What To Do If You're Getting Stuck

You know you're getting stuck when you begin to lose interest in hobbies and activities you used to love, but there are multitudes of ways to get going and get unstuck. They can be sorted distinct into four categories: action, expansion, miscellaneous, and creativity.

Take Action

Get going by making your body move and by doing things out of the ordinary - especially physical, outdoors activity.

-Go for a trip. It doesn't need to be far, you can even drive to the next town over and stay for the night. A change of scenery can get the creative juices flowing.
-Go camping. Use nature as an inspiration. Find your muse in the dancing flames of a camp fire.
-Go on a hike. If you're not the camping type, this might be the perfect compromise - you get out in nature, but don't need to spend a night sleeping on the ground.
-Try a new sport. It can be an old favorite, or you can try something new you've always been interested in. Being active gets the blood flowing, which your brain can use.

Learning

Expand your brain by learning something new, and you may be surprised at what other neurons you activate. Getting stuck often means you're not learning new material. Focus on learning more about topics that fascinate you, and you'll be killing two birds with one stone; learning and getting unstuck.

-Begin by taking notes. When you're reading about your subject of interest, you'll absorb more information and keep more in your memory when you jot down your thoughts and ideas.
-Go back to school. It only needs to be for one class. Check out community colleges or adult learning programs.
-Explore new areas, and try to learn as much as you can about a particular subject. Challenge yourself to become an expert on the material - within reason.
-Look up mentors. Learn from their wisdom, absorb some of their passion.
-Go low tech. Turn off the television, ignore the internet, and read all the books about your subject that you can get your hands on.

Other Ways to Get Unstuck

Besides taking action and learning something you, you might consider the following tips about how to break free from your rut and get going.

-Look for a new job. People often find themselves getting stuck in their jobs. If you're not working a job you see yourself at in 10 years, maybe it's time to look elsewhere. Only look for a new job if this makes financial sense.
-Change your sleep schedule. Maybe sleeping late will help shake up your rut, or staying up to the wee hours of the morning will tap into a creative vein.
Enjoy the arts. Go see a live concert, attend an art show. Creativity can rub off from others.
-Change your look. Cut your hair. Try a new hair color. If you see yourself differently, maybe you can see your tasks different.
-Use your hands. Pick up a hobby where you'll use your hands. Tasks like this exercise different areas of the brain and can help creativity flow.

Getting Your Creativity Unstuck

Getting stuck in a creative rut, especially if you earn money through your creative work, is a terrible experience. Getting unstuck and finding a way to get going is extremely important.

-Let your brain rest. Allow yourself to ignore the task at hand for a set amount of time, and to enjoy life. This might recharge your batteries.
-Be creative in a different way. If you're an artist, try writing. If you're a musician, try painting. Like picking up a new hobby, this might exercise your brain in a new way.
-Focus on the finish. You might not know how to get there (yet), but by focusing on the end result, you might find a way.
-Think about who you're creating for. Let your audience by your guide.
-Cut loose. If focusing on the end product isn't working, just let yourself work without worrying about how it will end up. Who knows what the creative outcome might be.
-Find inspiration in other artistic media. Visit a museum or check out the library.
-Find a team to work with, like a friend with similar interests. Group creativity could break you free of your rut. Alternatively, ask around to find out what they do to get themselves going, or read about what your favorite artist does.
-Keep a journal. Write about your dreams, your day, any ideas you might have. Writing is a great way to clear your head.

These are only a few techniques you can use when you find yourself getting stuck. Remember, if you want to get unstuck, you have to get going, and make a conscious effort to pull yourself out of your rut.

By: Seth M. Baker

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Seth M. Baker is a writer, musician, and world traveler based in the United States. Visit his blog Happenchance.net to learn more techniques to help you get unstuck, develop your creativity, and do your best work.