How to Overcome Creative Block

Artist’s block. Loss of inspiration. Lack of motivation. Procrastination.

No matter the moniker or the medium, creative block is something we all face. And whether you’re staring at a blank page, a blank canvas or a blank screen — idly wishing for the right urge or idea to strike — it feels bad.

If you're like me, you probably tell yourself it’s not procrastination. I’m not putting it off, you might think. I’m waiting for inspiration.

But what do you do when the creative bug won’t bite? (Spoiler: It’s not actually about that aha moment.) Here’s how to overcome creative block.

What Is Creative Block?

Here’s a moment of friendly validation — creative block is real.

Feeling stuck, stumped, uninspired, inert — those are natural and legitimate feelings that happen when you pressure yourself to be productive, when you envision a profound body of work that perfectly embodies your potential and, inevitably, it doesn't come easily.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

But you know what’s not real? Your sky-high expectations for your work. A masterpiece isn’t going to materialize from your mind to your canvas. A fully formed novel won’t flow effortlessly from your fingers.

When you feel creatively blocked, you’re frustrated because you're waiting for the perfect moment or idea that isn’t coming. Know what you're not doing? Actually creating.

By focusing on your lack of inspiration, you’re putting off the only action that can lead to any progress — and that’s why creative block is really just procrastination.

Learning How to Overcome Creative Block

How can you break through that block and start pouring yourself into your creative work again? Easier said than done, I know — but here’s what helps.

Just start. Right now.

You know those people who somehow seem incredibly efficient, productive and talented all at once? They might complete a full-length manuscript in a month while you agonize over a few pages, or maybe they fill their Etsy shop with crafts and make multiple sales while you’re still working out what artwork to list.

While those people are amazing, what sets then apart isn't that they're creative geniuses and you’re not — it’s that they dive in and do it. If it seems like they're pumping out work at a crazy fast pace, it’s probably because they're skipping the step where they stop and wait for magic to strike.

Everyone works at their own pace, and it’s true that quality takes time, but the right time to start is always now. You don’t have to be a creativity machine, and you don’t have to start out as a creative genius — you just have to start.

Stick with it.

Since I've been old enough to read, I've wanted to write a book. And I haven’t done it yet.

Ironically, it’s not because of a lack of ideas — I have a thousand ideas at any given time, crowding for mental space and their chance at creation. It’s a lack of follow-through that’s the problem.

I've started and stopped more stories than I can count. My notebooks are full of fictional fragments, my files full of unfinished chapters. Every time I start writing and get on a roll, I fizzle out just as quickly and lose the confidence to continue. What if it’s not a good idea? I'll inevitably think. What if I’m not even a good writer?

I’ve finished plenty of research papers and short stories. I’ve finished articles and blog posts, poems and paintings. And finishing them always felt good, whatever I might have dealt with during the creation process. Why did I follow through with those, but not this?

It’s simple — because I kept going. You don't have to be working on a masterpiece to create a finished product — you just have to keep working.

The best way to stick with a creative pursuit is to make it part of your routine. Pick a time to write, or draw, or record your podcast every day. Set a calendar reminder or an alarm, if that helps.

When that hour you set aside rolls around, sit down and commit to creating. Even if you don't accomplish too much to begin with, you’re building a habit — and once creative time becomes a subconscious part of your routine, you'll be fulfilling your own promise to make progress every day.

Shut out the self-doubt.

Your head is one of the biggest obstacles to creativity. Just like your brain shuts you down before you start working and tells you you’re blocked, negative thoughts can creep in and interrupt your creative flow.

Maybe you never stop and question whether you're making something meaningful, whether anyone will understand — or even notice — your work, or whether you're really talented in the first place.

If not, you’re amazing — keep on creating fearlessly. But if you do have those little moments of self-doubt, of burnout, of unhelpful thoughts, know that it’s normal. You're humble. You're human. And you shouldn't let it stop you.

Be gentle with yourself and believe in your creative work — but in the kindest way possible, tell your negative thoughts to shut up.

Stop for reflection.

When you're struggling with creative block and procrastination, just getting started and continuing to work can go a long way — but remember not to burn out. If you’ve been working on a project and still feel creatively blocked, take a step back. Take a break.

Like all kinds of work, creativity requires rest periods for your body and your mind. Give yourself time to enjoy other things in life — like your friends and family, a good book, a day outside or a night on the couch — and return to your creative routine when you're ready.

Maybe you’ll even find that elusive creative inspiration in the meantime.