As we welcome the first official day of Winter last week and the holidays begin to wind down, it can be tough to find the motivation to feel creative. The short days and cold winter nights can leave us feeling gloomy and uninspired to create new material.
Near the end of a year, I like to reflect on what goals I accomplished, and what I’d like to do in the New Year. One thing I think is important to focus on in 2020 is creativity. Whether you’re a blogger, a photographer, or simply someone who loves to create, I’ve created a helpful guide for how to spark your creativity in 2020.
FIND YOUR MOST PRODUCTIVE TIME
For me, I’m the most productive in the early morning, or on some rare occasions, late at night. During the rest of the day, it’s a lot more difficult for me to tap into my creativity. Most people have a time of the day that they feel the most energized and determined to work.
Of course that’s not to say that I don’t work in the afternoons or at any other part of the day. I do, but I optimize my productivity by working as much as I can during my best times of the day. Find when you’re able to do your best work and use that part of the day to your advantage.
YOU WON’T ALWAYS FEEL INSPIRED
The thing about inspiration is that you’re not always going to feel it. Sometimes, it’s up to our perseverance and determination to keep us going. Sometimes, inspiration isn’t enough to keep us going. Even if you think that you won’t be able to create anything worthy- do it anyway. Create something. Anything. Anything is better than nothing. You’re not always going to want to create, but often times simply starting can lead you to creating something you’re genuinely proud of.
CHECK OUT THESE INSPIRING RESOURCES
Whenever I’m looking to find inspiration to spark my creativity, I look at other bloggers that I admire. Create & Cultivate is an online community of women who are looking to cultivate the career of their dreams.
Mindful is a wonderful blog with helpful articles on mindfulness, meditation, and alternative ways to improve your health and wellness. When it comes to creativity, your well-being
The Everygirl is a blog that always leaves me feeling inspired. I love their posts on career advice, life tips and wellness. Most of all, I love the variety on the blog and all of the diverse topics they cover!
Skillshare is an online community with thousands of courses for anything you can think of that’s creativity related. These are great if you’re looking to take a course, but aren’t able to make the commitment to attending the course in person.
PERSISTENCE IS EVERYTHING
The difference between success and failure is patience and persistence. When you feel like your work isn’t good enough or close to where you want it to be, don’t stop creating. I’ve spoken about things you should leave behind in 2019, and one thing I’d add to that is comparison. Don’t look at the work of others and compare your beginning to their middle.
Behind the scenes of their work are years of persistence that got them to where they are now. Keep creating- the only way to get better is to keep going.
Whether you’re a writer, photographer, blogger, or just someone who loves to make things, you’re also an artist. Ever since I was young I loved to create things. I drew, wrote, created collages, decorated, took photos- you name it. If I don’t work on any kind of project for a few days, I start to get fidgety and anxious as if I’m forgetting something really important. Creativity has always been my outlet- it’s a way for me to express myself through what I make.
If this sounds familiar to you, then you also know the other side to this problem. Writer’s call it writer’s block. For some reason, you find yourself in a place where you’re just not motivated to create anything. Maybe you feel like there’s no point, or as though you’re not good enough, or just can’t find anything to inspire you. I’ve been here many times and have come up with a few tips for those who are in need of a little inspiration!
1. Inspiration Board- The first two photos are pages of my inspiration board, or binder, or pages.. whatever you want to call it. When you’re feeling inspired, grab a few magazines and photos, and cut out the pictures that make you feel something positive. When you make inspirational collages that you feel good about, they can really help you get back on your feet when you’re feeling a lack of motivation to create.
2. Organizing- I have a scrapbook that also works as an agenda. Sometimes setting goals aligned with dates can help you have something to work towards. Having goals and aspirations is what really drives true creativity, and organizing your ideas can make this step a little bit easier.
3. Seek Out Work of Others- Instead of looking at other bloggers, writers, photographers, etc. as competition, and allowing their success to scare you into thinking you couldn’t possibly do what they do, use them as inspiration. When you see someone doing something great don’t think to yourself “whoa, I could never be like that, or I could never do that”. Instead use their material to inspire your own. You have someone to look up to, and if you think positively you can use their success to encourage you to pour yourself into your own work just as they do.
4. Collecting Your Work- I cut out and save every article I write for the school paper. I’m really proud of my writing, and so when I have times of doubt I look back on my pieces and remember why I do what I do. Collect work that you’re proud of and save it so that you can look back and remind yourself that you are talented. Artists have this impressive (not to mention self destructive) ability to look at, critique and tear apart their work until they completely lose confidence in it and hate it. Look at your work and remember why you were so proud when you first finished it, which in turn will motivate you to continue to create.
Creativity is a beautiful gift that everyone has and should embrace. Sometimes you might have to sit down and force yourself to create, while at other times a break can help clear your mind. Hopefully these tips have been some help to those who need a bit of motivation to keep on keepin’ on.
What are some ways you keep your creativity alive in the winter months? Do you have any tips or tricks to tap into your creative side this season? I’d love to hear them!
