thoughts when it comes to your work? 

Or do you just not know how to move forward and feel stuck?

Creative block. Lack of motivation. Zero creative energy. We’ve all been there, right? Every creative person goes through phases of creative ups and downs, and if you’re constantly in a perfect creative zone then I bow down to you. It’s more common than you think... Most of us have been there, while I do not have all the answers I do have some vague idea of what works for me. 

Whether or not I follow my own recommendations is not the point, you people are better than me at that. 

Take a break

Literally anyone would tell you this if you’re struggling with creative block but rarely do we listen. Taking time out to let your brain recharge is mostly always the best way to overcome a lack of creative motivation. Take time out to do other things you may have been putting off while building your creative empire. Read a book, clean your house, consume art from other people. But not too much art consumption, don’t drown yourself with other art that just makes your block worse. If you’re consuming art from your idols kicking yourself that you didn’t think of that idea first you need to step back and consider who you’re following. Don’t follow anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself, even if they’re your idols and amazing artists. I’ve unfollowed idols, trust me you feel better when scrolling your feed.

A couple of weeks ago I got sick with a cold, it knocked me out for a few days and meant I was forced to take a break from everything. Before the cold, I was feeling okay about my work but I wasn’t loving it. But after basically a week off work I sat down and reevaluated what I was doing and planned out where I wanted to go and now I’m more on track and know exactly what I’m doing! I’ve also been giving myself nights off to just chill instead of working on things and it’s been really good for me, so if that sounds like it’ll work for you try it out! The occasional night off is better than nothing, you don’t have to take a full week or two off. 

If you can’t take a break, push through

Not everyone has time to take a break and put your art on pause. So instead, keep going, keep showing up and eventually things will improve and change. Even if it’s just for ten minutes, make yourself work on the thing you’re stuck on and hating, your lightbulb may suddenly appear. 

But if working on the piece that caused the block doesn’t help, try working on something else you need to do. Sooth your brain with another piece, another medium, or even just sit down and do the admin you’ve been putting off. I am all for procrastiworking if it helps eventually get the thing you’re procrastinating done. Who knows, you may fall in love with another piece that sparks a new series that is so much better than the original piece you’ve been struggling with.

Otherwise, if that doesn’t work distract yourself

Do something entirely different from your usual routine. Maybe go for a walk outside instead of replying to emails in the morning, take in all the sites that you’d usually power walk straight past, try a new cafe or takeaway coffee place. Watch those ted talks, or read those inspiring books that you’ve always wanted to watch and read but have put off because you’re busy with other things. 

Let’s face it, these are very normal suggestions for overcoming creative block or lack of motivation but the key thing here is to actually do them instead of nodding along going “yes yes sure” then continue life as normal. Plan your days so you can take breaks away from your work. Take a look at my post about making more time for side projects and you may be able to reorganise your life to limit burnout and creative block!

- Sophie

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