Keeping your creative focus.
Sometimes it's really hard to be creative, especially when you are stressed about life, rejection, bills and trying to find a new job. For those of us who work in creative fields, staying inspired and focused is tough. During tough times, it's important to understand the creative process and look for ways to stay inspired.
As a writer, there are times when I sit down at my computer and try to work on a project, but nothing comes. It's almost as if the moment I decide to create, the stress of everything falls on my shoulders and gets me blocked. It's not a fun place to be. If you're struggling to stay inspired, here are 5 steps that can really help.
- Collaborate - Join a writing group, art group or whatever it is that you are interested in. Some of these can be found online, while other meet at local libraries and other places. Typically, these groups exist so that other artists can give support, encouragement and offer advice to each other. These types of support groups help not only by giving you real advice and feedback but the simple process of talking with other creative people will give you fresh energy and inspiration.
- Try something new - If you're like me, you have creative interests in many different things. If you're suffering from a lack of inspiration, try switching to another creative task. For example, if you're a painter, pick up an art that isn't so hands-on. Changing things up, even if just for a couple of hours, will help your brain wake up and gets the creative juices flowing.
- Keep thinking about your next project - Focusing too hard on one thing can stop creativity in it's tracks. When you are feeling the lack of inspiration, start thinking about your next project. You're bound to get ideas that will ignite your passion and get you back on track.
- Understand that not all work is productive - When I am working on a new short story, sometimes I get busy doing non-productive things. At first, I felt bad about it, but I realized that things need time to grow in my mind. Just because you aren't doing anything doesn't mean that your art isn't gestating. Taking the time to stop, relax and dream a little will help re-energize your creativity.
- Get out and get inspired - If you feel that your creativity is exhausted, get out of the house and look for inspiration. Do the things you love. Sit in a coffee shop, browse through a bookstore, play on a playground. Whatever it is that you love, go do it. Playing can be the best way to get inspired.
When you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, feeling inspired is hard. Don't let tough times rob you of your passion. Sometimes just taking a break and having fun can make your creativity grow and give you something to bring back to your work.
What do you think about these tips? Do you have trouble staying inspired? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for ManhattanJobsBlog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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