3 Things I Like To Do To Boost Creativity
How to stimulate creativity when you have to much time on your hands.
Sometimes, I feel like I have all the time in the world to work on creative projects—things I’ve put off for years and procrastinate getting done. Instead of diving in, I get stuck. Perfectionism, fear, distractions, and scarcity mindsets can hold me back from creating, even when inspiration strikes in other moments.
Over the years, I’ve learned that having too much time can be just as stifling as having too little. I think back to years ago when I had a more structured schedule. I would wake up, brew my coffee, and play with my guitar before heading to work. Only by looking back do I realize now that this structure actually provided a more natural feeling creative rhythm. I would often get my best ideas minutes before I had to run out the door, making it frustrating to stop but exciting to pick up again later. Now, being that I’m mostly self-employed, I don’t have the same external structure pulling me forward, so I have to create it for myself.
Here are three things that help me jumpstart my creative process when I feel unmotivated or overwhelmed by open-ended time.
1. The Egg Timer Method
When I struggle to start, I give myself a time constraint. Like the Pomodoro Technique, this method creates a sense of urgency, forcing me to focus without overthinking. My only job is to make something—anything—without judgment.
I might write stream-of-consciousness lyrics for 10 minutes.
I could explore a new guitar tuning for 20 minutes.
Some days, I’ll challenge myself to write an entire song in 40 minutes.
Usually, after a few rounds of this, I’ve landed on something that inspires me. The momentum keeps me engaged, and even if I don’t create something polished, I feel good about how I spent my time.
2. Walk With Nowhere to Go
After a creative session, I’ll often take a walk with no planned path or destination. Walking in an unfamiliar neighborhood, even close to home, can shift my perspective just enough to feel creatively refreshed. Things I feel like I’ve seen many times I see again for what feels like the first time. If I’m in the village maybe I’d stop in a store or cafe that I’ve noticed but haven’t tried yet. Unlike going to the gym or doing goal-oriented exercise, this type of wandering allows my mind to drift and make unexpected connections. I’ve had some of my best creative breakthroughs while walking aimlessly, letting my thoughts meander freely or work out some creative problem solving. If I can leave my phone at home it feels even more freeing. If I want something to listen to I might bring my portable cassette player to best eliminate digital distractions.
3. Doing Something Different
As much as I rely on these go-to practices, sometimes doing something completely different is what sparks inspiration. I’m a musician and songwriter so I tend to focus on how things sound**—lyrically, melodically, sonically**—but I’ve found that engaging with other creative mediums opens up new feelings or ideas in unexpected ways.
Drawing or painting shifts my focus from sound to visuals, which can influence my songwriting.
Cooking a new recipe engages my senses differently and sometimes leads to creative breakthroughs.
Taking a yoga class or trying a movement-based practice can help me feel more embodied and less stuck in my head.
By stepping outside my usual creative comfort zones, I often come back to music with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Got any other ideas?
Suggestions welcome!