A Nap Can Fix Anything

As I’m sitting down to write this post about my creative process, I am realizing that it is much more complicated to explain than I thought. Staring at a blank word doc tends to give me a rush of anxiety because I have almost too much freedom with this particular topic. I pride myself on being a very organized person, however it occasionally hinders my creative writing abilities. Before I wrote these previous three sentences, I was searching for an outline, or some way to structure my thoughts and therefore my story.

To be completely honest, I started the first paragraph in the library and realized that I needed to relocate. Currently, I am sitting in my favorite spot on my red couch. With the sun hitting back and pillows surrounding me, I am prepared to really begin writing. I have always considered myself a fairly creative person, mainly because art class was my favorite way to escape during the school day. While I may not be the most talented artist, it hasn’t stopped me from attempting to grow my abilities – whether it is taking an intro to graphic design course or volunteering to design a t-shirt for my club.

If I hit a roadblock during a project, I immediately take a break. Since I’m addicted to Netflix and am known to binge watch almost every TV show I gain an interest in, these breaks are normally in the form of watching an episode of my most recent obsession. (Currently, I am re-watching Grey’s Anatomy.) If the Meredith Grey break still doesn’t help, then I will normally go for a run because nothing clears my mind like being outdoors and blasting music. And if that STILL doesn’t work, then I will fall asleep because nothing says rejuvenation like a nap.

If the project requires me to be artistic, then I will typically go to Pinterest or search hashtags on Instagram. If the project is advertising focused, I will scour Ad Week or Ad Age for inspiration. Finally, if the project requires me to write creatively, I will re-read old pieces that I am most proud. This particular tactic reminds me to trust my instincts and not try to write like someone else, because my best work is when the words and style are uniquely my own.

The best piece of advice I have received is to stop and take a breath. Since I am very organized, I have the tendency to overthink projects and move too fast. Sometimes the best thing I can do for a project is to take a moment and exhale.