For creative projects to move forward, our efforts must accumulate. But each new creation involves letting go of something that is older. A painter paints over an older layer, a writer cuts sentences that seem to drag, a creative chef drops a standard dish in favor of one with new flavorings.
It’s a myth that inspiration floods the brains of the most creative of us. I know plenty of writers, musicians, painters, and other creative folks whose projects stall until a new approach eventually dawns on them. We all need strategies for finding fresh ideas, especially when meeting deadlines.
How do we stir our imaginations and restore enthusiasm so that we can move forward on projects? Here are a few approaches to consider: