Writers often speak of “writer’s block,” as if it’s a real, physical barrier in our way. But one of the best lessons I was ever taught was that writer’s block, artist’s block, and any other type of creative block isn’t always what it appears to be on the surface. That reluctance to create comes from another place. Mostly, it’s our self-doubt, along with a nasty inner critic we’ve let build up over time, lurking to tell us that we just can’t do it, so why bother starting?
It may go without saying, but your inner critic is a filthy liar.
If you’re dealing with a creative block right now, you probably think you have only two options: power through it to make something, or take a break. Both of these are valid options. But I encourage you to really examine the reasons behind the block. Doing so can help you fight these feelings if (or when) they crop up again.
In my experience, when I feel “blocked,” one of four things is really at play:
- I’m comparing myself to others and/or dealing with imposter syndrome
- I’m listening to my own fears disguised as a nasty inner critic
- I’m remembering what others might have told me in the past (or what I feared they’d say)
- I’m convinced it’s easier to do nothing than make something imperfect (a.k.a. analysis paralysis)
Here are the four ways to find out what’s really blocking your creative path — and how to move it out of the way for good.
Continue reading “The Real Secret to Moving Past Creative Blocks”