6 Ways to Stop Letting Life Get in the Way of Your Creativity

6 Ways to Stop Letting Life Get in the Way of Your Creativity

Posted on by Elaina Rice

As a creative person, I understand how frustrating it can be when life keeps interfering with your creative pursuits. And now as a Creative Growth Coach, I’m here to share my path to connecting authentically with kindness and evolution in mind when approaching your creative strategies. Below are just a few of ways that I’ve outlined on how to stop letting life get in the way of your creativity. 

1. Acknowledge the struggle:

  • Begin by validating your feelings. It’s understandable to feel frustrated, discouraged, or even guilty when life pulls you away from your creative work.
  • Recognize that this is a common experience for many creatives, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing or not dedicated enough.

2. Assess your current situation:

  • Take a step back and reflect on the specific ways in which life is interfering with your creativity. Is it work obligations, family responsibilities, or unexpected events?
  • Identify the areas of your life that are demanding the most time and energy, and consider whether any adjustments can be made.

3. Prioritize and protect your creative time:

  • Schedule dedicated, uninterrupted time for your creative practice, and treat it as an essential part of your routine, not something that can be easily pushed aside.
  • Experiment with different strategies, such as waking up earlier, setting boundaries with loved ones, or carving out small pockets of time throughout the day.

4. Re-frame your perspective:

  • Shift your mindset from viewing life’s demands as a hindrance to your creativity to seeing them as a source of inspiration and growth.
  • Explore ways to incorporate your life experiences into your creative work, finding connections and insights that can enrich your process.

5. Cultivate supportive habits:

  • Develop routines and rituals that nurture your creative spirit, such as journaling, mindfulness practices, or physical activities that help you stay grounded.
  • Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creatives who can offer encouragement and accountability.

6. Practice self-compassion:

  • Remember that your creativity is not defined by the frequency or volume of your output. Honor the efforts you are making, even if they don’t always align with your ideal.
  • Be kind to yourself when life’s demands feel overwhelming, and avoid self-criticism or harsh judgments.

By implementing these strategies, I believe you can find ways to integrate your creative practice more seamlessly into the rhythm of your life. The key is to approach this challenge with self-compassion, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I’m here to support you in your creative journey and help you overcome any obstacles that arise.