Creativity is vital. We need it not only solve craft problems, but to solve life problems as well. But sometimes there are days where the well of creativity is as dry as that sanding block sitting on your craft table. Layouts won’t come together, cards just look silly, and everything is a mess. Those days can be rough. We get it. We all have days where we need a little boost in the creativity department.

So we decided to compile a list of things that help us stay creative! We hope these eight tips will provide that extra boost you need when you’re feeling stuck in one of those dreaded creative ruts.

Give yourself the freedom to make mistakes.
Perfect is like a magical rainbow unicorn: you can chase it and believe in it all your life, but you’ll never catch it. Life is too messy for that. Make room for some trial and error and you might just find the beautiful thing that happens when you finally let go of perfect.

Seek inspiration.
Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.” Seek inspiration from your surroundings. The secret recipe for creativity is simply finding new ways to combine existing ideas.

Don’t compare yourself to others, but keep them in mind.
Measuring your success against others will leave you feeling unsatisfied and unhappy. Don’t worry about “measuring up,” just do your best. Treat others as your imaginary audience and focus your energy on making something they will enjoy!

Set goals and commit.
Sometimes a deadline is the only thing that can get you out of a creative rut. Set reasonable goals and reachable deadlines and commit to them. They just might provide that extra little push you need to get up and moving again.

Get your blood pumping.
If you feel like your brain is stuck, then try moving your legs instead! The mental benefits of a quiet evening walk, a few jumping jacks, or even running up the stairs are well worth the sweat.

Develop a willingness to practice.
If you expect to succeed without practicing, you will be disappointed. When you give yourself permission to practice, you create room to make mistakes and time to improve.

Be open to changes in the plan.
Welcome surprises. They are often better solutions in disguise.

Believe in you.
You are the only person that has complete control over you. You can use that power to make yourself into your worst enemy or your greatest cheerleader—it’s your call.

Now go forth and use your creativity to create your art and to create your life!

We believe in you.

How do you stay creative? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

P.S. Pin the image below to your Pinterest page to help others feel creatively inspired, too!

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