Some ideas to help you get past the inevitable ruts that all people get stuck in.
For any of you who follow me on social media, you know that my chosen word of 2020 is create. What exactly does that mean? Well, to be completely honest I have no clue, but I’m going to do my darndest to make it happen and create (in every sense of the word ).
So far I’ve decided to dedicate more of my free time to my photography business, I’ve started this blog and I’ve challenged myself to write a poem each and every day. Ambitious, right? Even as I write this I’m wondering what on earth possessed me to put this on myself. It’s one thing to make an agreement with myself to do this, but now it’s in writing, and I sincerely hope you will all hold me accountable. Please.
I’m only three weeks in and I’ve already hit my fair share of creative blocks. I’m sure many of you have also hit some sort of mental block – whether you’re a writer, athlete, musician, etc.
The real question isn’t whether or not you experience the block – it’s how you get past the block. It’s how you kung fu kick the block and get back at it. Now I’ll give you some trade secrets that have really helped me with this!
1. Music
Sometimes all you need is a good session blasting those tunes that you swear will never go out of style to get you back into the groove. Whether it’s some T-Swift, Metallica or Hootie and the Blowfish (no judging here), music has the incredible power to take our minds elsewhere and distract us from the mundane. Sometimes this is all you need to get yourself out of whatever funk you’ve been in.
2. Get Outside
Nature is a pretty powerful thing. Spending time outside boosts creativity, improves memory and just makes you happier. If you find yourself experiencing a mental block just go for a hike, walk your dog, go canoeing… whatever floats your boat (I’m sorry, it was too easy…).
3. Make It Fun Again
Sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves that we forget that these things used to be fun. Sometimes I get so hyper focused on trying to get a certain shot that I forget to just have fun! So, once I get into this place, where it feels like nothing is going right and my photos aren’t turning out how I want, I just go out to some random place and start taking pictures. I go out with no agenda and no expectations – just me and my camera – the way it started and the way it should be.
So whatever it is that you do, whether it is writing, painting or weightlifting, if you get stuck in a rut just stop and make it fun again. Get back to that place where your love started and begin again.
Alright, enough with the heavy. I just really wanted this post to stress that we all experience mental blocks and we just need to find what works to get ourselves out of them. It’s a natural thing to experience these ruts. Don’t stress, just have fun, find the flow and keep going!
Thanks for sticking around and making it through another blog post! I promise next week I’ll share something more photography-specific. What can I say? I had a bit of a creative block this week and needed to work my way through it!
Please show your girl some love by liking, commenting and sharing this blog on your social media. <3
Until next time,
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