Breaking the Block: A Humorous Guide to Crushing Creative Obstacles | by Motlalepule Sarah Banda

Let’s face it—being a creative means constantly dancing with the muse, and sometimes that dance turns into a clumsy waltz with a cement wall, AKA “The Creative Block.” But instead of brooding over blank pages or staring endlessly at half-done projects, let's add a bit of laughter and see what quirky tactics can kick that creative block out the door. Ready to reclaim your creative spark? Let’s dive into some unconventional (and borderline ridiculous) methods to knock down those walls and let the inspiration flow.

1. Declare a Staring Contest (With Anything

Sometimes, all we need is a bit of intense eye contact to get our brains back in gear. Pick an inanimate object—your coffee mug, your plant, or even that empty notepad. Stare it down. Challenge it to blink first. You’d be surprised how powerful it feels to “win” this, and maybe you’ll notice a detail that could inspire your next project. Who knew your pen holder could spark a masterpiece?

2. Write a Love Letter to Your Creative Block

Ever tried loving the problem away? Get a pen, some fancy paper, and start your letter with, “Dear Creative Block…” Write out how much it means to you, how persistent it is, and how you’re so ready for it to leave you alone. Chances are, by the time you reach, “Love, (but actually please leave),” you’ll feel refreshed, and maybe your brain will relax enough to let those ideas bubble up.

3. Embrace Your Inner Chef with “Idea Soup”

Head to your kitchen and start mixing up “idea soup.” Add a pinch of your current thoughts, a dash of childhood memories, a spoonful of random Pinterest inspiration, and a bit of leftover creativity from last week. Stir it up and let it simmer. Sometimes, even stepping away from the desk and doing something hands-on can get those ideas flowing again. Bonus: You get an actual meal out of it, too.

4. The 5-Minute Doodle Madness

Doodle like you’ve got no shame (and preferably no artistic expectations). Scribble whatever comes to mind—shapes, squiggles, little scenes that make zero sense. Sometimes, our minds just need to mess around a bit to break out of that “serious” mode. Plus, a page full of doodles can sometimes turn into a full-fledged idea when you look back on it with fresh eyes.

5. Narrate Your Life as If You’re the Hero of an Epic Tale

Imagine Morgan Freeman is narrating your every move as you desperately try to find your way through this creative block. Or maybe go with a more energetic voice like Samuel L. Jackson for an added edge. Give your life the drama it deserves—“And there she sat, staring into the blank abyss of her screen, awaiting the call of creativity…” Sometimes a dose of playful exaggeration makes the journey to inspiration more fun.

6. Take a “Field Trip” Around Your Own Space

Yes, really—walk around your own place like you’ve never seen it before. Observe the colors, textures, and shapes with fresh eyes. Open a random book on your shelf or flip through an old magazine. Sometimes, a tiny object or phrase in your space holds the seed of inspiration you didn’t even know you needed.

7. Make a Playlist for Your Block

Instead of waiting for inspiration, put together a playlist to “hype up” your creative block. Imagine each song title or lyric is an ode to the struggle, like “Should I Stay or Should I Go” or “Eye of the Tiger”. Play it on repeat while you humor yourself. Eventually, your brain might just snap out of it and take the hint—time to move forward!

8. Engage in Creative Problem-Solving—Backward

If you’re stuck trying to solve a specific creative problem, imagine you’re the character in a comedy who does everything backward. Start with the conclusion and work your way back to the problem. It’s a twist in perspective that might get your brain to think in new ways, while adding a bit of silly humor to the process.

9. Text Your Ideas (or Lack Thereof) to Your “Most Boring” Friend

We all have that friend who’s practical, logical, and thoroughly unimpressed by our creative struggles. Text them about your creative block—explain it in exaggerated, dramatic terms. Their unenthusiastic response will either give you a laugh, a spark of inspiration, or both. It’s a win-win!

10. Embrace the Nap (It’s an Art Form)

If all else fails, a nap is a powerful tool. Embrace it with full theatrical intent: announce to the universe that you’re going into “creative hibernation.” Sometimes a snooze is the exact reboot your mind needs, and at the very least, you’ll wake up with fresh energy. Who knows—maybe your next big idea will pop up in a dream.

Final Thought

Remember, creative blocks are temporary. They feel heavy and impossible, but they’re often just our minds’ way of asking us to loosen up, laugh a little, and stop taking ourselves so seriously. After all, creativity comes when we’re not forcing it—and sometimes, when we’re just having fun. So, try these out, make a mess, and let your imagination take over.