Top 3 Blocks to Creativity

Creative blocks happen to all artists.  How can anyone possibly be blocked from doing something that they love? The creative block comes in many shapes and forms and seems to adapt itself to each person. The quote above is spot on. Our perception of reality is what this is all about. If you perceive an obstacle to getting the work done then the obstacle is real to you.

What are the most common blocks to artists? The top three blocks appear to be:

1. I do not have the time! There can be little argument that this is a very common reason.  It is probably the excuse that everyone has used at some time. We can all relate to being under time pressures. Demands on our precious time can destroy our energy for creativity. But if we are honest with ourselves do the time pressures arise every day or every hour? What about tomorrow when the deadline is over. Chances are another time pressure raises its head. I read a great comparison put forward by marketing guru Marcus Sheridan the other day. He said that we always find time to do the books because the consequences are dire if we do not.  However when our creative time is at stake we do not take it seriously enough. Sadly this becomes a habit after a while and we cannot see our way out of the perceived reality. This is where the bravery comes in. We need to test these perceptions and see if they are real. Sheridan asks the question - do you have time to watch a TV show? Yes? Then you have time for doing something creative too.
2. It is a waste of time! Ouch! When we see that there is time we tend to smack ourselves down anyway. This is especially when money gets in the way. When sales are slow or non-existent for months at a time it is difficult to justify painting. Costs of materials suddenly seem like millstones weighing us down. Perhaps a real job will keep the coffers ticking along. Other self-defeating mantras come into play too. Perhaps a negative family member throws in a comment that sounds like "I told you so!" Books have been written about this topic as it covers more than creative blocks, but also businesses of all types go through this when money dries up. All that we can do is look at this issue as objectively as possible and push on through. Rains always come after the droughts.
3. Negative Feedback has killed your creativity Especially when it comes from someone whom we thought would be supportive. Wherever it comes from negative feedback hurts. What we do with it is up to us though. It helps to look at any feedback to see if it is actually constructive criticism. If constructive then use it as far as is reasonable. Always keep an eye on your goals and objectives when creating. Sometimes the critic misses the point. We can only find trouble if we create to please others. Where a critic is malicious then reject the feedback for what it is. The choice then is clear and we need to move on.

We will always have challenges to face when art is is our calling. It has always been that way it seems, but what is the point of denying creativity? What price is worth keeping our creative spirit locked up?