Recently, on our Remarkables blogging get-together in Noosa, we were encouraged to brainstorm some creative ideas. If we could do anything with no limits, what would be the biggest, coolest, pie-in-the-sky ways to work with brands on our blog? Everybody scribbled furiously on coloured post-its, and I sat there blankly, willing the ideas to come.
They didn’t.
When it was my turn to share what I’d thought of, I fumbled around with not much at all to say except my brain doesn’t work that way. I’m not the big-idea-haver, I’m not the creative dreamer. I’m the logical, methodical, left-brained operations expert that can put your dreams into action, but as much as I’ve tried to allow creativity into my life in whatever form it wants to take, there’s just no denying I work best with parameters.
When people said “oh no don’t put yourself down”, I really wasn’t. I was being honest. I don’t feel like creativity is a talent I already possess, and I think it’s important to be aware of your shortcomings so you can work on them. Of course I think I can do anything, or at least give anything a go. And I like to keep an open mind. But my talents lie elsewhere and creativity is something that I have to work on.
I’ve felt even less creative in the past few years, when two babies straight after each other have kept me busy all day and awake all night. I have rarely had the brain capacity to peek above the daily hamster wheel of domestic pursuits and the fine art of slicing apples eighty times a day. My writing has suffered, my imagination has suffered, and my motivation has suffered. And I’m perfectly fine with that. It’s a season in my life where others need me more and my energy goes to them. It won’t always be this way, but for now, this is where I find myself and I quite enjoy it. But it means my blog isn’t growing by leaps and bounds, and I’m not keeping up with whatever it is you’re meant to be keeping up with these days. It hasn’t for years. And that frightens some people, but it doesn’t bother me. I know my time will come.
Somebody mentioned to me recently that “the years with small children are some of the most creative” and I looked at her blankly. The only thing I seem to be able to create is large laundry piles and under-eye bags. Maybe when the kids are older and they don’t eat the glitter instead of creating masterpieces with it, I might feel that way. But at the moment, creativity is on the list at about nine million, right under “ability to get a medical degree”.
I was reading one of my favourite blogs yesterday, when a post jumped straight out at me, and I realise I’ve been doing blogging wrong these past few years. In “Why The World Needs the Makers to Say No Boldly“, Myquillyn says that when you interrupt a creative person in their flow, you can ruin their whole vibe (which obviously, they need to have in order to create). When you stop a creative so they can attend a meeting or whatever, it throws them quite a bit. And I realised I’ve been thrown approximately once every ten minutes for the last three and a half years, so I’ve never gotten into much of a flow. Someone craps their pants or needs to be fed or steals the other’s favourite shoe or whatever. For someone who isn’t creatively-minded, it can be even harder to find that part of you when you can never get a stretch of time long enough to dig in deep.
Myquillyn mentions: “I have no choice but to protect myself as much as possible from the creativity killers. Otherwise I’ll do every interview, promptly answer all my emails every day forever, and never have another blog post or painted wall or fantastic idea again in my life. Is that what I want?”, and that’s where I realised my mistake. When I do finally get the chance to work, I dick around sorting emails and social media and answering whatever is asked of me and adding things to my to-do list, because it is stressful and there are deadlines and I don’t like it all hanging there in the back of my mind. And I’ve been doing that instead of blogging first and doing admin when I have time, so I’ve had it all backwards. I’ve been admin-ing like a pro, and watching the spaces between my blog posts grow. And the amount of time I can spend on each one of them narrow.
Just before Pepper was born, I dialled back my social media quite sharply. I didn’t need its constant presence jamming itself into my brain. I cut it to the bare minimum last year when I got sick to goddamn death of everyone on Facebook whingeing about Halloween and how it should stay in America, and I realised all I was reading was everyone else’s venting. I don’t need that. I don’t even need to know that much about people, even if they are my friends. I liked most of them better before I knew every SINGLE aspect of their diets anyway. I pop on when I feel like it, but I don’t check it as much as you’re supposed to when you’re a blogger and you’re trying to build a readership. But that’s ok, rules are made to be broken, right? I still respond to every single person who talks to me on every single platform, which I thoroughly enjoy (you guys are funny!) but it’s rarely on time, and my email is being ruthlessly culled. It’s not that I’m not grateful, but I am stretched too thin.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve signed up for Pip’s Inspiration Information class and it begins today. I’m going to go get my mojo back. But first, tell me – are you creative? does it come naturally, or do you have to push it a little bit?
