Creativity is the expression of the inner state of its creator combined with his/her own experience and knowledge. This process leads to the birth of a new art product whether it is a painting, a performance, a song, a film, a book, or an innovative project that requires creativity.
Creativity can be found in your talents, be part of your skills and be present in your personal and professional roles.
In some cases, there is a demand for the product of creativity to match a certain audience preference. This may create a duality in the artist within and lead to blocks or the feeling of being stuck. However, this duality can also be a positive aspect and boost even more the power of creation inside the artist.
The awareness of the obstacles you are facing and understanding the causes and effects of certain challenges clearly open possibilities that will enhance your creations.
Explore what, why, and how to create. Overcome challenges and understand how to reach and inspire others. In addition, benefit from some key reminders that will help you to expand and maintain your creativity and will make your creations stand out.
When do you feel stuck in your creativity?
There are common obstacles creative people usually face at some point:
- What to create.
If you are very experienced and have a huge selection of projects, you may feel like ‘I have done everything;’ or, when you are just starting, you may feel like ‘I want to do so many things.’ Also, if you are super creative you may be facing different projects arising at the same time, but you see yourself not following through with all your ideas.
- Why create.
This will give you the opportunity to think about your purpose. These existential questions about the meaning of your work are possibly ignited by your lack of direction and feeling overwhelmed.
- How to create.
Make a strategy plan in order to create. The following questions may have passed through your mind: Do you find resistance to make a plan? Even if you set your goals, could there be a fear of failure between the lines?
- Dealing with practical challenges and also noticing your emotional and cognitive challenges.
Explore what your obstacles are, from financial to health issues that may be on your way as you develop your creativity. Could you be procrastinating? And what could be causing you a delay to start or continue with your project?
- Promoting your work.
This includes a variety set of skills, where being creative is paramount on the way and what message you want to share with others. Think about how you can make the most of what you have to offer, what other people’s needs and expectations are, and what motivates you to share your work with the world.
What can you do to expand your creativity and make your creations blossom?
Observe others and other things that inspire you.
Explore the creative process and let it unfold. Don’t get tempted to start editing as you go along.
Find your identity as an artist: ‘Where do you stand? Where does your work stand? This will help you to become clear on the work you would like to create.
Connect with other like-minded people. Be part of a community of creative people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where you will feel the benefit of accountability and shared support.
Feel energised by your vision. If you are passionate about what you are creating, you will be showing up with authenticity, positive mindset and you will inspire others.
Create boundaries (in your time, space, and relationship with others in family or professional environments).
Higher your expectations of your results, as it will empower your investment during the creative process.
Focus on your lifestyle and well-being. Find the habits that will improve your drive and energy levels. Your wellbeing and energy levels will influence and interfere with your creativity and access to inspiration.
Stay in the present moment. Temporarily disconnecting from the past and the future will facilitate the state of flow where creativity flourishes from.
Be kind to yourself. If you feel you are self-sabotaging, remember what you have achieved so far, trust the process and stay focused on your purpose. Feeling stuck and reflecting on it may create new insights, which then will originate new possibilities.
Recognise what triggers your imposter syndrome, so you can overcome it and it doesn’t become a barrier to your success.
Celebrate your projects.
Finally, if you want to sustain a consistent path in your creativity development, explore and define your values and beliefs, which are the foundation layers of your work.
In addition, it is relevant to know what success means to you and how your sense of accomplishment can be measured.
Once you know what you want to create and how you want to express it, think how you can combine the factors mentioned above to enable the achievement of the biggest dream for your creative work.
This process doesn’t need to be a lonely growth.
‘How would it feel to have a totally supportive, non-judgemental, personal cheerleader who wants to know you and has nothing but your best creative interest at heart? What is that worth to you?’ (Masel, 2020)
You can have my support to make the most of your talent to generate meaning in your life and in other people’s lives through the work you produce.
If you want to know more, get in touch! https://www.mafaldanovo.com/contact
Mafalda Novo 12.02.2021
