Unlock Creativity: Strategies to Get Inspiration

Most of my adult life, I’ve wandered aimlessly down the paths of writing and ideas scratching my head trying to come up with something new, funny, interesting or compelling. The search for ideas never ends and it never gets any easier. Constantly failing, sometimes creating gold, Jerry.

Some days, words, notes, and sounds come effortlessly, creating masterpieces. But, there are days when the struggle is real, casting shadows of doubt. However, each challenge, each stumbling block, has only served to deepen my passion and understanding of the creative process.

This journey, much like my attempts at DIY home repairs, is punctuated with moments of sheer brilliance, where inspiration flows like coffee on a Monday morning. But there are also stretches of silence, where tumbleweeds blow through the small dusty street in my brain, and the river of creativity runs dry. It’s these highs and lows, these peaks and valleys, that truly shape your creative soul.

By embracing the ebbs and flows, I’ve learned the values of resilience, adaptability, and persistence. Never give up. Don’t stop trying. It’s the tomato sauce bottle effect – keep whacking it on the bottom for long enough and eventually the sauce comes out in a massive spurt, going everywhere.

For anyone wandering lost on this path, remember: figuring out how to be creative in your writing or producing is a bit like finding the TV remote – it’s often in the last place you’d think to look! oh, it’s under the couch!

Discovering Your Creative Niche 🐣

Every creative journey begins with a question: What ignites your passion? It’s that burning curiosity, that insatiable desire to express, that sets the foundation for all creative stories. For those just dipping their toes into the ocean of creativity, the sheer vastness can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin? This is so… vast!

For beginners, the answer often lies closer than they think. Writing about familiar territories or current events can serve as a gentle introduction. It’s like learning to swim in the shallow end before diving into the deep. These familiar topics provide a safety net, making it much easier to get into the water. The hardest part comes when the water is at genital level. Brrrrr!

But how do you transform these familiar topics into compelling ideas? Enter the ‘thought starters.’ These aren’t elaborate concepts or detailed outlines.

Instead, they’re random thoughts—like the scribbles on the margins of a notebook or the sudden ideas that strike during a shower, or for me – on the toilet!

They might seem insignificant at first, but with a bit of nurturing, these sparks can ignite into great ideas. So spend a few more minutes in the shower.

These days, inspiration is everywhere.

The TV shows we binge-watch, the music that becomes the soundtrack of our lives, the movies that transport us to different worlds, and even those laugh-out-loud moments at home, like when the dog does something hilarious or cute—all of these experiences are treasure troves of creativity.

They offer perspectives, emotions, and narratives that can be woven into our own stories.

So, for every budding creative out there, remember: Your unique experiences, no matter how mundane they might seem, are the colors you paint with. Embrace them, explore them, and let them guide your creative.

Debunking the “I’m Not Creative” Myth

“I’m not creative.” It’s a phrase that’s been echoed countless times, often accompanied by a sigh of resignation. Many believe that creativity is a rare gift, bestowed upon only a select few. But is that really the case?

The truth is, creativity isn’t some elusive trait that only artists or writers possess. It’s a universal quality, inherent in everyone. Think about it: From the way we solve everyday problems to the personal stories we share with friends, creativity is part of everything we do in our daily lives.

It’s not just about painting masterpieces or penning novels; it’s about seeing the world through a unique lens. Like when my dog eats shoes. I mean, who knew they could be a great meal!

So, what’s holding you back from embracing your creative side?

Often, it’s a matter of perception. Are you equating creativity with grand gestures or groundbreaking ideas? Nah… It’s the little things, the quirks and idiosyncrasies, that truly define your creative essence. Remember that time you made your friends burst into fits of laughter with a random dad joke?

Or the way you rearranged your bedroom as a kid? These moments, though trivial, show you are creative.

Diving deep into what makes you individual is the key. It’s about recognizing and celebrating what makes you, well, you. Whether it’s your sense of humour, your unique way of looking at the world, or even the way you tie your shoelaces—these are the things that set you apart.

And when you let these qualities shine through your work, be it in writing, art, music, whatevs – you’re not just being creative; you’re being authentically you.

Next time you hear someone say, “I’m not creative,” challenge that notion. Remind them (and yourself) that creativity isn’t a rare commodity—it’s a universal trait, waiting to be discovered and celebrated in each and every one of us.

Navigating Through Creative Blocks

Ever hit that point where your creativity just… hits a wall? No matter if you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, every artist has those moments where it feels like the creative juices just aren’t flowing.

It’s like your brain decides to take an unexpected break, leaving you staring at a blank screen. We’ve all been there, especially during those times when life is overwhelming.

So, what’s the game plan when this happens?

For me, it’s all about pushing on. I always remind myself that not everything I create has to be the next big thing. My boss once looked at me and blurted out ‘mate, not everything has to be a masterpiece!’ Sometimes, it’s just about getting something down, even if it’s just a doodle or a few lines.