*PS not sponsored, I paid for the course.
If I’m in a zone writing (or doing whatever) I get so snappy if anyone interrupts me. Not that it’s usually their fault, because I forget to do things that signify “alone time” like shutting a door…
Honestly, I find the concept of blogging rules to be utter BS. Sure, read about what others have done and learn from them, see what parts of it might suit you, but “rules”? Uh-uh. Far too new as an industry and far too personal as a business for rules to be actual rules.
But having said that, the best way to get me to do something is tell me I can’t. Then I get all stubborn 🙂
Yeah I think they’re more guidelines than hard-and-fast rules. And they ARE helpful, and one day I WILL put them into practice! But I’ve gotta sort out my zone shit first. And I will shut all my doors 😉
Wrong schmong. X
Haha what are you trying to say – that I should go back to admin-ing myself to death?!
No! But if you’ve been doing it wrong & still achieved so much then it’s not wrong. You seem to have had an a-ha moment here & that’s part of your evolution as a blogger.
How good are a-ha moments! It’s interesting when you step back and see where you’re investing your energy. Especially when you’ve not got much to spare in the first place! At least I know now that with a little tweak to my priorities, I think I can sort myself out. Watch this space 😉
I agree Stacey. I have to be careful how much stuff I ‘consume’ or so much goes in that nothing comes out!
And whether people mean it to be or not, it’s usually quite negative! bummer.
I think you’re forgetting to recognise blogging AS creative, so you actually haven’t dialled back on your creativity!
I’m an ISFJ, creatively it means that I’m better at following a roadmap/sketch/rules than free handing. A huge weight was lifted when I realised both of these things.
Blogging is a creative pursuit, but there’s a difference between doing it, and doing it to its potential. It would be nice to have a few new ideas, and the time to carry them out. I’m not gonna lie!
I am an INTJ, so you think I would hate being told what to do, though. And I do – to a point. But other times its just so darn useful to have some limitations so I can break them 😉
I blogged similarly today too – ha! Oh I’m hearing you on the stretched too thin bit. I’m trying to curb my social media habits too for the same reason. And SO hearing you on the whole creative flow thing. It’s been so long for me *sob*. Have a wonderful time doing Pip’s course. It looks so great, I’ve been pining about it a bit. I’ll be keen to see how you go. xx
I feel like I do have small pockets of time where I feel almost creative, but I just can’t get the time to indulge. Then when I have time (say 2pm on Tuesday when somebody is napping), then the LAST thing I want to do is open my laptop and try to be clever. It is the oddest situation, but it’s one that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon… I will tell you all about the course! I bet you would love it. maybe she will run it again? xo
Yep, creating under pressure. It doesn’t work so well for me either. I actually have little creativity hotspots around the house with things set up good to go if the time’s right. So far they’ve not been used :/ I reckon she’ll run it again and I’ll look forward to that. xx
ooh creativity hotspots! that’s a good one! I do try to keep my crochet handy, but you can bet one of the kids will take it and run around the house with it, leaving a spiderweb of yarn in their wake. And if I ever set them up with an activity so I can do a little work alongside them, someone will start drawing on the walls or stealing the others’ play dough. I thought with the social media pullback, I’d have more time. But not so far. I will report back if I find a cure!
So true. Every time I read blogging tips on “commenting on everyone’s blog” and “have a social media strategy” my brain just says ‘NOOOOO, forget blogging then.” So I ignore the good advice. Can’t say it helps or hurts, but at least I feel better.
And you are so right about survival mode with little ones. It WILL get better, but what good does that thought do us now?
Haha my other job is to GIVE blogging tips, and they are good ones, and they do work. But I have other things that are a priority at this point. Like how much of this tea can I drink while it is still hot?
