I think it happens to all of us, yes? We can jam out all this content for our social media or blog or email list one day, and the next it’s like… crickets. A big ol’ nada is coming up when you try to think of how to serve your audience and what to share with them to keep them in the loop.

Creativity in business is weird because every single entrepreneur has to tap into theirs–no matter if you think you’re “creative” or not–because we are all putting out resources and content that hopefully attracts and endears people to us. That’s creating, but the notion of creativity isn’t a steady thing even though we sorta need to create consistently to show up well for our people.

*Sigh.*

In fact, some days, I’m like, Welp, this is it. I’ve lost my touch. I can’t think of ONE good thing to write about. Have you been there? I’m guessing you totally get it, which is why I wanted to share the 5 things I fall back on when my creative muscle needs to be stretched. These are my go-to’s when I can’t seem to get unstuck for whatever reason, and I hope they help you feel re-energized creatively, too.

Do a digital detox.

So often when my brain feels muddled and I can’t get a clear message out, it’s because there’s too much noise around me. It’s like, we are constantly bombarded by messages on social media, podcasts, TV, radio, and beyond, and while those can be great sources of inspiration or entertainment sometimes, there are also times when they’re just plain counterproductive.

Unplug for a bit — even for just a day or two. Like delete your social media apps off your phone, shut down email notifications, and turn on a little instrumental music for calming background noise. And give yourself the space and quiet to think. Sometimes all we need is room with our thoughts to tap back into creativity, and honestly, I get some of my BEST ideas when I intentionally remove distractions.

Create before you consume.

This is major, because just like in tip #1, other voices and noise is often distracting and draining. So before you check your email and put out a dozen fires and scroll through Instagram right away in the morning, prioritize creating first. It takes some discipline, because I know how tempting it is to start the day reading and scrolling. Honestly, it feels easier.

But we all know easier isn’t always better. When you focus on creating before consuming, you can use your energy and momentum to focus on what you need to build and share with others. You can jump into your own thoughts before hearing a bunch of other thoughts, and that’s big-time helpful.

Do a personal project just for you with no expectations around it.

One of my favorite things to do when I’m in a creativity funk is to do something “creative” for me that doesn’t involve work. So, it’s not planning and writing a caption. It’s not drafting an email to send to my list. It has to be something without any stakes and purely for me, like rearranging a room in my home or even simply journaling without a clear goal or direction.

Creating for the sake of creating, without an end vision attached to it, is one of the purest ways to get back to the joy that creativity can bring. And often it sparks other ideas in me that I can jot down and then use later in my work because I’m not putting pressure on forcing myself to come up with something brilliant.

Pay attention to when you’re in your genius zone.

I’m sure you already know what the genius zone is — it’s that area in your work where you feel most effective and joyful. When you’re in that spot, try to work creating in on the top of the list during that time. It’s almost like a trick of the brain, to slip in a creative project when you’re already working on something you love.

It helps because you’ve already got some momentum and good energy going, so running with it to practice a creative task frames it in a more positive light, and might even bring you more ideas and inspiration.

Consult your heroes.

When I really get into a slump and start to spiral into an “I’ve lost it” tailspin, I very intentionally turn to my heroes. Now, as much as I wish I had Brene Brown on speed dial, I don’t (yet!), and so I turn to her work. Consuming content from your heroes, especially in the creative space, is so major because it’s the quickest way to realize you’re not alone.

Even THEY deal with mindset funks and creative lows, and they often have just the words I need to hear to get a kick in my motivation gear. The book “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert is another go-to when my creative tank is on low. I can open it to any page and immediately get encouragement and ideas to keep going.

So, tell me, what do you do when you feel like you’ve hit a rut in creativity in business? It’s never fun, but it can certainly be enlightening trying to navigate your way out with intention. I hope these tactics help you on your journey of ebbing and flowing with your creative groove. Just keep going, friend.

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Speaking of working in your creative zone…

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