2021, week 9: How to be Creative - without burning out

In my creative writing classes we often talked about burnout, writer's block, etc. Obviously, you don't have to be a writer to experience writer's block. You also don't have to be an adult or have a full-time job to experience burnout.

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So, how can you be creative without burning out? The simple answer: you probably can't. There are too many life factors to guarantee that you won't burn out. However, I'll share some things I do to manage my life, fuel creativity, allow breakdowns, and keep on going.

1. Write it down.

Most people have fun, creative ideas. And once an idea comes they want to start working on it. But what about the 13 other projects you're trying to finish?

I have notebooks for different ideas. One notebook for filming ideas, one notebook for photography ideas, one notebook for writing ideas, one notebook for things I'd like to sell, and one notebook that's a catchall. I have easy access to these notebooks, but if I have an idea when I'm not at home I'll make a note on my phone and then at the end of the week when I do my weekly planning (every Saturday or Sunday) then I'll write that idea in the corresponding notebook and delete the note from my phone.

2. Have a plan and/or deadlines.

A year or so ago I started writing a novel, but then I stopped writing it. I plan to pick it back up in 2022, finish it, and publish it. But why did I stop? I've already got the outline and about 1/4 of the book written. I stopped because the timing wasn't right.

It's okay to push pause and put something on the back burner. Or, if you really want, you can toss it. Once I start working on a project I make sure to make a plan. Realistically, how much time will it take to finish this? What are my expectations? I set goals and deadlines. If I miss the first deadline I re-evaluate and might update the rest of the deadlines. 

I pushed pause on my novel because I'm focusing on finishing my degree, creating calendars, and making a game plan for life after graduation. Change is coming and I want my focus to be on that. Next year when I'm settled into life after college I'll be in a better head space to work on my novel.

3. Talk to friends and family.

In a day and age where technology runs our lives many creatives may not want to share their ideas, because someone else could steal the idea. However, power comes from bouncing ideas off of other people. I don't share most of my creative ideas with friends and family, but once I've started working on a project I'll start asking for input.

Last month I received the first proofs of my calendars. I recorded videos of the 2 products I received and shared what I liked and disliked. Originally I was just going to send the videos to my sister, but I also shared them to Facebook and asked for friends' feedback. I also asked my roommates questions about design and layout.

Parting thoughts

With any product or project it's important to keep your audience in mind. If you're creating a product that you're going to sell for profit you need to recognize what will add value to your product and fits with the demographic you're selling to.

But if you're working on a project just for you don't worry about what other people think; be creative and do what makes you happy and/or showcases your talents.

Remember, there's not just one right way to do a project. And there's no one right way to live a life. Please take the time to relax and unwind, so that you don't burn out. <3

What do YOU do to not burn out?

Love,

D. J. Lathrop