How to get unstuck when creativity feels hard

The phrase 'feeling stuck’ is commonly used, but what is it, and how does it impact people working in the creative sector? Creatives engage with several components of the creative engine: thought, skill, originality and execution. When the engine is firing on all cylinders, creatives thrive on the output, accolades, validation and successes, but when the engine stops, we become what is often referred to as a bit stuck and in some cases, very stuck.

Being stuck can make us feel vulnerable, low, insecure and fearful. Sometimes the inner critic rears its head, not helping matters. Creatives can become so stuck with creative block that, in some cases, they literally pack it all in. The good news is that being stuck is not all bad and is actually part of the creative process. A shift in mindset can even utilise this stuck feeling to our advantage.

A few strategies to help get unstuck

Acceptance

First of all, remind yourself that being stuck isn't necessarily a bad thing. Reframe being stuck as a pause in energy and originality, a bit of a rest. Acceptance of being stuck is a good thing because that way, we can start to work on getting unstuck.

Reframing being stuck as an opportunity

Once you have accepted the idea of being stuck as a natural phase for creative thinkers, you can stop putting pressure on yourself and see it as an opportunity. Start to think about what can be gained from taking time off the treadmill and reconnecting with what makes you the creative being that you are.

Think back to another time when you felt this. What happened last time? What got all the gears in motion again? If this is your first time feeling stuck, here are some practical solutions to think about that have worked for myself and many of my clients in the past.

Exploring creative tools

Using creative tools can help you explore what’s happening beneath the surface when creativity feels hard. I personally recommend the book or a group workshop called The Artist's Way. Written by Julia Cameron, it is filled with activities and reflections to work through over a 12-week period. It really turned my life around when I felt stuck, and it totally re-engaged me with my creativity. The language can be a little off-putting for those who are agnostic or don’t consider themselves to be spiritual, but it's the doing that counts. It really is a tried an tested process if you let yourself trust in it.

Residencies

There are a plethora of artist residencies available for all types of people working in the creative fields; music, writing, acting, artists, designers and creative thinkers. They vary in their offer, length of time, facilities and costs. Physically situating yourself in a different place works wonders for fuelling ideas. This could be a different city, region or country.

Do some research to find out what ones might work for you personally. Talk to past participants to see how they found it and how it helped. I rarely talk to creatives who have not gained anything from a residency.

Artist's dates, short courses and workshops

If life gets in the way and you can’t afford to take time out for a residency, allow yourself some time to explore something new. A tip from Julia Cameron is to take yourself on an Artist's Date. Ask yourself the question: what is one thing I can do this week that is different, new and fun? It can be big or small, but make it fun. Short courses and workshops are also a great mechanism to engage with something new.

Small achievable goals

When you first feel stuck, it can be very difficult to move forward with any enthusiasm, especially if you have been stuck for a long time. Understandably, it can feel like a big jump from feeling stuck to jumping on a plane and setting off to foreign lands to do a two-month-long residency in a country where people might not speak your own language.

If you feel like you are in this place, then start with small steps that are achievable, like one artist's date a week. Start to regain some confidence and build up to bigger goals.

Seek help from a creative coach

Many creativity coaches work with people who feel stuck. Some will offer specific packages to help you become unstuck over a period of time, with weekly or monthly sessions to keep up the momentum after long periods of being stuck. Coaching offers a safe place to be vulnerable and talk through fears. My creativity is often the topic of sessions with my own coach.

Feeling stuck can feel isolating and fearful, but once you’ve cycled around the being stuck getting unstuck circle a few times, you will start to incorporate and reframe it as part of who you are as a creative. Always remind yourself that if you are feeling stuck, it will pass and may offer more opportunities than you think.