7 Steps for Getting Creatively Unstuck!

Getting creatively stuck happens. However, it doesn’t have to happen. You don’t have to sit with your head in your hands, pulling out your hair while you struggle with writer’s block. Get creatively unstuck!

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

The Lord is faithful. He is merciful toward us. Jesus said, “Ask, knock, seek.” When you are creatively stuck, get yourself lined up with the Creator. Start with these creative pump-priming ideas!

1. Getting Creatively Unstuck—Pray It Out.

It may seem like a strange thing to do when you need to be creative, but Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It would stand to reason that since we should be praying all the time, we can pray about everything that comes up in our lives, in our businesses, or in our days. Take a few minutes, focus your mind and energy, and pray about the task that needs your creative attention.

2. Getting Creatively Unstuck—Be still.

Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. 1 Samuel 12:16

We are busy. We glorify busy. This is the hard one for me—Mrs. Type-A! Theologian Dallas Willard said, “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Slow down. Stand still. Pray and listen to what the Lord is saying to you. He will prompt you toward a solution to your problems, even if that problem is that you feel creatively stuck.

3. Getting Creatively Unstuck—Seek out inspiration.

One of my favorite ways to get inspired is to go looking for it. Sometimes, inspiration is found in the way the sunlight comes through the trees in my yard. Sometimes, inspiration is discovered while browsing through posts on Pinterest. Sometimes, it is gleaned from looking up scripture and asking the question, “What does the Bible say about…?”

The right inspiration will get you unstuck every time, but you must have an open mind to see what is staring you in the face.

4. Getting Creatively Unstuck—Open your mind to a different idea.

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtains guidance. Proverbs 1:5

Often when we get stuck creatively, it is because we have set our minds on a certain idea, solution, or plan. This scripture is great because it describes what the wise do—they hear and increase learning. This implies the wise are listening. Getting unstuck may require you to talk out your problem, listen to other solutions, or listen to ideas that seem contrary to yours. In addition to listening, seek to understand. It is in the listening and the understanding where learning and guidance prevail.

5. Getting Creatively Unstuck—Talk it out.

There is nothing like a good brainstorming or brain-dumping session. You can do this on your own by just writing down every idea, solution, or problem that comes to mind. Or, you can do it with a group of people. No answer is judged. Some of my best ideas have been sparked by someone else’s outrageous or impossible input. You never know what will inspire or set off a chain of thoughts that lead right to the answer you need.

6. Getting Creatively Unstuck—Reflect and remember.

Take a quick moment and reflect on the ways God has come through for you when you have felt creatively dry or stuck. What happened? What did you do? What did God do for you? Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and the fact He cares for all aspects of your life.

7. A Prayer for Getting Creatively Unstuck:

Lord Jesus, thank You for telling me great and hidden things as I call on You for answers. Thank You for answering as I ask, seek, and knock regarding my creative ability. Lord, show me the steps You would have me take to release the creative talents you have blessed me with as part of my divine design. Let me only say and do what You, Jesus, would say and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Interested in knowing more about creativity or growing your business? Want to touch base with other women just like you?

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Dive deep with your questions and get helpful and constructive answers when you need them.

Blessings,

—Karen, NACWE Education Coordinator

Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the passionate Founder of and Counseling Supervisor at RHEMA Counseling Associates in North Texas.  She and her team of zealous Associates desire to be voices of wisdom and compassionate companions for their counseling, coaching and consultation clients on their journey to insight and inspiration.  She has been a NACWE member since 2013 and offers Counseling, Coaching, and Writing/Publishing services. You can connect with Karen at karenbourg.com and rhemacounseling.com.