If I don’t take any pictures for a month, does that make me not a photographer?
If I don’t write any articles for three months, does that make me not a writer?
Fact: Sometimes, I just don’t feel creative.
I’m a professional in a creative industry, so you might find it surprising to hear this admission. After all, shouldn’t I be a ‘visual ideas powerhouse’ 24/7?!
I know plenty of photographers (and other creators) who would never let this be known.
The thing is, all ‘arty’ people go through this process. Some more than others, but we all suffer from it. Anyone who tells you otherwise… well, they’re either lying or are one of the very small, lucky minority (for what it’s worth, I’ve actually never seen or spoken to any of these people).
In recent months, I’ve had trouble engaging with my creative side. Technically, I’ve been surrounded by plenty of stimulus – books, magazines, videos, podcasts, blogs, galleries etc. All offer great potential – and yet, it’s just not happened.
Am I worried? No.
Sure it’s frustrating, but it hasn’t stopped me doing my job. When you dig a bit deeper, though, the answer always reveals itself.
I came to 2 conclusions:
1. My mindset was all wrong. I’d let other people’s beliefs get to me (mostly without realising it), which in turn killed my concentration and, by default, my ability to think creatively. Ironically enough, the more I tried to think, the less those wonderful thoughts and developments came to me.
Over a prolonged period of time… you can probably guess the result. It’s what they call paralysis by analysis.
If you’re going through a similar thing at the moment, remember this:
“Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” Les Brown.
I could throw a whole bunch of quotes, thoughts and positive affirmations in here, but let’s keep things tidy.
Needless to say, I’ve been working hard on all of this and I’m back on track now. Not perfect – nobody is – but things are a damn sight better than they were!
One of the biggest game-changers for me was connecting with Lewis Raymond Taylor and, by association, Chelsea Simpson. Lewis’ Hunger Start Community is a wonderful place where I’ve been able to openly discuss what’s been going on and work through the things that have been holding back my creativity.
If you need a nudge, do check these folks out. They’re amazing.
2. I’ve been on a bit of a non-stop, head-down drive following the release of my Outdoor Impact storytelling package at the start of the month. This has taken a lot of work and I’m really proud of what I’ve created; the response has been great, too, and I’m so excited at the thought of being able to help a fresh bunch of clients get their message out.
Every week now, I’m handling Discovery Calls. These are brilliant; they give would-be clients the chance to ask questions about what I can do for them, as well allowing me to get a solid understanding of their needs.
This progress has come at cost, though. I’ve been so consumed by the process that other areas have taken a back seat – including the time I usually allocate to creative thinking, ideas generation, blogging etc.
Time to correct course.
For me, half the battle is picking up on the ‘problem’ – not because I don’t think there is one, but because I’m often so consumed with everything that it goes somehow un-identified. It’s quite ironic.
So, changes are afoot. Baby steps which make all the difference.
In Part 2, I’ll be concentrating on the ‘solution’ to lost creativity – thoughts, ideas and techniques which I find really help with the process. If you’ve got any questions or simply want to comment, please do so below.
Cheerio for now :)