But I guess that’s a point. There is always more you can do that will work to sone degree or another, but you just have to do what you have the capacity for in the moment. That or hire someone 😉 Hiring someone to do things while you drink hot tea. That would be sought after!
I’m actually thinking of that! I read a really interesting article the other week about virtual assistants. And i hear most bloggers who do it full time have at least someone helping somewhere. I wonder what I can farm out?!
Snap. I cut apple up 80 times a day too! Seriously though, I am the same as you. I struggle with the creativity. I keep trying to come up with that one big idea or think of how I can put a creative spin on something and I come up with zilch. Pip’s course sounds great. I might have to join in next time she does it.
The funny thing is I see so many people do wonderful things and it motivates me to do the same, but I just don’t have the time. It also doesn’t help that I suck at brainstorming, haha. Creativity is the one thing I’d like to get good at.
I’m always pushing it… but then I am always pushing everything 😉 xx
P-push it real good!
If only I could be creative enough to make more time! I do the same, admin everything and not create. I used to sew and make things for my kiddos when they were little. Now, nothing, I just spend time maintaining! I have a linen press and verandah of projects waiting to be painted and creatively enhanced. these school holidays they are on the radar!
The maintenance! it’s killing me!
I’ve started a little something for the girls and I’m an eighth of the way through. Before I know it, it won’t even be winter any more and they won’t need it 🙁
have you read the book The Divided Heart: Art and Motherhood by Rachel Power. Its a collection of essays from artists, writers, musicians etc about life after children as an ‘artist’ and the impact of kids/motherhood on their craft.
Best book ever!!!
No I haven’t, but if Cath is recommending it too, then I must get it!
I have more ideas than time. I have so many things I want to do but with the small frys I don’t even have time to get the shit I don’t want to do done?! Bleurgh!
YEAH BRO. If I had a dollar for every time I let the washing sit in the machine…
I used to play my guitar and write songs HEAPS before I had children. I think I’ve played my guitar once or twice since having said babies and only the Lord knows how I will go with maintaining my blog after my third baby. I have to be in the right zone to be creative and often I need to organize a good amount of time to devote to being creative when the girls are asleep. My blog is quite practical with advice so I often struggle being creative in thinking up blog posts that will keep my readers coming back or at least interested in anything else I have to say. I love the challenge of it though. I think you’re such a rad person I’ll read anything you post up. 🙂
What a lovely thing to say! It can be hard to be motivated by the challenge four-and-a-half years in, but I’m still here so I must be doing something right. I’ve always wanted to learn the guitar. Do you sing, too?
Bugger it. Not sure why my reply didn’t stay down here!! Sorry. X
It’s something that I struggle with a lot and tons of ideas go in the bin because I was interrupted at a crucial moment and all that creativity flew out the window.
I do the blog first social stuff later which means I am terrible at the social stuff and building a readership, but I guess at least if they do find me I’ll be happy with what I’m offering.
I haven’t painted since Eve was born which is why I cling to my camera so tightly, it’s a bit more of a interruptible form of creativity.
You’ll have an awesome time doing the course, everything Pip does is wonderful!
I know, she’s insanely talented. I’m excellent at standing near the talented people, hoping it rubs off on me.
As if you’re not one of the talented people lady!
Haha maybe I’ve done enough standing then! i do like to sit down…
Ideas ideas ideas are always running through my mind. I think of something and try new things but to no avail. I am happy that my readership is growing but I am seriously impatient when it comes to blogging and ideas and I get lost in my procrastination and sometimes come up with nothing. V x
I think that’s when the law of averages kicks in, and something is bound to stick because you’ve tried so much!
I am naturally a creative person especially when I give myself space and time and trust myself. I’m owning my creativity more and letting it flow but is super hard with children. For me I’d love to stay up all night writing and then sleep in in the mornings, I’ve been that way ever since I was a kid but when I know my kids will be up before 6am and I need sleep then I can’t be the night owl I’d naturally like to be. I also get a bit sick of the should do lists. Top ten things you should be doing on your blog or Top ten ways to blah di blah blah!!! Go for it and be creative anyway that you want and anyway that you can!!!!
