GETTING UNSTUCK

Coming up against 'the block', or facing the inability to move through the mud of confusion and the molasses that seems to engulf a Creative, is well-known. It happens to the budding Creative and the renowned. You are Not alone.

Before getting to the pacing, haunted, dark cloud self-doubt that leads down the black hole — do something to change your state. Don't push against the block. That only makes it appear more solid, more quickly. Learn to recognize your own early warnings of an impending creative block before agitated becomes rabid distress.

Some people find that activities related to the creative medium where the block is forming dislodges the barrier. Others need physical, playful distractions and outings totally unrelated to creating. What works this time may not work the next. Generate lots of ideas.

• Go for a walk — at least 30 minutes
• Take a shower
• Read a thesaurus — don't know what a thesaurus is? Find out:)
• Research and collect quotes
• Take a nap — Unless you absolutely must, don't set an alarm. Set your body-clock instead.
• Close your eyes and create. Obviously, this doesn't work for all creative activities. Writing on a computer — darken the screen. Painting on canvas — just be sure to protect your clothes and surrounding surfaces. Dancer / Choreographer — as long as the space is big enough. Sculptor — be sure the tools are not sharp …
• Browse through a book by one of your favourite writers
• Muck about with colours, a digital camera, clay … or any other art form that you enjoy. Best not try something unfamiliar. Create in a way that builds your confidence.
• Make soup. The process of creating soup from scratch is ideal for quiet pondering. Tending soup is also grounding. It helps to take a person out of their head.
• Play a word game.
• Host a spontaneous Cranium game night.
• Make and play with homemade clay.
• Shop for a new creative tool — juicy pens, a sheet of music, a notebook, new violin strings, clay, a prop …
• Call a friend. Choose carefully. Hitting 'the wall' can quickly lead to self-doubt. You need someone who can empathize and cheer you Up!

No matter what kind of Creative you are — writer, painter, illustrator, dancer, choreographer, photographer, musician — and no matter what level of expertise you have — there are other Creatives who are currently needing help to Get Past Stuck. What worked for you, could work for somebody else too!

Join the forum conversation — Share your 'Getting UnStuck' ideas

(Specifically intended for the unblocking of the Creative process)