Feeling Stuck? Try These Exercises from 'The Creative Act'

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Feeling stuck, like you're doing the work but not making more progress?

I've been re-reading 'The Creative Act' by Rick Rubin.

In it he has a chapter called 'Breaking the Sameness'.

He shares exercises that he suggests to artists in the recording studio who are feeling blocked.

The intention of these exercises is to rekindle excitement and access new ways of performing.

I'm gonna share an overview of exercises here, but if you haven't already read it, I recommend checking out the book here.

Small Steps

When feeling blocked, work on the smallest step first. It could be as simple as writing one line a day.

Change the Environment

Change the lighting, where you're working, or time of day.

Change the Stakes

Raise the stakes by imagining this is the last time you're ever doing it. Or lower the stakes, by making it one of a dozen.

Invite an Audience

Having people watch you doing something can bring out a difference in performance. The goal is to find the specific parameters that bring out your best.

Change the Context

Try creating a new meaning or a backstory behind your creation.

Alter the Perspective

Try designing the surroundings to encourage the performance your striving for. This could be visual, auditory, or olfactory.

Write for Someone Else

If you always write for yourself, imagine that someone you look up to asked you to write for them. What would that be like?

Add Imagery

Instead of using your typical reference points...try creating a scene. This could be a place you've actually been to, or an imaginary one you're creating from scratch.

Limit the Information

Give yourself the most freedom to create by not having all the dots connected.

CREATOR ANTICS