Article

Article

Article

Pressing Reset

Pressing Reset

Pressing Reset

Apr 9, 2021

Apr 9, 2021

Apr 9, 2021

Creativity is a fascinating thing. Sometimes we can’t stop ideas from flowing out of our minds, while other times, we can’t seem to pull those ideas out, no matter how hard we try.

It goes by many names, creative block, lack of inspiration, and burnout, to name a few. We’ve all been there, that feeling where no matter how hard we try, we feel uninspired and numb. That total lack of motivation and focus even though we’re passionate about the task at hand.

Many factors contribute to this feeling, including; lack of sleep, lack of exercise, poor diet, overwork, depression, and digital distraction. These can all contribute to creative energy drain and burnout.

So what can we do when we’re feeling this way? Unfortunately, as creatives, we don’t always have the option to push tasks off tasks until we feel more creative. With looming milestones and deadlines, we need to find ways to power through and produce our best work.

I don’t remember the last time I sat down feeling well-rested and full of creative energy. Sometimes we need to find ways to force creativity out.

Much like our computers, our internal operating system gets overwhelmed. Sometimes we need need to hit reset to operate more efficiently.

So how can we press reset and power up our creative energy? Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize the signs of creative energy drain and have discovered a few tools that work for me.

I’ve included a list below:

Time Box + Reward

Sometimes we struggle due to a lack of focus. In these times, I like to implement a time box + reward system. This system involves making a deal with myself — purposely removing all distractions for a specified period and rewarding myself at the end. This system requires me to turn off all notifications and focus on deep work for 1–2 hours. At the end of this time box, I reward myself by spending 30 minutes catching up on social feeds with a good coffee.

20 Minutes

I’ve found that blocking out time for a 20-minute nap in the afternoon gives me a boost and a quick recharge. I’ve discovered that any more than 20 minutes will leave me feeling groggy. Twenty minutes seems to be the magic number for a quick reset.

Exercise

I’ve found that taking a 15–30 minute break to exercise can help to power up my creative energy. My go-to app is Nike Training Club. This free app provides quick home-based workouts that anyone can do with no equipment necessary.

Meditate

Taking 20 minutes to meditate helps me clear my mind and provides a quick reset so I can power through. I’ve tried many meditation apps, but I tend to use Headspace the most.

Play

As adults, we tend to leave playing to the kids; however, play can help to power our creative energy. By taking time to play with our kids, pets or even build some lego, we can power our creative energy.

Procrastinate

I’ve discovered that sometimes leaving tasks to the last minute induces creative energy. Procrastination can cause anxiety, but this can also force your brain to release adrenaline providing a temporary creative boost.

Full Reset

There are times where a quick reset won’t work. I’ve learned to recognize the signs and feelings of a total creative energy drain. In these times, I’ve learned that the best thing to do is abandon your work, give your brain a rest and get a good night’s sleep. Most times, you’ll come back fully recharged with clarity of thought and more creative energy.

The key is to listen to your own body and mind. By becoming self-aware, we can learn to recognize the signs and take action before it’s too late.

If you’ve ever experienced total creative burnout, as I have, you know how awful this feeling can be. Being more mindful and recognizing the signs can help us avoid creative burnout if we use the right tools.

Power Off

To avoid creative burnout, I’ve started experimenting with a tool that has significantly impacted my life and wellbeing. I’ve been experimenting with a full week’s power off. This system requires taking an entire week away from work and avoiding your devices, email, and social feeds. I try to do this once a year, and I’ll be honest; this isn’t easy at first. This first time almost feels like you’re checking yourself into a rehab clinic. You’ll have withdrawal symptoms, and you might temporarily relapse; however, after a few days, you’ll start to feel quite different. After an entire week, I typically feel an overwhelming sense of well-being and become more aware of the impact technology has on my life.

Don’t get me wrong; technology has its place. It has allowed me to have a fantastic career powered by creativity; however, I’ve learned the importance of controlling my use of technology and limiting my exposure to maintain balance and avoid burnout.


Are you enjoying my content? If you haven’t already, consider subscribing to my newsletter.

The Creative Journal is a weekly newsletter sharing my experiences, interests and knowledge in creativity, productivity, mindfulness and business.

