The Creativity Conundrum: When Is an Idea Truly Yours?
Is it just me, or does winter, especially January and February, crush creativity?
Maybe it’s an excuse, but the “winter blahs” have been hitting hard lately. Getting up when it’s still dark, leaving work when it’s dark, bundling up in 27 layers, and staring out at dead grass and bare trees—it’s not exactly an inspiring scene. My brain feels as dull as the weather. Everything I write lately is… fine. Acceptable. But that spark? That “I just crushed this” feeling? Nowhere in sight. Just being honest here.
So today, it’s Monday (universally known as the worst day of the week), it’s 11 degrees outside, and it’s the middle of January. This trifecta has led to a true creativity conundrum. Even this post took forever to think of and even longer to write. I just re-read a news release I wrote last week and cringed. (Client: if you’re reading this, I’m happy to redo it from scratch. Seriously.)
Enough whining. Time for action.
Here are 7 things I’m doing to try and spark the creativity flame:
1. Just start writing
Oh hey, I’m doing that now! There’s less pressure on internal posts like this, so it’s a good “warm up” to get the fingers moving and the brain firing.
2. Drink caffeine
Check. This morning. I feel stimulated, or maybe just jittery. Either way, I’m hoping the finger shakes become keyboard lightning.
3. Do something else
I’m heading to Target at lunch. I need crackers and diaper rash ointment, but I guarantee I’ll leave $50 lighter. Will it help creativity? Probably not. But a mental reset never hurts.
4. Listen to music with energy
Sorry, Adele, you’re amazing, but you make me cry. Drake’s in charge now. Sometimes, you just need a beat to pull you out of the gloom.
5. Eat something exciting
Oatmeal lunch? Not it. But I am looking forward to some dark chocolate-covered espresso beans later. A double dose of caffeine? Yes, please.
6. Make a plan and stick to it
I haven’t turned off Adele yet, and I haven’t left for Target. So… the blah-ness wins. But I’m committing now: I’ll complete this list, and I’ll write—even if it’s bad. Because action breaks inertia.
7. Watch something funny
SNL’s “Barry Gibb Talk Show” is my go-to. A laugh might cost me 20 minutes, but it buys me a better mindset. Worth it.
So that’s it. Seven slightly random but totally doable ways I’m crawling out of the creativity cave. Maybe they’ll help you too. If nothing else, take comfort knowing that it’s going to hit 43 degrees this week. Balmy! And January is halfway over.