Anyone who tells anyone what they “should” do (especially on the internet!) deserves a big smack on the bottom. Too easy to burn out following the “rules” for blogging. I have to do it the way I want and enjoy every minute. But it’s tough with kiddies, they require so much of us that there’s rarely time to do things, or their schedule is different to ours. Like, one of mine was sure PRE-5AM was a great time to get up. It’s not.
I have to push it a bit too! And I’m like you also, I admin on time well, and then blog. Might switch up a little and see if it helps with the creative thinking! It’s frustrating blogging with children, I don’t have the time to blog and write as much as I’d like too!
Let’s do it backwards, and see how we feel?! I bet it will make all the difference.
My PhD is in creativity theory and I’ve seen a lot of it, a lot of it. And a lot of the ideas about creativity out there are rubbish. You know what? Every creative person works best within parameters – they usually just ignore them or call them something else. But no-one, no-one creates in a vacuum. There are long threads of past culture running through everything you think and do; and there are all manner of peoples and interactions that effect everything you think and do. No-one could be creative without it. All of those same things that ‘limit’ us, help us create. What we tend to think of as constraints are usually enabling and supportive but we have so many internal and external stereotypes and ways of talking about creativity that it gets pushed aside in favour of talking about freedom, blah, blah, blah. A lot like the ‘work’ of creativity gets ignored. Creativity isn’t in the idea. Lots of people have great ideas. It’s in having the idea, in the evaluation of that idea and in the effort taken to turn that idea into something, that is then considered valuable or workable or ‘right’ to some group of people somewhere in the world. Many people have great ideas for novels, but you can’t be a creative novelist until you put bum to chair for many, many hours and write and write and write. BLAH. Sorry. Just wrote a lecture on creativity and motivation and you’ve caught me decompressing. Hope you had a nice holiday/jaunt/work trip, etc.
THIS IS THE BEST DON’T EVER APOLOGISE!
I love this.
I wouldn’t describe myself as creative either. I like a how to manual.
I did have an epiphany after ProBlogger last year…and that was that I needed to be more selfish with my blog. Writing is what I enjoy. And reading other people’s thoughts.
I too was getting too bogged down in social media and how to best share my post and blah blah blah. My FB page is now probably the most boring page in the world and I never check to see what others are up to. I can’t remember the last time I was on Twitter.
I try to have one night a week where I sit and write for me. And then on other nights I am free to do admin, or peruse other blogs, or just sit and watch tv or read a book.
That is something that I am trying to do more of too…a whole lot of what I previously called nothing…enjoying myself away from the computer.
I was REALLY missing the whole reading other blogs bit. I just never had time. But I’ve been very intentional about making time lately, and I’m so glad I have. It’s the best! So motivating and inspiring and generally just good stuff. I’ve been reading a ton more too since I moved, real books. I think though, it created a swing too much in the opposite direction. I eschewed computers and the internet so much that I lost my mojo there – not all that great when that’s how one makes a living!
I think I’m creative but my admin skills are ratshit. So I need a little of what you’ve got!
The main issue though is that if all my ducks (ie/ admin stuff) are not in a row, then I can’t get into my creative zone as well. The pressure of “to-do” weighs so heavily on me. I’m trying to work around that though because with three kids, waiting for everything to be just so before I can write will result in exactly zero writing being done.
Oh and I reckon you’re probably pretty creative. How you measure creativity might be a bit wacky, lady. 😉
Haha yeah probably. I don’t know. I don’t FEEL creative, if that makes sense? Like, if I had to describe myself, that wouldn’t be what I’d say? I do hear you about getting your ducks in a row. I find that if I’m inspired, I can write no matter what. It’s the having to squeeze it out in times that I’m REALLY not. I do have to have pretty tidy surroundings to create though, and that’s a… rarity…
Excellent post. I’m creative but as I spend all day and night! with the kids I don’t get long enough increments of time to produce anything. Also when I do have a small window of opportunity I’m so rushed and a bit stressed. Isn’t the process suppose to be relaxing. Then I feel guilty and just end up cleaning or laundry or getting started on dinner or baking so don’t eat crap from the supermarket. I just finished Pip’s blogging course. She’s so positive and fun. The inspiration course sounds like perfect timing for you.
