Sometimes, it just isn’t there anymore. Sometimes you wake up in the morning, walk outside, shake the Creativity Tree, and there isn’t a fruit that falls. It seems like somewhere along the way, creativity died.
So, you stand there at it’s imagined headstone giving a melodramatic eulogy about the pain that comes from losing such a dear friend. You weep, wail, and moan at your need for its presence. You walk around in a funk wondering how you will continue your work with this desperate hole in your life.
But alas, creativity never died! Sick? Maybe. But, it is never really gone. So, how do you revive creativity from this tentative state? How do you nurse creativity back to health?
Here are three creative antibiotics to help cure your innovative ailments.
1. Leave Good Enough
Sometimes, creativity gets sick when we settle. It seems easier after a while to mail it in on your creativity, especially when the pile of your work-load seems to rise above your ability. Time shrinks, and so does your desire to produce your best. You look at what you have created, and you say, “Eh, it’s good enough.”. Then, you do it again the next day. And the next day. Until you wake up one morning with a “good enough” mentality.
If you want to revive innovation, you must refuse to settle. You must refuse to simply mail in the next project. You must look “good enough” in the eye and push for better. When you do, you will see the pulse rate of your creativity increase.
2. Refuel Passion
When passion wanes, so does creativity. When you aren’t mustering up the juices to get excited about your work, your innovative well runs dry. Day after day, the health of your creativity deteriorates. When you finally realize there’s a problem, you are just not sure it is worth fighting for. The real problem, however, lies in your passion.
So, if you want to keep creativity healthy, you must refuel your passion. Learn something new. Read a book. Go to a conference. When you actively engage at getting better, you are unconsciously reviving your creativity. When you grow to love what you do, innovation flourishes.
3. Find Collaboration
Sometimes, you feel like you’re out there on an island. All by yourself, wondering if anyone remembers you are still there. Before too long, you will be talking to a volleyball. Maybe your creativity is dying from loneliness. You forget that there’s a great big world of creative people out there doing what you are doing today. Alone on that island, creativity is wasting away.
You need collaboration. You need to be a part of a community of creatives. Whether it’s a lunch to toss around ideas with someone from a different industry, or if it’s an organized community of innovators, you need their presence in your life. Building healthy, collaborative relationships with other creatives gives life to your innovative spirit. You need it, and so do they.
Do you ever feel like creativity is dead? What helps you fight through those times?
Awesome post again, Nate. I am way less creative when I am tired. The way I fix that is to have more energy. Diet, sleep, supplements, rejuvenation time, creativity time. That’s the secret to creativity.
Thanks Adam! So true! The energy suck will kill creativity. I think that busyness usually contributes to that in my life.
YES… I’ve had two major creative “restarts” this year, and both times involve such intentional and intense effort. I dig back into those artists and styles that inspire me. I get a course or a book that can teach me new techniques. I tell myself my studio time is for play, not for perfect. After about two weeks, I’ve got my groove back. But GOSH it’s a hard kickstart.
So glad you jumped back in and are renewing the passion and love for what you do! Excited that your groove is back!
Good word! I echo the need to try new things (take classes, play, use new methods / materials) as well as the community aspect. I took a 10 year hiatus from my personal art. Upon returning I had to battle some lies I picked up along the way about my art & process so that I could pursue making the art that really mattered to me.
Mike, I think that battle with lies is a tough issue that most creatives face. What truths did you use to help you fight the battle?
Love it! This is a good reminder that creative slumps are normal & that they can be worked through with intentionality & effort. I find that sleep, slowing down, & finding ways to change up the daily routine work well for me 🙂
I love your wit. “Before long you will be talking to a volleyball.” Great line.