How entrepreneurs can break through creative blocks
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Everyone encounters creative blocks, and entrepreneurs are no exception. Anyone who creates something from scratch is likely to experience it, whether a writer, designer, music artist, researcher, or business owner. Building a business from the ground up is no mean feat, and it makes one susceptible to falling short of creativity and inspiration.
The Interaction Design Foundation defines creative blocks as phases of reduced productivity and creative thinking. During these periods, designers struggle to generate fresh ideas or execute existing ideas creatively. Imagine the same happening to you during the early stages of your startup- it may translate into lost revenues and unhappy customers.
Even worse, creative blocks can affect your mental health, deplete your energy levels, and induce feelings of failure and self-doubt. Fortunately, you can overcome such situations with courage, commitment, and clarity. We will share a few tried and true strategies recommended by entrepreneurs who have been there and done it.
Understand the roadblocks
The pandemic was one of the biggest tests for entrepreneurial creativity. An article published in Fast Company highlights a study by McKinsey stating the importance of acting early and decisively during economic disruptions. Business owners lacking the mental capacity for creativity miss out on long-term opportunities to improve their company’s performance.
The same article talks about the potential roadblocks to creativity, such as anxiety, isolation, and barriers from a scarcity mindset. While these roadblocks were relevant to the pandemic situation, entrepreneurs must learn from them. The idea is to identify things disrupting your creative ideas early and implement measures to address them sooner rather than later.
Embrace diversity of thought
Many times, creative blocks stem from a narrow perspective. For example, your product may not be doing well because it does not resonate with the target audience or fails to match competitors. You can overcome such situations by thinking outside the box. Try modifying your product a little to match buyer intent or adopt sustainable packaging to attract eco-friendly buyers.
Seek inspiration from various sources, explore unconventional ideas, and engage with people from different backgrounds. Asking team members to contribute their perspectives on a problem can help you find viable solutions. Similarly, you can seek feedback from customers for a more diverse view.
Adopt a hobby
Doing the same thing every day can affect your creativity, no matter how much enthusiasm you have for your dream venture. You may feel close to burnout at some point when the entrepreneurial grind becomes too hard to bear. Engaging in a hobby unrelated to work can offer a much-needed respite and stimulate creativity.
You can try relaxing hobbies like painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. Let us give a unique example of Mike Savage from New Canaan. An avid muscle car collector, Savage of New Canaan operates a multi-million virtual accounting firm. He also runs a non-profit organization called the Savage Rivera Foundation to help children and families in Honduras. Additionally, he has a passion for classic muscle cars, Lego collections, and intricate Koi ponds.
Pursuing activities outside the realm of your business can help you recharge your creative batteries, gain new perspectives, and bring renewed inspiration and energy to your work.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mental clutter and overthinking can keep your creativity from flowing seamlessly. Entrepreneurs often struggle with these issues because they have too much on their minds. Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help you calm down and tap into your innate creativity. They also help you observe your thoughts without judgment.
Integrating regular meditation sessions into your daily routine should be a priority. You can start by adopting a morning and bedtime routine. Once you learn the technique, you can take quick meditation breaks throughout the day or whenever you feel stressed or short of creative ideas.
Cultivate a creative environment
According to ScienceDirect, the physical environment has a significant impact on creativity and innovation. Even small changes in your workspace can help you deal with creative blocks. Try incorporating elements such as natural light, vibrant colors, plants, and comfortable seating to get the ideas flowing.
Beyond the physical changes, you must build a workplace where exploration and risk-taking are celebrated. Cultivating a creative environment within your company encourages free-flowing ideas and motivates your team members to give their best. You can go the extra mile by recognizing creative contributions with incentives and appreciation.
In conclusion, creative blocks are an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey, but they need not slow down progress. Following these best practices can help you overcome these hindrances confidently and drive innovation for your business.