Ha I do hear it’s supposed to be relaxing! Or energising. or something positive. It’s way more exciting than laundry, but I like wearing clean clothes, so something’s gotta give. Pip’s blogging course sounds like a load of fun, and so many people have said they learned so much. But as you know spending all day and all night with kids means not much gets left over for stuff like that 🙂
Awesome post! Overwhelming research shows that creativity is a skill that can be taught and improved upon. Some days are easier than others, but the more practice one has, the easier it comes. I totally relate to vibe-killers. It’s important to make uninterrupted time to be creative. Best of luck! And thanks for posting.
You’re welcome! I think I need to work in creative time when the kids are out with their dad or something, rather than diving straight for the couch with a magazine and a cup of tea! Good lord, I love me some silence haha
Nope I wouldn’t say I’m a creative person at all! It just doesn’t come naturally to me! I’m totally with you on the mucking round and not actually getting a lot done sometimes! I’m thinking I need to block time for writing emails, social media, writing posts etc so one doesn’t take over from the other. It’s so nice to hear that even someone like you struggles at times! Thanks for the great post! xxx
You know, I think that’s a great idea! I think I’ve tried it, but it hasn’t quite worked for me. I think I will try it again – at least an hour where I’m not fiddling with my emails 🙂
Wonderful post, Stacey. I do consider myself creative, but I agree that creativity needs space to blossom. I don’t have that space in my life right now. One day, I’m sure things will be different, but for now they are what they are. I miss writing, but I’m not willing to sacrifice sleep or parenting or the quality of work at my day job to create that space for creativity to flourish. Social media can be a time-suck (and an energy-suck) and I think you are wise to cut back and use your time on things that are more meaningful to you. There is more to life than growing readership. x
There sure is – like kittens!
What a great post and so true. I am a creative, sometimes to the point of head explosion. I find that the “have to” stuff of everyday life is stifling sometimes to the point that I don’t do anything. I procrastinate over the stuff I have to do and I feel guilty if I do the fun creative stuff. I’m getting better at just biting the bullet and doing the annoying things so there out of the way and I can create to my hearts content. Your right about social media it can be a big time waster, though I consider myself fortunate as most of my friends are positive posters.
ooh I’ve wondered what that would be like. Bursting to create but stuck doing the dishes. That would be hard. I feel as though I’ll never get fully on top of the housework before I can create, or I’d never create – I’m never fully on top of the housework! Both kids seriously just go around behind me undoing all my good work. I think most of my friends are pretty happy and that’s reflected on FB, but I don’t even need to know every aspect of every detail of their lives, positive or not! It’s fun every now and then, but multiple times a day… yawn!
Huzzah for Veggie Mama! Remember the Joneses are often speedy and difficult to keep up with… it’s much nicer to set your own pace and be your own brand of awesome! Best of luck with your #SiezeTheCreative campaign. I love your blog and look forward to seeing it grow and change as your kidlets do 🙂 x
Haha I like to make my own rules! Thanks so much for the kind words, I do like hanging around this crazy place x
Yes, I do sing too but I’m not X factor wonderful. I mostly sing to my kids now or sing as part of the congregation at church. When I get my guitar out I sing too but haven’t done it in ages. Might need to open the case and dust off the cobwebs!! 🙂
Go on! I bet you’ll feel good if you do
Love. Love. Love this post!!! Even without children, I totally relate to prioritising the mundane (washing, ironing, cleaning, grocery shopping, to-do-lists, emails and the dreaded time lost scrolling my FB newsfeed – for what?) To the point where some days I feel too overwhelmed to anything! It would be more productive to read my Frankie magazine I haven’t managed to open, since it arrived in my little Hamburg ‘Briefkasten’ 3 days ago. Why do we do this to ourselves? Recently, I have made a conscious effort to use FB mainly for my handmade business. I still like the funny cat videos that pop up – or a quiz – but mainly I am thinking of ways to engage my fans and inspire blog posts. Wish I had thought of this post!!! Thanks for putting this out there and helping me remember that it’s ok if the washing basket piles up – but my blog is up to date 😉 xx
Ha, well I’m a pro at letting the washing pile up! It just took me an hour to fold mine, but in my defence one of my kids has been sick and vomiting. But it’s so easy to get ground down in the blah of every day and forgetting to be creative and productive in that area. And FB can be so good for chatting to fans AND looking at cats!
