In our current society, genuine creativity often lacks encouragement. It can be perceived as a frivolous pursuit, a luxury, an impractical daydream incapable of providing financial stability or, even worse, a life choice that leads to a destructive, unhealthy lifestyle. There's a growing fear that advancing AI will render artists, filmmakers and musicians obsolete - a reverie, a thing of the past. Many of us grapple with creative blocks, feeling stalled with projects we can't seem to finish. Our ingrained societal programming often undermines our creative potential, making us see ourselves as inadequate, unproductive, or even useless.
Yet, creativity is inherent within us since birth. Children effortlessly weave stories, playfully connect with others, and think outside the confines of convention. However, these natural inclinations often erode, replaced by limiting beliefs perpetuated by the news, social media, and some educational systems. This stifling of the creative flow leads us to feel disconnected, stressed, and overwhelmed by too much competition, running on autopilot, pessimistic, and burdened by the good opinions of others.
Creative blockades manifest in various ways:
- Lack of purpose
- Confusion
- Procrastination
- Difficulty focusing and prioritising tasks and goals
- Self-sabotaging behaviours
- Insomnia
- Feelings of unworthiness
- Comparison with others that are โbetterโ than you
- Lack of self-confidence
- Difficulty selling and promoting your work
- Test and audition anxiety
- Detrimental relationships that lack safety and encouragement
- Boundaries and people-pleasing issues
- Inability to say โnoโ
Sound familiar?
Thankfully, there's plenty you can do about it. The internet is a vast resource for self-improvement through psychology, spirituality, and holistic medicine. However, if going solo feels daunting, a life coach or mentor can be immensely beneficial.
