Tips for Breaking Through Creative Blocks - Overcoming Obstacles, Perfectionism, Avoidance

Set a small goal, take one step at a time, and keep moving forward when creativity gets stuck.

There's no question that creating anything is hard to do. Here are some tips if you find yourself creatively blocked.

Set a Goal

Set a goal for yourself. For example, it could be to write one poem, one short story, to paint two small paintings, or create three works of art. Don't make the goal too big.

Set a Time Table

Give yourself a time when you want your goal to be completed. There is nothing like a deadline to help you get things done. You can tell people about the deadline or keep the information to yourself. Don't make the time table too unrealistic.

One Step at a Time

Baby steps get you to the top of the mountain. If you manage to do one small thing towards your creative goal each day, you will be amazed at how fast you can accomplish it. Ask yourself what is the next step and then do it.

If It Isn't Working, Stop

If you are working on a creative project and you don't know what to do, stop and do something else; it can be anything — the laundry, mow the lawn, work in the garage. When you come back to the project, you will probably have the answer to what was blocking you.

Progress, Not Perfection

If you don't expect to create the perfect project, it will take off a lot of pressure. It will make it easier to accomplish what you have set out to do and the process will be a lot more enjoyable.

Easy Does It

If you don't create exactly what you've set out to do, don't worry. Ask yourself the question, "How important is it?" It will help you get things in perspective.

Don't Worry About the Other Guy

Don't worry about what anyone else is doing. Keep the focus on yourself and what you want to accomplish. It will help you to go forward instead of getting stuck.

Just Do It

Don't talk about it, don't worry about it — just do it, one step at a time until whatever you have set out to do gets done.

Put it into Practice

Try the One-Step Creative Challenge. Choose a creative project you've been putting off or feeling stuck on. Give yourself a small goal, a reasonable deadline, and one tiny action you can take today.

1	Choose a small goal. Decide what you want to accomplish. Write one poem, sketch one idea, paint one small study, draft one page, or create one small piece. Keep the goal small enough to feel doable.
2	Give it a deadline. Pick a realistic date and time for completing your goal. Write it down or tell someone about it. A little deadline pressure can help turn an intention into action.
3	Find the next step. Don't worry about the entire project. Ask yourself, "What is the next step?" Then do only that. When it's finished, ask the question again.
4	Take a break if you're stuck. If you reach a point where you don't know what to do next, stop. Do something completely different for a while, then return to your project with fresh eyes.
5	Choose progress over perfection. Let yourself make a rough version. Don't wait for the perfect idea, perfect result, or perfect conditions. Your goal is to move the project forward.
6	Keep your focus on your own work. Resist comparing your progress with someone else's. Ask yourself whether you're moving closer to your own goal, and take the next small step.

The challenge: Don't try to conquer the whole project at once. Choose one small goal, take one step, and keep going. If you get stuck, step away and come back. Progress is the goal, not perfection. •

Mary Baker is a professional contemporary realist painter whose studio is in Newburyport, Massachusetts. You can see Mary's paintings and read her commentary on the creative process, creative journey and creative space, as well as tips on breaking the creative block at MaryBakerArt.com.