Knowing when I'm tapped out

Posted by Jamie on July 16, 2007 3:46 PM PDT

Recommend this? YES NO

As a former actor and now a writer and content manager, I am constantly asked to tap into my creativity. My problem is not making myself do something creative everyday, but knowing when my resources are drained and forgiving myself for not coming up with something brilliant all the time. Late last spring, I was trying to finish a new draft of a play that was about to go into rehearsal. I'd sit and stare at my computer everyday, maybe changing one sentence or managing to delete a line or two. Hours and hours with very little accomplished and a very serious deadline looming. Finally, I just gave up. I turned off the computer and spent the next two days sitting on the beach and going for hikes. I caught up with friends who all thought I'd fallen off the planet. I went out dancing and I lounged around the apartment listening to music and taking luxurious naps. Somewhere in there, I began to trust myself. Sure the deadline was fast approaching, but my creativity would be there for me when I needed it. Almost unconciously, I found myself in front of my computer again, my fingers typing as if by magic. In less than 48 hours, I accomplished more than I had in the several weeks before. Words came flowing out of me and the draft was finished nearly 12 hours before it was due. OK, sure that's still cutting it a little close, but artists are creatures of faith as much as anything else.

This experience taught me to be kind to myself, that beating myself up does not in any way foster creativity. It taught me how to take a much needed break and that a life in balance is essential to the creative process. Most importantly, I learned that whatever I need will be there when I need it - and not a second before.

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4 Comments

Good timing on the comment. I am new here and have yet to say anything remotely inspiring in my profile or in general, but I did want to say I read your story and it was a good reminder and what I needed to hear right now. Thanks!

Trevor Sumner
Blogging the Land of Confusion at http://trevorsumner.blogspot.com

Posted by trevor on July 19, 2007 5:36 PM PDT

Now, if we could only teach the lesson you learned Jamie to employers and teachers we would have this incredibly creative world of engaged children and satisfied, well balanced people in the workforce. Companies would save millions on creativity training and boring, tedious meetings aimed at stimulating creativity too!

Posted by Amy Ruppert on July 23, 2007 8:51 AM PDT

I think you make a valid point: Beating up on oneself doesn't foster creativity. If anything, it hampers it.

I'm a supporter of taking breaks. I'm able to focus on my writing for considerable periods of time most days. However, there are those times when I simply cannot look at the computer screen one moment longer. Rather than force myself, I take a break. I run an errand. I go shopping. I listen to music. I do the dishes. I call a friend. I allow myself to become lost in another activity.

By the time I'm ready to resume my writing, I'm back in top form. The use of breaks is so productive for me that I regularly schedule them into my day as they allow me to return to my work with renewed focus. I learned this valuable lesson through my dissertation process, where I would take 2-month long breaks sometimes (not as productive, hence the valuable lesson!)

Posted by Tara on July 23, 2007 4:24 PM PDT

Jamie you are on to something huge here - that our conscious minds are not in charge of creativity. I am a writer and performer, and I know that when I let go, and trust that my whole psyche is in on the project, I feel more resourceful and creative.

I love your comment.