What to Do When You Are Out of Ideas

Everyone faces mental blocks, no matter what work they do. Sometimes, you need to reignite your creativity. Dr. Julie Pham shares valuable tips for what to do when you are out of ideas to overcome these mental blocks, find inspiration from new sources, and break away from routine thinking. 

8 Tips to Spark Creativity When You’re Out of Ideas

1. Say Yes

Start by saying yes to something you would typically decline. Dr. Julie recalls receiving an invitation to visit a prison, which initially seemed odd to her. However, since she was struggling with writer’s block, she agreed. The experience transformed her thinking, and she left with a wealth of ideas to write about.

2. Visit a Different Museum

Try going to a museum you wouldn’t usually visit. If you typically go to art museums, check out a history museum instead. For example, if marine life doesn’t interest you, visiting a marine museum might inspire new ideas.

3. Keep Your Phone Off

You might be surprised how much your phone can hinder creativity. Dr. Julie dedicated a week to writing while keeping her phone off during the day. She didn’t turn it on until she finished writing, and by the end of the week, she had written 25,000 words!

4. Set a Goal for New Observations

When attending an event, set a goal to notice a specific number of new things. For instance, while on a walk, challenge yourself to notice ten new things. Recently, Dr. Julie discovered a cluster of white mailboxes on her street and a few houses down, another cluster of black mailboxes. This made her wonder why that was the case.

5. Take a Nap

Sometimes, all you need is some sleep to recharge your brain. Dr. Julie often gets great ideas when waking from a refreshing nap.

6. Re-read Your Favorite Book

Consider reading a book you love again. Afterward, write down everything you like about it and also note any things you don’t like.

7. Reconnect with an Old Friend

Talk to a friend you haven’t seen or spoken to in a long time, preferably over a year. They might provide you with fresh perspectives.

8. Try a Different Format

Finally, express yourself in a format different from what you usually use. If you’re a writer, try giving a speech. If you’re a musician, consider doodling.

We hope these strategies help you come up with fresh ideas when you hit a mental block. If you found this useful, please click “like” and share it!