When You're Blocked Creatively, Quantity Might Be Your Best Friend

The page argues that creative block is common for all kinds of creators and often comes from stress, fear of failure, fatigue, illness, environment, or lack of inspiration. It uses the ceramics class example to show that making more work can lead to better work, because mistakes become part of the process.

It then lists ways to get moving again: remove distractions, nap, use caffeine, combine caffeine with a nap, force a start, listen to music, build a routine, take a walk, or step away from the project for a while. The main point is that creative block usually passes and most creators overcome it.

Reading notes

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• Creative block is not limited to writers; anyone who creates can run into it.
• Stress and fear of failure are presented as the two main causes.
• A ceramics class example shows the quantity group producing the best work at the end of the term.
• Making “bad” work can still help because it teaches from mistakes.
• Fatigue, illness, medications, environment, and lack of inspiration are other common causes.
• Removing distractions can help restart work.
• A 10-20 minute nap is presented as useful for tiredness.
• Coffee or tea can help, and caffeine before a short nap may work especially well.
• Starting with freewriting, doodling, or circles can trigger momentum.
• Music, especially a repeated motivating song, can help create momentum.
• A pre-work routine can signal the brain that it is time to create.
• Walking and taking breaks are also suggested as ways to return with more energy.