Most business owners experience a creative block at one time or another. Um most? Yes, I’ll let you know, it’s going to happen some time down the road. It’s not uncommon, but it can be very damaging to your business if it lasts for too long. Whether you’re a writer, virtual assistant, or marketer, creative blocks quickly turn into stumbling blocks and stop you from doing your best.
Here are a few tips to help you eliminate creative blocks from your business:
#1 – Take a break. It may seem counter-productive, but a creative block is often a way of your body and mind telling you that it’s time for a break. When we’re in the thick of it, it can be difficult to see things for what they really are. A short break will help you clear your mind and get focused on the task at hand.
The most effective breaks are those that help you clear your mind of your current situation altogether. And it can be anything from sitting in the sunshine for 10 minutes to going for a brisk walk. Try not to think about your creative block or task at hand and simply let your mind relax and unwind.
The idea is to simply step away from the problem for a few minutes and to come back refreshed and re-energized. Of course, since I’m a personal trainer I always suggest some form of exercise to clear your head. Most blocks are created by stress, exercise burns your endorphins and helps relieves that stress.
#2 – Think outside the box. Sometimes the solutions to our problems are right in front of us but simply require a little outside thinking. For example, if you’re experiencing writer’s block, instead of pressuring yourself to write the perfect article, simply jot down your research and “raw” thoughts. This will make up the bulk of your article. Then you can come back to it later and add your creative flair to make it all flow together. If possible, you can outline those “raw” thoughts into more of an outline form. This will make it easier to turn into sentences and paragraphs.
Say you’re a virtual assistance and have been given a task you’re not sure how to complete. Then maybe you can join a networking forum and ask for advice. You can even subcontract that aspect of your job to another virtual assistant.
Sometimes a little creative thinking is all it takes to get rid of our creative blocks. There is no set formula for what needs to be done and you don’t necessarily have to do it all yourself. The key here is to find solutions – whatever they may be – and to not concentrate solely on the problem.
#3 – Journal it. Journals have been known to help bring clarity, peace of mind and solutions to many problems. By simply jotting down your thoughts and how you feel about certain situations, you may come to a conclusion.
If you’re experiencing a creative block about the direction or growth of your business, for example, journaling those thoughts may be all it takes to come to a the conclusion you’re happy with.
Putting our thoughts and ideas into writing can often bring clarity and closure to many of our issues.
#4 – Talk to a Coach or Mastermind Group. There are many out there to choose from, but a quick post to your favorite mastermind group can bring clarity to many creative blocks. They will help you brainstorm and sometimes just hearing that others have had the same issue will break the block. If the block just won’t budge and it’s been a little while, I highly suggest purchasing a few hours of business coaching to get you back on track or to figure out that your direction may not be what you had in mind. Other business owners and coaches have a more objective view of your issue and can help push you through it.
Creative blocks are frustrating for any business owner. The above tips will hopefully help you overcome those blocks and help you gain clarity and focus once again. Many times I come out of these creative blocks with even more business energy than ever.