Sharing what I learn along the way to help you be more creative, take your time back, get more done, create wealth and attain more freedom.

Subscribe to The Creative Journal

Creativity is a fascinating thing. Sometimes we can’t stop ideas from flowing out of our minds, while other times, we can’t seem to pull those ideas out, no matter how hard we try.

It goes by many names, creative block, lack of inspiration, and burnout, to name a few. We’ve all been there, that feeling where no matter how hard we try, we feel uninspired and numb. That total lack of motivation and focus even though we’re passionate about the task at hand.

Many factors contribute to this feeling, including; lack of sleep, lack of exercise, poor diet, overwork, depression, and digital distraction. These can all contribute to creative energy drain and burnout.

So what can we do when we’re feeling this way? Unfortunately, as creatives, we don’t always have the option to push tasks off tasks until we feel more creative. With looming milestones and deadlines, we need to find ways to power through and produce our best work.

I don’t remember the last time I sat down feeling well-rested and full of creative energy. Sometimes we need to find ways to force creativity out.

Much like our computers, our internal operating system gets overwhelmed. Sometimes we need need to hit reset to operate more efficiently.

So how can we press reset and power up our creative energy? Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize the signs of creative energy drain and have discovered a few tools that work for me.

I’ve included a list below:

Time Box + Reward

Sometimes we struggle due to a lack of focus. In these times, I like to implement a time box + reward system. This system involves making a deal with myself — purposely removing all distractions for a specified period and rewarding myself at the end. This system requires me to turn off all notifications and focus on deep work for 1–2 hours. At the end of this time box, I reward myself by spending 30 minutes catching up on social feeds with a good coffee.

20 Minutes

I’ve found that blocking out time for a 20-minute nap in the afternoon gives me a boost and a quick recharge. I’ve discovered that any more than 20 minutes will leave me feeling groggy. Twenty minutes seems to be the magic number for a quick reset.

Exercise

I’ve found that taking a 15–30 minute break to exercise can help to power up my creative energy. My go-to app is Nike Training Club. This free app provides quick home-based workouts that anyone can do with no equipment necessary.

Meditate

Taking 20 minutes to meditate helps me clear my mind and provides a quick reset so I can power through. I’ve tried many meditation apps, but I tend to use Headspace the most.

Play

As adults, we tend to leave playing to the kids; however, play can help to power our creative energy. By taking time to play with our kids, pets or even build some lego, we can power our creative energy.

Procrastinate

I’ve discovered that sometimes leaving tasks to the last minute induces creative energy. Procrastination can cause anxiety, but this can also force your brain to release adrenaline providing a temporary creative boost.

Full Reset

There are times where a quick reset won’t work. I’ve learned to recognize the signs and feelings of a total creative energy drain. In these times, I’ve learned that the best thing to do is abandon your work, give your brain a rest and get a good night’s sleep. Most times, you’ll come back fully recharged with clarity of thought and more creative energy.

The key is to listen to your own body and mind. By becoming self-aware, we can learn to recognize the signs and take action before it’s too late.

If you’ve ever experienced total creative burnout, as I have, you know how awful this feeling can be. Being more mindful and recognizing the signs can help us avoid creative burnout if we use the right tools.

Power Off

To avoid creative burnout, I’ve started experimenting with a tool that has significantly impacted my life and wellbeing. I’ve been experimenting with a full week’s power off. This system requires taking an entire week away from work and avoiding your devices, email, and social feeds. I try to do this once a year, and I’ll be honest; this isn’t easy at first. This first time almost feels like you’re checking yourself into a rehab clinic. You’ll have withdrawal symptoms, and you might temporarily relapse; however, after a few days, you’ll start to feel quite different. After an entire week, I typically feel an overwhelming sense of well-being and become more aware of the impact technology has on my life.

Don’t get me wrong; technology has its place. It has allowed me to have a fantastic career powered by creativity; however, I’ve learned the importance of controlling my use of technology and limiting my exposure to maintain balance and avoid burnout.


Are you enjoying my content? If you haven’t already, consider subscribing to my newsletter.

The Creative Journal is a weekly newsletter sharing my experiences, interests and knowledge in creativity, productivity, mindfulness and business.

Sharing what I learn along the way to help you be more creative, take your time back, get more done, create wealth and attain more freedom.

