Sometimes, it can be hard staying focused on our creative projects, and there’s always plenty of reasons why, such as watching TV, playing a game or hanging out with friends. One of the main reasons why people drift away from projects, whether it’s a song, poem or story, is because they don’t believe in themselves. The only way to be successfully creative is to be optimistic, which means always looking on the bright side on every situation. If someone doesn’t like what you created, then someone else will. We all have different tastes, and before we start doing what we love, we have to acknowledge that first.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” -Helen Keller
Here are five the ways I stay optimistic...
Number 1: Keep a gratitude journal
A good way of staying positive is having a journal where you can write everything you are thankful for. It doesn’t matter how much you are going through, there is always something we appreciate in life, but sometimes our mind is clouded by negativity. It’s important that when we start off with the little things we adore, which could be the sound of rain, the smell of baking, the taste of coffee in the morning, or seeing the moon and stars appearing at night time.
It’s been proven that practising gratitude can help your brain improve your happiness levels in the long run, so it’s worth trying if you’re struggling to see what’s good in life.
Number 2: Self-care
It’s important to have time where you focus on yourself, such as reading a self-help book, having a bubble bath, focusing on a hobby or exercising. If you don’t have time to ourselves then you become reliant on the company of others, and a part of loving yourself is loving time alone.
The way I do this is to buy myself something nice every payday, such as a piece of clothing, a face mask or food. A good way of practising self-care is by taking yourself out, go get yourself a coffee and take a walk through the park, over time you will start to get used to your own company and start discovering things you enjoy doing on your own.
Number 3: Keep an open mind and perspective
We all have our rock bottom moments, but it’s important to think about what those moments taught us. A way of doing this is by turning a challenge into an opportunity, for example, you may be facing heart break from a long-term relationship, but this could now be an opportunity to get to know yourself and start focusing on your health, appearance and future career goals.
It may take a while to get into this routine, but with the right mindset we can pull yourself up from any situation you are in. As they say, if you are down the only way is up!
Number 4: Spend time in nature
This is a great way to appreciate the world around you. It’s also a good when you are low on money. Going on walks, having a picnic or sitting in the park are all wonderful ways which you can improve your mood and mental health.
It has been proven that spending time in nature is linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, lower levels of blood pressure and improves your immune system.
Number 5:Allow yourself to have bad days
Never force yourself to be positive, this will only build up negative emotions and cause more harm than good. Instead, let yourself feel those emotions and make space for them. If you don’t let yourself express feelings during hard times, then you’re not letting yourself heal and healing is important for making your mindset stronger.
It’s also proven that crying for long periods of time can release endorphins which reduces stress. These feel good chemicals can help ease both physical and emotional pain.
And now here are the five ways I stay creative...
Number 1: Keep an idea journal on you at all times
We all know what it’s like to come up with ideas when we’re out, that’s why it’s important to have a journal or pad on you at all times, so that those brilliant ideas are not forgotten. I find this very helpful because when I eventually come back to those ideas, I can expand on them and make them even better.
Number 2: Make a deadline
This may sound like a terrible idea for a creative project, however, if you don’t make deadlines then the chances are you will procrastinate and keep putting your work to the side. Deadlines are good because it will mean giving yourself time to focus on the project, rather then blowing it off.
Number 3:Look for inspiration
If you are determined then inspiration should come easily. As you focus on your work, ideas will be generated and continual focus on the issue will lead to the solution.
There’s lots of ways of getting inspiration, but music is a favourite of mine. Music helps us with feeling the emotions we need to feel when we are being creative. For example, if I am writing a sad scene, I will play a sad song and imagine the scene unfold in my mind, this helps me feel more inspired.
Another way I like to find inspiration is by watching films. Films can inspire us to think about our own stories. If I can’t find the energy to write a fantasy novel, then I will watch a film such as The Hobbit, Warcraft or Lord of the Rings. These type of films make me feel excited to continue writing my story and can inspire new ideas.
Nature is also a great way for inspiration because in nature we notice trees, rivers, flowers, all the things we can write about or paint. Take a journal out with you when you go for a walk in nature, and write down the things you see using adjectives, this will help when you are describing something in a story.
Number 4:Take a break
Working under pressure when there is a deadline can make you feel guilty about any break you take, and that could cause you to miss lunch or skip a trip to the toilet. Breaks are extremely important for your mental, emotional and physical health and allows you to stay creative.
To keep working at your best, you need to get up from your desk every hour or so and take a small break. Get into the habit of going for coffee breaks, having a stretch or take lunch. Moving away from the screen is as important for your brain as it is for your eyes.
A walk can help you feel inspired and gives you energy so when you are at your desk you are full of ideas and ready to go. Walking will also help long term, it has been shown that exercise increases creativity and puts you in a more positive mood. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance.
Number 5: Surround yourself with creative people
Creative energy can fuel the atmosphere and make a contributory environment for ideas to flow. It’s good to have friends you can talk to about your projects, and have someone you trust to give feedback. You need people to understand you, it’s hard trying to tell someone about what you are working on if they are not a creative person themselves. Talking to other writers about your project can inspire you to focus more on your story but also encourage new ideas.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun” - Albert Einstein
Comments