Doing anything for long enough can lead to a bit of a brain fog. This is especially true for professional creatives. The content creation process can get repetitive, and it can be easy to get bored and lose that initial sense of originality. As such, it is crucial that creatives have their own methods of refueling their creative energies enough to get back into the swing of original expression.
So, how can a creative shed that sense of boredom and reclaim some of their initial passion? To help, we asked members of Forbes Coaches Council to provide their top tips for bringing the fun back into creative work.
1. Do Something Different
Even the most creative aspects of a job can feel redundant over time. To keep the creative spark going, every so often finds something else creative to do. If you are a writer, go look at some art or see a concert, walk in nature or go dancing. By using another side of the brain and/or different creative energy, one can knock out the boredom and find the passion again for their own creative work. - Monica Thakrar, MTI
2. Make A Creativity List
Create a list with 20 things you can do whenever you feel bored, uncreative, not inspired enough, tired etc. Mention all sorts of resources (like videos or speeches), inspirational quotes that resonate with the way you look at life and actions you could execute (like going to a park, learning something new, going for a run) to reconnect to your creativity, passion and true self. - Dr. Natalia Wiechowski, Think Natalia
3. Get Back To Your ‘Why’
My strategy is to refocus on the “why.” Our “why” is at the foundation of our passion and oftentimes drives the excitement. Sometimes we lose sight of the reason we went down this path in the first place. Refocusing on the “why” helps us reignite that spark. Sometimes it means that we need to redefine our goals and redirect our energy to peel off the mundane layers and uncover the excitement. - Kimberly A. Ferguson, K-Ferg Training
4. Take Charge Of Your Schedule
Overwork is the enemy of creative thinking. Today's scientific research confirms that the best way to get creative juices flowing is to relax. Taking charge of your own schedule is the quickest way to create "less hustle and more flow" in all areas of life. Regularly delegate and delete the time-sucking "busy" work and replace it with activities that recharge and allow you to show up at your best. - Cynthia Scherer, CPC, ELI-MP, Scherer Excellence Consulting
5. Walk In Someone Else's Shoes
Take 30 minutes or less to challenge your right brain to an innovation exercise. Draft a very rough sketch of a storyboard, a script for a commercial, captions for an ad or a slogan for a sports brand if you're in the cereal industry. You get to walk in the shoes of a different demographic/psychographic than you're used to. Remember, this is for fun. It's low risk/no pressure, so jump in and enjoy! - Chizzy Igbokwe, The Art of Global Citizenship
6. Listen To Your Heart
The heart (cardiac) brain is the seat of passion. If you have lost the passion for what you are doing, spend time reconnecting with your heart. Spend time feeling (not just thinking) about what got you into this work. If you still have passion for the work you are doing, you will reignite the spark. If not, it is time to ask yourself "What makes my heart sing now?" - Brian Gorman, TransformingLives.Coach
7. Take Brain Breaks
Invest in a growth mindset by giving your brain a break. Set aside time to unplug from the regular "noise." Shift mental gears occasionally to stay productive and keep the creative juices flowing. You are only productive for so many hours at the same task, so switch it up! Take a walk, listen to music, read a book, doodle or just daydream. You will come back restored and energized. - Erin Urban, UPPSolutions, LLC
8. Be Curious About What You Don't Know
Curiosity! Let go of what you know and become curious about what you don't know. There is so much room for what is possible and yet to be discovered. Ask yourself "What if it was not this way, then what?" and become curious about what could be possible. Creative work is all about stepping into the unknown and bringing to life what has not yet been created. The other side of curiosity awaits! - Pierrette Raymond, Pierrette Raymond Executive Coaching & Consulting
9. Extend Your Job Into New Areas
Repetition is the cause of boredom and it's easy to get in a rut. Unfortunately, many jobs are rife with routine. Try to extend your role into new areas. Work with your manager to explore the possibility of side initiatives or "passion projects" that present you with new work challenges. An opportunity to work on duties outside the usual setting can often stoke the creative juices. - Scott Singer, Insider Career Strategies
10. Follow Your Energy
Creativity needs space. Focus on the tasks that require originality when your natural energy cycle is at its peak. Leave the repetitive tasks for the low energy ebb in your day. If you always work in the same space, move to a new environment to get a different perspective on the work. Walk outside and breathe the fresh air to discover your creativity. Break your routine and spark innovation. - Tracey Grove, Pure Symmetry Coaching and Consulting
11. Break Out Of Your Boundaries
Stretch your right brain in wild and crazy ways, whatever that means for you. Unrelated to work. Way outside your comfort zone. Spend a whole day with people, communicating without speaking. Escape alone into nature. Sit for three hours. Observe intentionally. Journal what you notice/feel. Go on a real treasure hunt with friends. Make a chalk-art welcome mat at home. Let your inner child have fun! - Diana Furr, Champions of Destiny