And on those really tough days? I just aim to keep the production quality up, even if the ideas aren’t exactly earth-shattering.

You know what’s weird though? Sometimes, doing something totally unrelated to art helps. Like, diving into a spreadsheet. It sounds weird, but these little breaks can be like a mental palate cleanser, like defragging your brain.

And more often than not, when you get back to it, the creative ideas start flowing again. Plus, you’ve organised your iTunes library!

At the end of the day, these creative blocks? They’re just bumps in the road. They challenge us, make us think differently, and help us grow. It’s all part of the wild ride. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Procrastination vs. Necessary Breaks

Sometimes you just can’t get started. Procrastination is like that sneaky friend who convinces you to binge-watch a series instead of working. And, between you and me, it’s often not about being lazy. It’s that annoying little voice in our head saying, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “I can’t do this!”

It’s all about self-doubt.

But here’s the thing: once you actually start, it’s like, “Hey, this isn’t so bad!” Things just roll from there. It’s kinda like what I was saying earlier about getting into cold water. First you dip your toes in, then your legs are under and before you know it your ball deep and ducking under waves!

Now, here’s where I had to learn a big lesson. There’s a difference between taking a legit break and just plain old procrastinating. Breaks are cool. They’re like mini-holidays to Hamilton island for your brain. You come back feeling refreshed and with new ideas. But procrastination?

That’s like being stuck in a mental tug-of-war. It’s not about needing a break; it’s more about doubting ourselves. So do what Shia Lebouf said in that crazy video back in the day … ‘just do it!!!!!’

My two cents on beating procrastination? Stay active! And I don’t just mean hitting the gym, though that helps. Keep your brain busy too. Dive into a new book, play Wordle, or even spend a few minutes on TikTok. It’s all about keeping the gears turning.

Trust me, when you’re moving, mentally or physically, creativity just flows better.

Drawing Inspiration

Inspiration is like love in that Wet Wet Wet song. It’s all around us. Songs on the radio, TV shows, movies, your kids, dogs – whatever…

It’s like an endless cast of characters and wild plots just begging to be turned into your new idea.

Now, think about those everyday moments. Ever been sipping your coffee and accidentally eavesdropped on a conversation? Those snippets of chatter, the laughter over a shared memory, or the heated debates about the best pizza topping – they all have potential.

Life is constantly serving up delightful appetizers of inspiration… just tune in.

And then there are those unexpected moments.

Maybe it’s a hilarious mishap at a family gathering, a funny sign you saw on the way to work, or even that bizarre news headline you saw on the bus. These moments, as fleeting as they might seem, are the sparks that can ignite a creative in your pants. The trick? Just being present, soaking it all in.

On top of all that, there’s a certain mindset to embrace: being perpetually on the lookout. It’s like being a detective, but instead of searching for clues, you’re hunting for inspiration. Keep those senses sharp, always ready to pick up on the little things.

Life is teeming with these hidden gems, just waiting to be discovered. So, wear your ‘inspiration goggles’ every day, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. You’ll be amazed at what you find wearing ‘beer goggles’ too.

Embracing Feedback

Feedback, huh? It’s one of those things that can either make your day or have you reaching for the comfort food. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of praise now and then? But then there’s the “constructive” side of feedback, the kind that makes you raise an eyebrow and think, “Okay, point taken.”

Back in the day, I won’t lie, feedback and I had a bit of a love-hate relationship. Every piece of advice felt like someone critiquing my favorite outfit. But as I kept plugging away in the creative world, I had a bit of an epiphany.

I began to see feedback as this helpful companion on my creative journey. It wasn’t about pointing fingers or saying what was wrong, but more about offering a fresh perspective, a new angle.

And let’s be real, sometimes we all need that nudge to see things differently. So, while feedback might come wrapped in a slightly prickly package, it’s genuinely there to help us grow and refine our craft.

And here’s another thing about feedback: it’s a mirror reflecting not just our work, but also our growth. Remember those early days when every critique felt like getting punched in the ghoulies? Fast forward to now, and it’s clear that each piece of advice, each comment, has been a stepping stone.

It’s like having a conversation with your past self, seeing how far you’ve come, and recognizing the areas still ripe for exploration. So, the next time feedback comes knocking, have a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and dive in. Maybe in that reflection, amidst the praise and pointers, comes a bit creative evolution.

… in a nut shell 🥜

When I think about my journey (ha, don’t you love how The Voice and Masterchef have changed that word) with creativity, it’s been an awesome ride with loads of mad capped and zany adventures full of “Aha!” moments of growth.

If you’re out there, teetering on the edge, wondering whether you can or how to get creative… Just do it! Have a crack! The world needs your unique voice and your spin on things. Stop thinking ‘I’m not creative’ and start easing your genitals into the ocean.