In its simplest definition, creativity is coming up with a solution to the problem at hand with the resources available to you. Given this base definition, everybody possesses a certain level of creativity, whether kids using household objects as pretend toys or doctors and specialists working on a difficult medical procedure.
However, certain industries require greater creativity from their employees, such as film and television, creative writing, and marketing. Creativity in marketing is especially in demand nowadays as most businesses have jumped into the digital realm. For a business to thrive today, it will need more than just the usual quality product and customer service to generate leads and convert them into sales. A typical SME now is better off with the help of an SEM company that does digital marketing to a T.
Digital marketing is a very competitive industry. If the people working within continually suffer from creative blocks, it will be challenging for that industry and its clients.
While creative blocks may seem difficult to deal with, you can do something about them. Here are different types of creative blocks and how you can deal with them:
Creative Block #1: Mental Blocks
Mental blocks take place when you’ve run out of fresh ideas and are stuck with the familiar. You have settled into a certain point of view that prevented you from growing creatively.
What you can do:
You need to shake things up and start looking at things from a different perspective. Question your judgment and ask yourself plenty of “what ifs” to help you process things differently. Try out new things. Do something out of the ordinary. These things will help you gain a new perspective on things.
Creative Block #2: Emotionally uninspired
While creativity is an exercise on mental mettle, it is also a very emotionally intense process. Often, emotional blocks are fueled by fear and resistance — perhaps you’re afraid of what you will discover in the creative process. Thinking about the possible negative outcomes can be very distressing to you. This leads to the inability to create, which leads to procrastination.
What you can do:
Unfortunately, there is no easy way out of this one. Growth and breakthrough will only be possible if you learn to face your fears and take them on. You can turn to other methods such as meditation and forming habits, but ultimately, you must endure the discomfort and pain of facing those fears.
Creative Block #3: Personal problems
Creativity, contrary to what others think, requires plenty of focus. It doesn’t just happen magically. It is harder to come up with something when you’re distracted by your problems — relationships, finances, grief, addictions, and other personal concerns. While it’s normal to deal with problems, the thing about them is they typically come in pairs, at the very least. They sometimes even come in groups.
What you can do:
There are two ways to deal with this. One, look for ways that will help you cope with the problem. Solving it is an ideal thing, of course, but not all problems can be solved immediately. Some of them take some time to solve. The important thing is finding something that can help you deal with it until it passes. Seek out the support of family and friends. Get professional help if needed. Turn to a hobby or anything that can help keep you grounded.
Two, you can consider your work as a form of escape from your reality. In contrast to your reality, where things are beyond your control, your work gives you the reins for creative and professional satisfaction. But be careful not to forget to deal with your problem. Many people who find their jobs as an escape from reality become too consumed with work that, although they are successful with their careers, their personal lives are a mess.
Creative Block #4: Ineffective work habits
Sometimes the problem lies not in dramatic things but the mundane. Perhaps you’re working in a way that either limits your creativity or keeps you distracted.
What you can do:
Take a step back. Breathe. Evaluate what you’re doing. Look for those points where things start to fall apart.
Are you usually sleepy and sluggish when you’re working? You might need to adjust your schedule and start working during that time of day when you’re at your peak performance.
Are administrative and organizational concerns distracting you from your flow? Devise a new system that allows you to prioritize creating without compromising the smaller stuff.
There is no one-size-fits-all fix for this. You know your strengths and weaknesses. Work with and around that.
Even the most creative person has bouts with creative blocks. It may be very challenging to get over these blocks, but inspiration can be found everywhere if you only know how to look at things from the right perspective.
