We all have those moments where we feel totally uninspired. It’s like our creativity has completely disappeared and we struggle to come up with new ideas, get blog posts written, etc. Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us! But if you’re going through a slump, you can easily get your creative juices flowing again with these simple tips:
1. Carry a notebook everywhere you go.
Think Harriet the Spy. Harriet was never far from her trusty composition notebook. Her dream was to travel the world and write down everything. You don’t need to write down everything, but take the time to jot down ideas and make note of the things that inspire you. Sometimes it just feels so much better to take a note the old-fashioned way with pen and paper instead of whipping out your phone.
Maybe you read a quote that you found inspiring? Write it down! Perhaps a color caught your eye and could be perfect for the rebrand you’re working on? Take a photo and print it for your notebook. Collect all of your inspiration in one place so it’s easy to refer to later on when you’re feeling the need to ignite your creativity.
2. Step away from the computer.
Make sure you take the time to be unplugged every now and then. While there are plenty of things online to spark your creative side (hello, Pinterest), sometimes unplugging can be refreshing. There can be a lot of negativity on social media these days and it’s good to just tune that out for a bit. After all, you don’t have to Instagram every meal you eat.
Instead, put the technology down for a while. Enjoy a phone-free dinner with your family or friends. Take a walk through your neighborhood and enjoy Mother Nature. Stepping away from social media and the constant notifications lighting up our phones can help you clear your mind for new ideas to flow in.
3. Collaborate.
Sometimes all you need is to have a chat with a friend or colleague to bounce ideas off of or to get feedback on your work. Brainstorming sessions can help give you a whole new perspective on things. Find a friend who can be your go-to for this kind of thing. Maybe it’s an accountability partner or a blogger friend who can relate to what you’re working on? Having someone there who can help ignite your creativity can make a world of a difference.
4. Allow yourself to make mistakes.
Mistakes. Failure. They’re both terrifying things, especially in this digital age when your mistakes may be broadcast for the world to see online. For example, I wasn’t always happy with the content I published on this site. I used to have a completely different focus and not getting it “right” the first time around used to make me feel as though I failed. But I learned from it. I didn’t let it hold me back. I kept moving forward in the direction that I did feel was right.
Allow yourself to make mistakes. Don’t let yourself be so scared of mistakes that you’re too afraid to try anything. It’ll only stifle your creativity. Instead, remember that you can learn from mistakes and do better next time.
5. Go somewhere new.
Explore your own neighborhood or take a mini trip by yourself or with friends. Getting out and really seeing the world will open your mind to so many more possibilities. It’s sure to give you so many new ideas.
6. Take risks.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. This goes hand-in-hand with the aforementioned fear of making mistakes and failing. Don’t let a fear of the unknown hold you back. Instead, take a risk. Make that jump. Don’t spend your life wondering, “What if?” What is one thing you’re afraid to do and what’s stopping you from doing it? Now is the time to let it go.
7. Have fun.
Fill your life with things that you truly love to do. When you spend time doing what you love, what you’re passionate about, that’s when you really start to shine. That’s when you come alive and feel invigorated. Make time for fun things in your life instead of being all about work, work, work. Life is too short for that. And when make the time for things you enjoy, your creative side will love you for it!