3 ways to get out of a creative funk

The best way to get better at something is to do it regularly. But the best way to burn out is also to do it regularly. It’s a constant struggle in creative work!

Part of the reason I skipped out on blogging for more than a month this year is because I was in a bit of a creative funk. And to be honest, I’m having one of those days when I look at the blog post ideas I had for the month and don’t feel like writing them. So as a reminder to myself and anyone else who needs it, here are a few ways to get out of a creative funk:

1. Set a timer

Timers are amazing tools. You can do anything for 15 minutes. Sometimes the trouble is just getting started, and once you can do that, you can keep going. Setting a timer gives you that push to get started. Whenever I’m struggling to write (or do anything creative, really), I flip my little hourglass and get to work. I use timer apps like Toggl and Focus Booster throughout my work day, but when I’m stuck, I need a physical reminder. Watching the sand fall makes me feel like there’s little time left, and I have to do something.

Sometimes the trouble is just getting started. Setting a timer gives you that push.
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2. Write when inspiration strikes

Have you noticed how much easier it is to create when you’re in the mood for it? Some days I can write 1,000 words in ten minutes, other days it takes me an hour to write 200. It’s not always possible to write when inspiration strikes, but you can be more aware of those times and try to work some writing time into your schedule. Again — that’s what timers are for! You may not be able to do everything you want to do, but you can set a timer for 10-15 minutes and just get as much out as you can. Then, you’re already ahead when you come back to it later. This is exactly why I started storing blog post drafts and ideas in Evernote. I can pick up my phone and jot down a quick idea, or outline a post on my iPad, then finish writing on my computer later.

3. Publish anyway

Sometimes I find the problem isn’t my writing or ideas at all — it’s my attitude. Some days we are just more critical of our work than others. We will always have times when we feel like what we create isn’t good enough, that someone else does it better, or we’re not creating anything new. But that doesn’t mean our work doesn’t have value. We just may not be able to see it. Sometimes I hit publish anyway, and a reader tells me what I wrote is exactly what they needed to read that day. That makes it worth it!

Some days we are more critical of our work than others. Hit publish anyway.
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How do you get out of a creative funk?

P.S. I first wrote about this in March to my email list. Sign up in the box below for more tips — plus simple actions to put these tips to use.