Creative block is the feeling of being stuck in the creative process. You can’t think of new ideas or don’t know how to move forward. Thinking of new ideas usually comes naturally, but suddenly, it seems impossible to create anything.
Creative block can occur at any stage of the creative process. Sometimes, it means you can’t think of what to post. Other times, it’s that you can’t figure out how to edit a photo or video for maximum impact. However, creative block surfaces can feel overwhelming and very demotivating.
Creative block is extremely common among content creators. If you are experiencing a creative block, the first step is to learn what caused it. Then, try these strategies to overcome it.
Table of Contents
What Causes Creative Block?
Burnout
A career as a content creator is physically and mentally exhausting. The more content you produce, the more money you make, so the pressure to work as much as possible can become overwhelming. While ambition and passion are the keys to your success as a content creator, they can also cause creative block. Pushing yourself too hard will lead to burnout, and that sense of fatigue will make it difficult to come up with new ideas.
Procrastination
When you feel unmotivated, it is hard to be productive. The more you put off creating content, the more challenging it will be. Eventually, the cycle of procrastination can cause a creative block when your to-do list grows so large that it feels impossible to complete.
Self-Doubt
One of the most common causes of creative block is self-doubt. Feeling uncertain about your content will make you second-guess your ideas. There is a lot of pressure to produce media your audience likes because you don’t want to lose fans. However, it is important to remember that they followed you for a reason. And even if a content campaign doesn’t perform as well as you hoped, there is always another opportunity to create something better!
Stress
As a content creator, your income can fluctuate drastically. All of your earnings rely on the popularity of your ideas and posts. That pressure can cause a lot of stress, especially if being a content creator is your only source of income. Learning relaxation techniques, keeping to a strict schedule, and engaging in self-care activities will help manage stress and avoid burnout.
10 Tips for Content Creators to Overcome Creative Block
Even top-earning content creators experience creative blocks now and then. Here are some strategies to overcome creative blocks and help you push through moments of stress and frustration.
#1 Get Inspired by Other Content Creators
Most good ideas are inspired by other good ideas. So, if you are struggling to come up with content posts, check out what other creators are doing. There is probably a challenge or trend you can participate in.
In addition, you can leverage several educational resources to overcome creative block. Whether you’d rather listen to a podcast or read a book, there is tons of information online about any industry.
#2 Talk to Fans
Your fans decide the popularity of your content. So, if you don’t know what to post next, ask them! Fans are usually very excited to get involved with creative projects. Ask for a list of content they wish to see or run a contest to let one fan pick a content topic.
#3 Treat Yourself to Something
Sometimes, the trick to overcoming a creative block is to clear your mind. The easiest way to do that is to do something that makes you happy. Whether that means shopping for a new outfit, going to the salon, or taking time to spend on your favorite hobby, having fun naturally relaxes the body and encourages creativity.
#4 Collaborate with Another Creator
Teaming up with another content creator is a fast way to get your name in front of a new audience. Collaborating also breaks the creative block. Two minds are often better than one, and working with someone else will naturally inspire a fresh list of content ideas.
#5 Write a List of Ideas
Brainstorming is a practical strategy to overcome creative block. Write down every idea that comes to mind. Don’t consider the logistics of executing the content or whether or not fans will like it. The important part is to get your brain focused and working on idea creation. Inevitably, there will be ideas you cross out, but you will probably end up with lots of new content!
#6 Replicate Your Top Content
If you are having trouble coming up with new ideas, revisit your top-performing campaign. You can advertise the remake by telling fans you are revisiting their old favorite. Switch it up with a new background or outfit, but re-experiencing past successes might shake a new idea loose.
#7 Try a New Type of Content
When you create the same type of content over and over, it stops being fun. So step outside your comfort zone and try something new! Find a niche category that interests you and experiment with making content. Fans love limited releases, and trying new content is the perfect way to market exclusives.
#8 Get Organized
Sometimes, creative block is caused by disorganization. The brain likes order. Building a schedule and planning out content helps reduce stress and prioritize tasks. Make your to-do list manageable and motivate yourself to work by celebrating wins – even if that is just crossing an item off!
#9 Exercise
Exercise releases dopamine, naturally reducing stress and making you feel happier and more energized. If you feel a creative block coming on, go for a walk or do your favorite exercise for 20-30 minutes. Sometimes, a gym break is all you need to get the ideas flowing again.
#10 Consult a Manager or Agency
Managers and agencies help with content ideas. These marketing professionals use analytics to determine what types of content your fans respond to best. In addition, managers keep you on schedule and force accountability.
How to Avoid Creative Block as a Content Creator
The easiest way to overcome creative block is to avoid it! Here are some ways to stay motivated and energized.
Keep to a Schedule
It’s tempting to work all the time, especially as a content creator whose income relies on media quantity. But it is important to give yourself a break. Write a plan for your work days, including how much time you want to allocate for creation, editing, and posting. Don’t forget to pencil in breaks, time to eat, and rest.
Journaling & Brainstorming
Ideas can come at random times. Try carrying a journal with you or start a note on your phone dedicated to content ideas. Whenever you are inspired, write it down. This list will be helpful when you are searching for new content ideas.
Self Care
When you are stressed and working all the time, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Regular self-care boosts confidence and helps with relaxation. Find a routine that makes you feel good. Some ideas include regular nail appointments, daily skincare routines, exercise classes, and hobbies.
Take Breaks
It’s okay to sign off for a while. Endlessly staring at the screen and begging for a new idea to materialize leads to more burnout. Stepping away from your computer for just 10 or 15 minutes will reset your brain and give you a new perspective.
Capitalize on Productive Energy
Just like creative blocks are normal, so are boosts of productivity. There are days when you are fueled by passion, and you feel unstoppable. Capitalize on those highly productive days by creating as much content as you can. Then, you can access this overflow when you are struggling with new ideas.