As a writer, it’s really important to me that I’m creating content that I’m passionate about and that excites me. As a blogger, it’s also really important to me (not to mention critical to my job) to produce quality posts that you guys are excited about and that is relevant to you. Sometimes this isn’t as easy as it sounds.
It can be tricky to avoid playing the comparison game when we’re constantly scrolling through Instagram and seeing so many cool people doing so many cool things. I want everything I write to feel authentically me and not just be a piece of knock-off content that you can find on any other blogger’s website.
But when we’re spending so much time consuming, reading, scrolling—how do we know when to draw the line? How can we differentiate between creating things we love and creating things we think we’re supposed to love?
I can always tell when I’m not being my truest self when I feel like I’m stuck in a creative rut. When I sit down at my laptop to write about a topic and I just don’t want to do it. It doesn’t feel natural, it doesn’t feel right and I am just not into it. While of course writing presents its own unique challenges I am a firm believer that if it something you truly enjoy it should feel good. Perhaps not totally effortless but definitely an experience that doesn’t feel like pulling teeth.
Lately, I haven’t been feeling very inspired. I’ve admittedly been feeling drained, overwhelmed and a little confused about what direction this blog and my business are going in. I want to make sure my content isn’t all over the place (something that I struggle with due to being multi-passionate) but I also have this deep desire to write about what’s on my mind and in my heart.
If you’re a blogger (or aspiring blogger) then you know that a lot of the advice you read about has to go with niching down and getting specific with who your audience is and how your brand is going to speak to them. This has presented an internal conflict for me because I don’t want to confuse you guys and write about random shit BUT I also want every post to be my best work and it simply can’t be if I’m not inspired by what I’m writing about.
This doesn’t mean I’m not excited about fashion and lifestyle anymore it just means that I’ve been working on finding new ways to write about this these topics from my own unique point of view. As well as incorporating some new content that will be released this month that I hope you love as much as I do.
This has been my struggle for the past couple of months but I think I’m finally working through it. If you’re a creative person or a writer like me I think you can probably relate. And if you’re also in the middle of a creative rut then read on to see how I’ve been moving past this funk and getting my creative juices (ew lol) flowing again.
Enjoy!
TAKE A BREAK
When I feel like I’m not doing a good job when it comes to, well, my job, I go into panic mode. This stems from 6 years in a corporate setting where I would be terrified of not meeting expectations and losing my job every other week. My reaction back then would always involve me putting in extra hours (sometimes unpaid) to get the job done.
I find myself wanting to combat my feelings of inadequacy in the same fashion BUT while that may have worked at my old job it just simply doesn’t cut it when it comes to creative pursuits.
I’ve learned that trying to force yourself to produce content when you’re just not feeling it results in low-quality writing. Probably not too much of a surprise but something I have to remind myself of in those moments so I can take a break instead.
When I was really feeling stuck a few weeks ago and was beginning to get frustrated I decided to close my laptop for the day and just chill out. I took a walk, made lunch and relaxed. Taking some time to disconnect from what you’re working on can really help you view it from a more removed position and allow you to decide if it’s something you really want to continue pursuing.
Take a bubble bath, go on a hike, nap! Do whatever relaxes you so you can get into a better mindset before getting back to work.
SET THE MOOD
I don’t know about you but I cannot write or really do anything at all if my apartment is messy. I feel claustrophobic and anxious. I also need a quiet setting to work so if I’m at a coffee shop at the wrong time and people are being too loud I just can’t do it. Knowing these things about myself allows me to create the best working atmosphere I can.
You would be surprised how often you might find yourself feeling totally out of it and uninspired only to feel amazing and reinvigorated after switching locations.
Because I have an office I make sure that space is as clean and organized as possible so I feel good when I enter that room. I have art that I love and cards from friends. I can look at really any spot in there and find something that will make me smile. I’ll put some lavender essential oils in my diffuser, light a candle and fill up a big glass of water. I make sure I have everything I need to allow myself to really get creative and enjoy my work.
Whether you have an office as well or just a small corner in your living room—make it special. Create a space that’s all yours and that makes you happy when you’re in it and watch the ideas roll in.
FREE WRITE
As someone who thrives on structure and organization sometimes I can take it a little too far and find myself frustrated with the rigid parameters I’ve built for myself. When this happens I give myself some time to just write freely instead of approaching every project with an angle in mind.
This can mean I’m journaling, making lists, doodling or using a stream of consciousness style in a word doc. When you can take the pressure off of yourself to perform at such a high standard you’ll find that you have much better results.
Some of my best ideas and biggest “aha” moments came from taking a couple of hours to just write and dream while I’m sprawled out on my bed.
SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX
Sometimes ya gotta take a break from the scroll. I know, I know. It’s hard. For a lot of us, it’s just an instinct to reach for our phones and check out what’s new on the gram. But if you’ve got a case of comparisonitis (we all get it) it might be a good time to put your phone down for a while.
I obviously utilize social media for my blog constantly so it can be really hard to pry my stubby little fingers off of my phone sometimes even just taking the afternoon can be really nice.
Instead of being bombarded with a ton of everyone else’s content I can focus on my own with a clear head. Whether you’re just turning your phone off for the evening or deleting your apps for the weekend you may find that taking a little social media detox is just what you needed.
How do you get out of a creative rut? Tell me in the comments!
Xo, She
