Do you want to live a creative life but sometimes feel something is holding you back? Guess what? It’s most likely you. Those obstacles you feel are in your way and block your creativity are the negative attitudes/thoughts/choices you allow into your life, that have the biggest impact and keep you stuck. From a writerly point of view, consider how your creativity suffers. I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of some of the following points:
I get too
tired. Know
that feeling of working late when you should be relaxing and winding down?
Eat sugar. Drink caffeine. How did I get tempted by coffee and a biscuit instead of water and fruit?
Take on extra work. Learn to say ‘no’. Saying ‘no’ doesn’t mean you are being rude; neither does it mean you are being disagreeable. It’s how you say ‘no’, rather than the fact you’re saying no, that affects the outcome. After all, you have your own priorities and needs, just like everyone has his/her own needs. Saying no is about respecting and valuing your time and space.
Spend time with energy vampires. Don’t fight them. Don't argue or get defensive, or tell them they're wrong. As soon as you do this and interact with them directly, you are pulled into their drama. Stay away from them. Rather say no to that invitation that doesn’t appeal to you.
Beat myself up for what I haven't achieved. Why not see the successes?
Compare myself with others. When I know their world is so different to mine. Remember, each individual’s talent, contribution and value is unique to that person, and to his purpose in this world.
Worry. 80-90 percent of what you fear will happen, never really becomes a reality. They are just monsters in your own mind. And if they happen then they will most often not be as painful or bad as you expected.
Forget to go out and play. Moderation and balance are things that we don't often think about in life. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks. Addictions can take hold of us quickly and devour us. Moderation and balance = a little bit of this, a little bit of that, not too much and not too little, just right.
Feel there's no time, so don't get started. Every moment counts. Remember your life is not lived one day or one hour at a time. It is lived one moment at a time. The only thing you have absolute control over are your choices right now in this moment, so make the most out of this moment - and every one that comes after it. Even ten minutes is worth getting started for.
Can you relate to any of these? Want to share any
thoughts/ experiences of things that block your creativity?
