What is Creative Breakdown and How to deal with it?

BLOG BY – ASHREETA MOHANTY

Do you know that feeling when you’re expected to come up with a great idea and you have a creative downfall? You just can’t think of anything and really struggle with great ideas? 

I guess we all had those frustrating moments at least once in our lifetime when we try to come up with ideas and we can’t think of anything. Then we anxiously turn around to others to help us. When our ideas fail to materialize, a feeling of obvious frustration and irritability arise.

As a writer, I’m quite familiar with this feeling that hold me back from creating. And I’ve also learned what it takes to unblock the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck. 

It is said “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”. And here’s one thing I want all of you to know. There might be external circumstances or situations that are out of our control. But when we look within, we can always find that missing piece.

A lot of psychologists argue that creativity isn’t something people are born with, it’s a skill like any other that can be learned. It’s a skill that you can train like a muscle memory and practice will help you to get better.

Let’s understand what are the root causes of such unpleasant condition and how we can overcome them.

From different points of view, recognizing the signs of a creative breakdown can vary.

For some, it may manifest as a sudden lack of motivation or enthusiasm towards their craft.

Others may experience a sense of self-doubt and perfectionism, constantly questioning the quality of their work and feeling like nothing they create is good enough.

Brené Brown famously said – “There is no innovation and creativity without failure.”

I had a lot of moments where I tried really hard to be creative and failed.

1. Lack of Inspiration: One of the most common indicators of a creative breakdown is a significant decrease in inspiration.

For example, a writer who used to fill pages with ease might find themselves staring at a blank screen for hours without any words coming to mind.

But as per my observation we should not wait for any motivation. It comes naturally while working. If we keep doing what we love to do, we can reach a point when we will be back to our orginal pace and form.

2. Loss of Joy: When creativity becomes more of a chore than a source of joy, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing a creative breakdown.

Suppose a painter who once found solace in their art may suddenly feel disconnected from their work and struggle to find pleasure in the process.

“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.” When we surrender ourselves to the artform, when we show respect towards it, it surely give us back in abundance. 

3. Repetitive Patterns: Another indication of a creative breakdown is falling into repetitive patterns or relying on familiar techniques and ideas. 

For instance, a photographer who consistently captures the same subjects or uses similar compositions may be stuck in a creative rut.

“You can be cautious or you can be creative, but there’s no such thing as a cautious creative.”

You need to keep your mind free, open and broad to be able to create something magical. A cautious approach will lead you nowhere. In my point of view your love towards creativity will always find its way out even if you are working on a similar aspect.

4. Self-Criticism: Excessive self-criticism and perfectionism are often intertwined with a creative breakdown. Artists may become overly critical of their work, constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling inadequate. This self-doubt can hinder the creative process and prevent new ideas from flourishing.

Remember confidence contribute immensely to creative stagnation. When individuals lack confidence in their abilities, they may be hesitant to create and share their work.

One way to combat this is to practice self-compassion and remind yourself of past successes. By focusing on past successes, you can boost your confidence and feel more comfortable taking creative risks.

A creative life is an amplified life, a much bigger, happier, lot more interesting and expanded life. So do not waste it by self doubting. Creativity demand lots of patience.

Interestingly enough creativity has a similar phenomena of Happiness. When you share, it gets multiplied. The more you use it the more you have it.

Overall, creative stagnation is a common problem that can be overcome. By identifying the causes of creative stagnation, individuals can find ways to combat it and unleash their creativity.

Hope this article helps young creator who sometimes falls in the trap of creative block. Do not hesitate to share your experience about dealing with creative breakdown with us.

Regards

Ashreeta Mohanty

KNOW YOUR AUTHOR – The Life of Ashreeta Mohanty

Background:

Ashreeta Mohanty, born in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, grew up in a nurturing joint family. With a passion for literature and science, she excelled academically and discovered her love for writing during her high school years.

Early Education and Career:

Ashreeta completed her Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering at CV Raman University, followed by a B-Tech at Trident Academy of Technology. Despite academic success, she faced challenges in campus placements, leading her to move to Bangalore in search of better opportunities.

Career Struggles and Writing Revival:

After working in various roles and experiencing job dissatisfaction, Ashreeta returned to Odisha in 2018. In 2019, a colleague introduced her to guest blogging, rekindling her passion for writing. She participated in online writing communities, competitions, and collaborations, contributing to numerous anthologies and e-magazines.

Achievements and Recognition:

Ashreeta’s writing gained significant recognition, leading to multiple awards, including the Indian Excellence Awards by JJ Crowns and features in various publications. Her notable works include contributions to anthologies like “Disabled Society,” “Women the Warrior,” and “When Hiraeth Whispered.”

Personal Life and Continued Success:

In 2020, Ashreeta married and moved to Amlai, Madhya Pradesh. Her supportive husband encouraged her writing career. She continued to write, participate in competitions, and win accolades, balancing her personal and professional life effectively.

Current Projects and Future Goals:

Currently, Ashreeta is working on her solo book “Finding Inner Peace,” focusing on spirituality and mental health. She actively participates in campaigns for underprivileged children and contributes to various writing platforms.

Published Articles and Guest Blogs:

Ashreeta’s published articles cover topics such as religious intolerance, child education, women empowerment, and sustainability. Her guest blogs, inspired by TED Talks, include themes like success, leadership, and work-from-home culture.

Looking Ahead:

Ashreeta aims to establish herself globally, addressing issues like the climate crisis, social reforms, and geopolitics through her writing. She plans to publish more books and continue contributing to societal change.

Message to Young Writers:

Ashreeta encourages young writers to embrace their passion, overcome insecurities, and persistently strive to improve. She believes in the power of storytelling to inspire and bring about change, urging budding writers to read extensively, stay informed, and keep writing.

HER PUBLISHED BOOK

GO CHECK OUT HER BOOK
https://www.amazon.in/dp/9361757148?ref=myi_title_dp

PLAYBOOKS LINK-
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=WHoPEQAAQBAJ

HER SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/p/C9sNlVVNvLR/?utm_source=qr&igsh=empwb2FsYjJiaWNv&img_index=1

X- https://x.com/AshreetaMohant4?t=34Zmj6Ldjq0mASDe-3zC9g&s=08

LINKEDIN-https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashreeta-mohanty-49a466193/