Subscribe to The Creative Journal

Creativity is a fascinating thing. Sometimes we can’t stop ideas from flowing out of our minds, while other times, we can’t seem to pull those ideas out, no matter how hard we try.

It goes by many names, creative block, lack of inspiration, and burnout, to name a few. We’ve all been there, that feeling where no matter how hard we try, we feel uninspired and numb. That total lack of motivation and focus even though we’re passionate about the task at hand.

Many factors contribute to this feeling, including; lack of sleep, lack of exercise, poor diet, overwork, depression, and digital distraction. These can all contribute to creative energy drain and burnout.

So what can we do when we’re feeling this way? Unfortunately, as creatives, we don’t always have the option to push tasks off tasks until we feel more creative. With looming milestones and deadlines, we need to find ways to power through and produce our best work.

I don’t remember the last time I sat down feeling well-rested and full of creative energy. Sometimes we need to find ways to force creativity out.

Much like our computers, our internal operating system gets overwhelmed. Sometimes we need need to hit reset to operate more efficiently.

So how can we press reset and power up our creative energy? Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize the signs of creative energy drain and have discovered a few tools that work for me.

I’ve included a list below:

Time Box + Reward

Sometimes we struggle due to a lack of focus. In these times, I like to implement a time box + reward system. This system involves making a deal with myself — purposely removing all distractions for a specified period and rewarding myself at the end. This system requires me to turn off all notifications and focus on deep work for 1–2 hours. At the end of this time box, I reward myself by spending 30 minutes catching up on social feeds with a good coffee.

20 Minutes

I’ve found that blocking out time for a 20-minute nap in the afternoon gives me a boost and a quick recharge. I’ve discovered that any more than 20 minutes will leave me feeling groggy. Twenty minutes seems to be the magic number for a quick reset.

Exercise

I’ve found that taking a 15–30 minute break to exercise can help to power up my creative energy. My go-to app is Nike Training Club. This free app provides quick home-based workouts that anyone can do with no equipment necessary.

Meditate

Taking 20 minutes to meditate helps me clear my mind and provides a quick reset so I can power through. I’ve tried many meditation apps, but I tend to use Headspace the most.

Play

As adults, we tend to leave playing to the kids; however, play can help to power our creative energy. By taking time to play with our kids, pets or even build some lego, we can power our creative energy.

Procrastinate

I’ve discovered that sometimes leaving tasks to the last minute induces creative energy. Procrastination can cause anxiety, but this can also force your brain to release adrenaline providing a temporary creative boost.

Full Reset

There are times where a quick reset won’t work. I’ve learned to recognize the signs and feelings of a total creative energy drain. In these times, I’ve learned that the best thing to do is abandon your work, give your brain a rest and get a good night’s sleep. Most times, you’ll come back fully recharged with clarity of thought and more creative energy.

The key is to listen to your own body and mind. By becoming self-aware, we can learn to recognize the signs and take action before it’s too late.

If you’ve ever experienced total creative burnout, as I have, you know how awful this feeling can be. Being more mindful and recognizing the signs can help us avoid creative burnout if we use the right tools.

Power Off

To avoid creative burnout, I’ve started experimenting with a tool that has significantly impacted my life and wellbeing. I’ve been experimenting with a full week’s power off. This system requires taking an entire week away from work and avoiding your devices, email, and social feeds. I try to do this once a year, and I’ll be honest; this isn’t easy at first. This first time almost feels like you’re checking yourself into a rehab clinic. You’ll have withdrawal symptoms, and you might temporarily relapse; however, after a few days, you’ll start to feel quite different. After an entire week, I typically feel an overwhelming sense of well-being and become more aware of the impact technology has on my life.

Don’t get me wrong; technology has its place. It has allowed me to have a fantastic career powered by creativity; however, I’ve learned the importance of controlling my use of technology and limiting my exposure to maintain balance and avoid burnout.


Are you enjoying my content? If you haven’t already, consider subscribing to my newsletter.

The Creative Journal is a weekly newsletter sharing my experiences, interests and knowledge in creativity, productivity, mindfulness and business.

Sharing what I learn along the way to help you be more creative, take your time back, get more done, create wealth and attain more freedom.

Subscribe to The Creative Journal