Great post. Yup I’m an ideas girl….normally. (Not always great on the follow through). My 8 month old has been waking every 20 minutes for the last 3 weeks (of course hubby been away for the whole 3 weeks). I’m beyond tired, and am struggling with ideas and motivation this week. Pip will sort you out. I did her blogging course which was great fun.
Pip is wonderfully excellent at everything! I’m motivated already! I know what you mean about beyond tired. Some days are just survival, forget about creative!
I look forward to chatting with you in the Blog with Pip class next week!! Cheers, Cat
Ah I have exactly the same issue. I find often when your mind is filled with everything else you have to do etc. etc. I find it hard for ideas to come to me. Great post 🙂
Ellen Rozalia | http://www.ellenrozalia.com
I know! I was wondering the other day when do I ever just let my mind chill out and be alone with my thoughts. It’s almost never. Poor ideas never stand a chance 🙂
So true! I loved this post! Before having babies I was quite creative (craft, cooking etc) now I’m lucky if I put an omelette together:) my babes too are at the age where they need me the most so time and energy is poured into them, everything else is work then sleep when I can grab it:) I know this will pass so I try not to stress about it and enjoy the time before they hit the teenage years (hold me!) xx
Haha yeah I know how you feel! sleeeeeeep would be sooooooo good. I know i’ll miss these years when they’re gone, so I try to stay in the moment as much as I can. But I do have to be intentional about being creative, I think it’s good for the soul 🙂
There are soooooo many interruptions out there and while I don’t know what it’s like to have small children underfoot {very interupty I imagine} I do know the whole social media, emails, phone calls thing. Being creative needs space, I think. That’s my plan. Enjoy your course!
Precisely why I never answer my phone and have stopped looking at social media and emails. Blah!
Hello lovely! When my kiddos were younger (I’m talking before they went to school) it was all so much harder. I yearned for that creative space but never really got around to making the time for it. Now I have a little bit more space but I’m still very conscious of what I need to do to help things along. The more relaxed and present I am, the easier it is for me to get into the “zone”. Would love to hear how you go during/after the course. x
I’ll let you know! But yeah, with littles, it’s very difficult to have space, and to be relaxed in the zone. But one day. One day!
Sometimes the post just writes itself, but mostly I have to be self-disciplined. Re social media other than blogging I’m pretty minimal, I need the head space.
It can get so crowded in there with everyone else’s thoughts, if we let it. I don’t let it!
I found The Nesters post on creativity fascinating too. I need to give myself space to write and to create. It is a struggle, but I am lucky enough at the moment that my family is set up in a way that allows me to create. I am also well practiced in ignoring the demands at children. I have been a stay at home mum for over eight years now, and I can tune them out brilliantly. Eventually your time will come. I appluade you for knowing this and enjoying the space you are in, despite the drains to your creativity. I trust that Myquillin’s words help you move forward. She helps me to no end.
Thank you so much for your lovely words! I am getting better at ignoring my children now that they are getting a bit older. Although I do find myself yelling “hang on!” fifty million times a day as they’re constantly calling for me!
I’ve just stumbled across your blog, somehow, and I love it! So just wanted to stop by and say hi!
This post really resonated with me. I’ve always felt like I need to ‘get in the zone’ when I’m working on an important creative project but I hadn’t really figured out why.
Just off to read The Nesters post now.
Thank you!
Ooh thanks for stopping by! Glad you like it around here.
I hate to be interrupted, too. It is so hard to be productive when you can’t get in that “zone” because someone needs you every 3 minutes. I’ve taken to staying up late or getting up early just to have completely uninterrupted time. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
I found staying up late made it even worse! I’m glad it’s working for you though. I am just fried after the kids go to bed, I can’t get anything done. Then they don’t sleep, so I can’t get up early… it’s such a cycle! It’s only for a season though. Well, I keep telling myself that 🙂