How to overcome creative blocks – and help others to be creative. Part 3
Eleen Polson
Part 3: How to overcome creative blocks – and help others to be creative
Creativity is an innate natural human ability. Creativity manifests itself in every aspect of our lives. Typical we are overly developed in our analytical, logical functioning. The challenge is for us to access the “right” side of our intuitive, holistic, creative functioning. To be truly creative, we don’t require to know what the outcome will be, but rather to appreciate and embrace the process and to allow all possibilities to emerge.
The blocks to creativity are;
- The fear of the unknown. The creative process is unpredictable and inspiring as there are no rights or wrongs. This can initially be scary but once we understand this different way of functioning it is no longer intimidating, but very exciting.
- The tyranny of the end-product. To have a specific outcome in mind can be a killer to any new idea, image or song that wants to burst forth. If we know what something should look like, we are often disappointed and robbed from enjoying the pleasure of its creation. Creating with the end-product in mind is more a ‘left-brain’ activity. Creativity encourages us to be open to any new possibility – however unexpected and rewarding.
- The fear of failure. We are so accustomed to everything being evaluated that it stops us before we even start to express or create. If there is no right or wrong in the creative process, how can we fail? Teachers mind-sets and our educational system is designed around evaluations and the end product. Although this may be necessary in some instances, it is a significant creative block. There should be spaces and times when everyone can create, just doing and expressing without expectation or evaluation.
- The inner critic. We have all experienced that internalized voice that sounds very much like a parent, sibling or teacher. Whilst it may warn and protect us from looking stupid, it is often so domineering that it can be a hindrance to us trying new things. The critical voice and the need for approval from others often stops us from experimenting and allowing us to make mistakes – making mistakes is a very necessary step in the development of the creative process and life’s journey.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which to keep” ~ Scott Adams, American Cartoonist.
How to encourage creativity:
Experience has taught me to create from my 'right' brain, without planning, intuitively trusting the process every step of the way without knowing where it will end. This process in creativity, creates the most inspiring and self-fulfilling journey. This can also be called creating from point Zero where there are no expectations, no man-made rules, conditioning or guidelines. It is a blank canvas where anything is possible; whatever feels right in the moment.
Become aware of how it feels to create (a song, a dance, a picture, a meal) and value the positive impact of doing it with mindfulness and enjoyment. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to experiment, to experience, to try out new things, to silence the critical voice: Trust the process and be prepared to be surprised.
Playing together towards integrated wellbeing and mental health.
Eleen Polson, Expressive Arts Therapist, www.creativelearning4life.com, 0722121719.