How To Snap Your Creative Slump (in 3 Steps)

Creative slumps are no joke. Weeks can go by with no meaningful ideas–only half-baked concepts in the trash can. Inertia increases as time passes, because shame drives the spiral down deeper into the ground. 

It’s time to get the hell out of there.

Here’s how to snap your creative slump in 3 steps.

Part 1 - Magic

Sometimes creative juices need a little magic to get flowing again. A glass of whiskey, an old record, cologne from days past. Find something magical that brings the mystery back to the act of creating. Annie Dillard describes weeks alone in various tiny cabins to write her books. Big or small, find something magical for you. Then buy a case.

Part 2 - Inspiration

You need an inspiration. If you create for love, then a muse. If you create for influence, then an icon. If for your sanity, then a problem. In days when creativity was hard to find, I watched interviews with my heroes to remind me that I could be like them. Inspiration is gas in the tank.

Part 3 - The Studio

Find a place to create. Find a time to do it. Treat it as work. It’s a non-negotiable that you sacrifice social opportunities for. You take it seriously. If you don’t respect it, it won’t respect you. Show up and work 2-3 times, and your creativity will start to leave a toothbrush at your place. 

Bonus - The Delete Method

Sometimes, the pressure to make something special is too strong. The invisible audience waits with baited breath, and completely distracts you. That’s ok. You can delete the invisible audience and the illusion of critics in your head with The Delete Method. Set a timer for your creation period. Create with abandon for the entire time, no editing, and no distractions. Then, no matter how much potential it feels like it has, delete your work. Command Q, do not save. 

Creativity is elusive, but these 3 steps can help you catch is again. 

Good luck out there!