Have you ever gotten stuck on a needlepoint project? You know – been absotively posilutely unable to find a decorative stitch that will work for that space on your canvas? Maybe you’ve tried 3 or 4 (or 7!) different ones – but NOTHING looks right. So, what are you to do when your creativity has taken a hike?
Well, my friend, here are five suggestions that I guarantee will get those creative juices flowing again…
Keep a Journal
Journaling frees your mind and sparks your creativity.
There’s something incredibly liberating about writing. In fact, expressing your thoughts on paper can often bring clarity that leads to new ways of thinking about things.
Don’t fret if you don’t know what to write about, either. Simply begin by doing stream of consciousness writing, where you write down whatever pops into your head. The point is to get all of your thoughts onto paper so that your mind is free to approach challenges from different angles.
I first discovered stream of consciousness writing when I was reading The Artist’s Way. The author, Julia Cameron, calls this kind of journaling “morning pages” – and it really, REALLY works. 🙂
Spend Time in Nature
The great outdoors is a terrific creativity booster.
Take your needlepoint project – or your journal – outside. It doesn’t matter whether you curl up on your porch swing or take a walk in the woods, breathing in fresh air, hearing the birds sing, soaking up the vibrant colors (and some warm sunshine!) will all help you feel your best and foster your creativity.
Get Moving
Lace up your walking shoes and hit the road to jumpstart your creativity.
Stanford University psychologists have discovered that when people walk, they increase their creativity by 60 percent compared to when they sit. It’s hard to dispute measurable statistics like that, isn’t it?
Steve Jobs, one of the most creative entrepreneurs of his generation, was notorious for his “walking meetings” with clients and friends. In fact, walking was his M.O. for problem solving. (FYI… his biography, written by Walter Isaacson, is fascinating!)
Additionally, there’s strong evidence that taking a stroll helps boost your creativity because exercise is a notorious mood elevator – and positive moods have a direct correlation with generating novel ideas. Pretty cool, huh?! 😉
Remember to Play
Joy and creativity flourish when you nurture your inner child.
Think back to when you were a child. What were some of the things you especially enjoyed? Did you like to color? Play with Play-Doh? Make mud pies? When your needlepoint project is at a stand still because your creativity is AWOL, get goofy and cavort with your kids, grandkids, neighbors’ kids, or your dog! Turn on the radio and kick up your heels to your favorite tunes.
Just. Have. FUN!
Be a Lifelong Learner
Curiosity and creativity go together like peas and carrots.
I’m sure you’ve heard me say that I’m a lifelong learner. That means I L-O-V-E to learn new things. Reading books, attending lectures, visiting museums, taking courses, listening to podcasts – all of those things will enable you to learn and grow. Being curious and soaking up knowledge helps you generate ideas – and it’s those new ways of looking at things that lead to success in all aspects of your life, including your needlepoint. 😉
For more actionable tips that you can use to tap into your creativity, be sure to check out this week’s episode of Needlepoint TV™.
Alrighty, my friend… that’s all for now. Thank you ever so much for popping by. Have a terrific rest of your day and I’ll see you again soon.
Until next time…
Happy Stitching
XOXO!!
