The Creative Habit

Break out of creative ruts

Instructions

Get physically active with verbs. Choose ten verbs and physically act them out. The body and brain are interconnected, and movement can stimulate your creativity. These verbs should challenge you enough to strengthen your creative muscles, but not so much that you give up. It should introduce a different way of thinking or acting, breaking away from your usual approach that may not be working for you right now.
Build a bridge to the next day. Avoid exhausting yourself completely. Stop when you still have a bit of energy left and use that fuel to build a bridge to the next day. For instance, if you're a writer, set a specific time or word quota for your writing session, and before going to bed, read the last sentence you wrote. This gives your brain something productive to work on as it regroups and refreshes overnight. The subconscious mind can handle tasks that the conscious mind can't manage.
Recognize when to stop tinkering. While it's essential to strive for perfection, there comes a point when you need to let go and share your work. Avoid endlessly fine-tuning and tinkering with your creation. Set clear criteria or milestones that indicate when it's time to stop refining and start sharing your work with others.
Transform unproductive habits into productive ones. Identify a habit that hinders your creative process, such as excessive coffee consumption or spending too much time on distractions. Instead of eliminating the habit completely, focus on moderation. Find a way to make it work for you by setting boundaries or finding a balance that supports your creativity. Channel your energy and time into activities that enhance your creative flow.