This post is likely to be somewhat different from the ones I usually write because it’s more practical than it is reflective.

Having been in a bit of a creative slump recently, I sifted through the reasons behind it – and, lo and behold, there emerged five causes all of which started with the letter C. Okay, I admit, I might have pulled out a Thesaurus to help me locate the appropriate ‘C’ words, but, as I’ve confessed before, I’m an alliteration addict with no cure in sight.

With that completely inane and inconsequential introduction behind us, let’s talk about the 5 C’s that curb your creativity.

1. Counting

Counting followers, counting likes, counting views, counting subscribers, counting “friends,” counting shares, counting…you-name-it.

This is something I struggle with. Regularly. But when I look back at my work, every time the numbers have sky-rocketed, it’s been a total and complete surprise that God orchestrated, and had nothing to do with my careful calculations.

We live in a world where numbers seem to dictate worth. But can we focus, instead, on the kind of impact we create with our talents? Even if we reach just one or two people with our work, let’s make that count!

Remember: counting doesn’t compound your creativity. Let’s leave the calculating to the numbers guys.

2. Comparing

You’ve heard ‘nuff about this. And then some. Comparisons. Just. Don’t. Help. (Ask my kids. Er, actually don’t.).

I love Craig Groechel’s quote on this topic: “The fastest way to kill something special is to compare it to something else.”

When the urge to compare yourself to others sets in, swat it. Like you would a fly. (Hey, don’t go calling PETA on me).

3. Curating

If all you and I are doing is cherry-picking moments of our lives for social media, that ain’t creating. That’s decorating. Ask yourself: Is my window display better than the stuff in my store?

When you create, there’s joy in the process. When you curate, it’s for the applause.

4. Consuming

We’ve become a culture where scrolling is considered an acceptable pastime. But if all we’re doing is consuming, that leaves little room for creating.

Mindless scrolling is easy and fun – but do you really want to become a bloated goldfish? (Not that I’m dissing goldfish. It’s just that their attention span is like, you know, goldfish)

5. Criticizing

It’s good to be exacting with your work. You’re called to do all things with excellence. But constructive critiquing is way different from caustic criticism of yourself.

“I suck” is a great line. If you’re a paper straw.

You won’t have any mental space or energy left to create if you’re constantly beating yourself up about the quality of your work.

Well, we’re done with a quick run-down of our 5 C’s, but, like those Made-for-TV product ads go: Wait, there’s more! Here’s your free, never-before, custom designed-for-you feature:  

Bonus C – Constant Distraction

(Well, it’s really a ‘D’ but you see what I did there?)

Creativity requires us to be fully present. That means turning our phones off (gasp!). That means we don’t have to respond to every buzz and beep (whhaaa?) because that’s going to cut off the circulation to those creative juices. So, seize the moment and tap into your gift.

Let’s kick those creativity crushers to the curb!

Let’s mind our C’s!

Let’s get creating!

 

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