How to Stay Inspired..

Do you go through phases of low productivity where, despite having the time and resources, you just can't seem to get creative? Have you ever wondered what triggers such phases?

 

Over the last 3-4 years, I've been through several such phases myself. Everything seems to be in place, yet for some reason, I just can't bring myself to the studio to create something new. Even when I do manage to drag myself there, I end up spending the entire day organizing or cleaning instead of actually making anything.

 

It can be really frustrating to have the desire to create but feel stuck in a rut. Sometimes, the pressure to produce something amazing can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination and avoidance. Other times, it might be due to burnout or simply needing a break without realizing it.

After some reflection, I came up with a list of reasons that have left me feeling uninspired:

 

Overwhelm/Anxiety: This can stem from both personal and professional events and circumstances. When there's too much happening, whether in my personal or social life or at work, it can bring me to a screeching halt. Positive events, like a social media post going viral and bringing in a flood of messages and orders, can cause me to retreat into my shell. On the other hand, when things slow down and my shelves fill up with finished pieces, I start to feel anxious. It often takes me a while to realize that I'm feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and to accept that it's okay not to create or be highly productive all the time.

 

Uncertainty: Sometimes, I feel lost about where I'm heading. I lose track of what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. The bigger picture fades away, and I feel like I'm on a hamster wheel, doing things just for the sake of doing them. It's like I'm busy but not making any real progress toward the goals I've set for myself. This lack of direction can be really disheartening and makes it hard to stay motivated. When I can't see how my efforts are contributing to my larger aspirations, it's easy to feel stuck and uninspired.

 

Break in Routine: I often find it challenging to get back into the swing of things after taking even a short break. The disruption makes it hard to return to my creative cycle. However, I've developed a workaround over time. If I know I'm going to be away for, say, a week, I make sure to complete work for up to two weeks in advance. This gives me some buffer time to readjust and get back into my routine after the break. I've learned this strategy through repeated experience, and it helps me manage the transition periods more smoothly.

 

Poor Time Management: This is one of the biggest challenges for me. On days when I don't have a clear and detailed to-do list, I often waste a lot of time aimlessly scrolling through the internet for inspiration. Hours can pass while I get lost in the online world, leaving me with nothing to show for it. By the time I finally decide to start a project, it's often too late to finish it within the remaining time. This lack of structure and focus leads to unproductive days and a lot of frustration.

 

Physical Exhaustion: I sometimes overestimate my physical strength, which leads to burnout. If I've had a particularly long or hectic few days, or if I haven't slept well, I notice it significantly impacts my work and productivity. When I'm physically tired, it affects how I use my waking hours. I struggle to focus, my energy levels drop, and my creativity suffers. This exhaustion makes it difficult to maintain a consistent workflow and can lead to prolonged periods of low productivity.

 

Lack of Immediate Large Projects to Keep Me Inspired:There are times when things slow down, and I don't have many projects on my plate. These lulls can leave me feeling uninspired and unmotivated. I've realized that I thrive when I have clear goals and targets to work towards. Without these larger projects or milestones, it's easy for me to lose direction and enthusiasm. Setting ambitious but achievable goals helps keep my creative energy flowing and gives me something to strive for, even during slower periods.

 

As an artist and a creative business owner, I know that I will inevitably face these challenges again. Over time, I've developed strategies to help me cope and get back on track. By recognizing the recurring nature of these obstacles, I've learned to implement proactive measures that support my creativity and productivity, which help me bounce back sooner than later:

 

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step is to recognize when you're feeling uninspired, overwhelmed, or anxious. It's crucial to be aware of these emotions and accept them without judgment. Once you've acknowledged these feelings, intentionally take some time off. Allow yourself this break without constantly worrying about wasting time or mentally exhausting yourself further. By doing so, you give yourself the space to recharge and address the root causes of your stress and lack of inspiration. 

 

Reconnect with Your Purpose: Take a moment to revisit your “why” and reflect on your long-term goals. Remind yourself why you do what you do and where you want to be. This reflection often fills me with positivity and reignites my motivation. By focusing on my core purpose and aspirations, I find the inspiration to take action and get back into the game.

 

Reassess Your Current Path: Take the time to evaluate your current plan to ensure you're not just going through the motions. This is important for understanding if you're still aligned with your goals and aspirations. I believe this should be a regular part of our routines, as frequent reassessment helps keep us on track and ensures that our actions are purposeful and meaningful. 

 

Move to Execution: After acknowledging your feelings and making plans, it's time to shift into execution mode. Start small by planning out the upcoming week. Create a detailed to-do list that outlines your tasks and goals. Be sure to include a weekly review session where you assess your progress and ensure you're staying on the right path. 

 

Organize Your Workspace: Another effective, action-oriented activity is to clean and organize your workspace or studio. Creating a tidy, organized, and inspirational environment can significantly boost your motivation and readiness to create. A clutter-free space not only helps clear your mind but also makes it easier to find your materials and get to work. 

 

Passion Projects and Play Time: Always make sure to include playtime for passion projects—things you love to create purely for the joy of it. These aren't about marketing or sales; they're about your personal enjoyment and creative fulfillment. Create these projects for yourself, without any external pressure. Whether you choose to keep them for yourself or share them with the world, the primary motivation should be your own pleasure and satisfaction. 

 

Connect with Your Community: Reach out to your community of fellow artists, mentors, or other business owners for support and inspiration. Engaging with your community can provide new ideas and perspectives that might spark your creativity. From my experience, community is one of the most crucial assets in a creative journey. I can't emphasize enough how vital having a supportive network has been for me when dealing with feelings of low inspiration, overwhelm, and anxiety. Seeing what others are working on and sharing your own experiences can provide a sense of connection and encouragement. Whether it's through online groups, local meetups, or mentors, being part of a community offers invaluable emotional and creative support.

 

Read and Learn: Another effective strategy is to intentionally take a break and learn something new. This could mean exploring a new medium, signing up for a workshop to acquire a new skill or technique, or diving into a new subject area. I make it a point to do this periodically, whether it's learning watercolors or taking business courses. It refreshes my mind and perspective. In my opinion, these periods of low inspiration can actually be a blessing in disguise. During these times, I often sit back and focus on learning—whether it's reading books on mindset and business, listening to podcasts on pottery and online marketing, or studying the journeys of other creators in different fields.

 

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