Learn how to bridge the distance between where you are and your creative aspirations

You walk into a room full of self-proclaimed non-creatives, and then you start unpacking what’s in your creative toolbox. And why not? Because it’s about time everyone realized that creativity goes way beyond drawing stick figures, right? Whether you're in marketing, blogging, or just navigating the daily hoops of life, expressing your creative mojo can move mountains and make even the mundane seem super-charged.

The Art and Science of Being Creative

First off, let's shatter the myth that creativity is limited to artsy things like painting or playing the ukulele. No, creativity can pop up in how you organize, draft an email, or even choose toppings for your pizza. Creative blocks are real beasts—we all face them. They can come disguised as life, burnout, ADHD, judgment, oversaturation, lack of inspiration, or just plain old lack of time.

In my presentation at Digital Summit, one brave soul mentioned how burnout could be a major creativity killer. I’ve been there. Hi, my name is Mike, and I once had my creativity shelved for ten whopping years due to burnout and, eventually, depression. Spoiler alert: I found my way back. And so can you.

My Story: From Burnout to Daily Art Love Affair

So, let’s role-play. Imagine being that kid who just loved to create—cartoon greeting cards, mini-masterpieces, gifts for family. Fast-forward through art school, a career in advertising, and bam! Burnout hits you harder than a double espresso. That’s where my story took a detour, one that saw me leaving the industry I loved and falling into another career that was a mismatch for my skills and passion. Hello, depression.

But every depressing dark tunnel has a spark of light somewhere. For me, it was rediscovering my creativity through a 365-day art challenge. It began with sketching a Starbucks cup, and let me tell you—if that drawing were a coffee, it’d be decaf. However, it was my gateway drug to light up my creative neurons again.

Start Small, Think Big

If you're aiming to revive your creative spirit, don’t go all-in with a Sistine Chapel-level project. Start small. I managed just 15-20 minutes a day initially, which is surprisingly rewarding. Here’s why: Small is manageable. Small builds a habit. Small consistently, over time, gets you places.

Action Step: Identify a tiny task connected to your creative goal. Write it down. Is it sketching? Drafting a sentence? Poring over a new recipe? Do it, even if it’s just for five minutes. Baby steps, folks. Baby steps lead to giant creative leaps.

Schedule It Like an Important Date

Yeah, I hear you laughing. Schedule creativity? What is this, a dentist appointment? But trust me, putting it in your calendar is like setting a non-negotiable date with your creative self.

Action Step: Block time for your creative pursuits. Be fierce about protecting it. Call it “Soul Food Session” if you need a swanky title. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s immovable, like your preferred Netflix binge-watching slot.

Overcoming the Gap: From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

We've all felt that gap—the frustrating void between our current self and that ideal version where creativity flows like a chocolate fountain. Getting comfortable with this gap and finding ways to traverse it is half the battle won.

Action Step: Write down one specific, tangible creative goal. Make sure it excites and terrifies you in equal measure. Now, jot down the next smallest step toward it. Not the big leap, just the very next baby stride.

Why This Matters: Beyond Personal Growth

Here’s the kicker: Creativity is not just personal therapy. It's a game-changer professionally and socially. When you unlock your creative potential, you’re generating value—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. Plus, you’re way more interesting at parties.

Remember that stat from Adobe: 75% of people think they aren’t living up to their creative potential. That’s a jaw-dropping figure, and I bet some part of it resonates.

The Grand Finale: Keep Showing Up

So, what’s next? Just keep showing up. Day by day, step by step. Your creativity isn’t a switch to flip on. It’s a smoldering ember that needs consistent fanning. Show up in those scheduled slots, even if only to draw the worst Starbucks cup of your life. Before you know it, you're not just living; you’re alive.

So my dear creative aspirant, what’s your Starbucks cup gonna be?

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Because Half-Done Doesn't Cut It Anymore

Alright, fellow creatives, let's get real for a moment. Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in a creative project, only to abandon it when something shinier struts by? (Squirrel!)

Raise your hand if you have more unfinished drafts than completed ones. Yep, I see you. It's a common plight, but one that we need to tackle head-on. Why? Because completing your projects isn't just beneficial—it's downright essential.

Why We Can't Focus Anymore

First, let’s address the giant, pixelated elephant in the room—our dwindling attention spans. Remember the days when boredom was an option? Yeah, me neither. It’s like our ability to focus is competing in the Fastest-Shrinking Ability contest. Blame social media, blame Netflix, blame whatever, but the fact remains: our capacity to focus and finish has taken a nosedive.

The Shiny Object Syndrome

Oh, so shiny….! New ideas are like new toys—irresistible. But why do we abandon our current projects to chase the next big thing? Perhaps it’s the fear that what we’re working on isn’t good enough. Or maybe it's the terror of wasting our precious time on something that might flop. But let me drop some wisdom: Finishing what you start is a skill. It’s like a muscle you need to train, and trust me, the gains are worth it.

The Power of Completion

Completing something provides an unparalleled sense of achievement. You set out to do something, and guess what? You actually did it! That’s more than just a feather in your cap; it’s a confidence booster. You get to prove to yourself—and the world—that you can commit and follow through, a skill that’s increasingly rare but incredibly valuable.

Developing and Refining Skills

Every project you complete hones your skills. Think of each finished piece as a level-up in your creative game. Whether you’ve nailed a new technique or refined an old one, the act of finishing builds your arsenal for future projects. You're not just working on one piece; you're investing in your future self, your future projects, and ultimately, your creative legacy.

Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

Let's talk about the twin dragons that often keep us from finishing anything—perfectionism and fear of failure. The idea that if something isn’t perfect, it isn’t worth doing or completing is a pervasive thought. But here’s the kicker: Perfectionism is just another form of procrastination in disguise. And failure? It’s just feedback. Edison didn’t invent the light bulb on his first try; he embraced his 99 failures as learning opportunities leading to that one glowing success.

Maintaining Motivation and Focus

Long-term projects can often feel like an endless slog up a mountain. The secret? Break it down. Divide your monstrous project into smaller, manageable tasks. Create mini-milestones and give yourself little rewards as you hit them. Remember why you started this project in the first place and keep your eyes on the prize.

Create Clear Goals and Deadlines

Don't just jump into your car and drive aimlessly. Set clear goals and deadlines. When you know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it, the journey becomes a lot less daunting. Think of it as GPS for your creative endeavors. Having these guidelines can prevent that overwhelming feeling that often leads to starting but not finishing.

Stay Flexible but Structured

Yes, plans are important but so is flexibility. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, so be ready to adapt without losing sight of your end goals. Trust me, there’s a fine balance between being committed and being rigid. Think jazz improvisation, where structure meets spontaneity.

Celebrate Milestones

Why wait until the end to celebrate? Small victories along the way are crucial. This isn't just a feel-good tactic; it's scientifically proven that celebrating small wins boosts your motivation. So go ahead, do a little victory dance when you hit a mini-milestone.

Embrace Imperfection

Finally, embrace that your project will never be perfect. Shocked? Good. Perfection is a myth, a mirage. Completing a project, flaws and all, is a testament to your perseverance and your commitment to your craft. Your imperfections are what make your projects uniquely yours.

So, what's it going to be? Another half-baked idea or a completed masterpiece? Choose to finish. Practice the art of completion and watch how your creative process transforms. Review, reflect, and repeat.

Now, go out there and finish something! Show the world—and yourself—what you can do.

Go create. Go finish. Your creative journey depends on it.

Want to be a part of a community that can help hold you accountable to finish some projects? Join us in the Daily Creative Habit Membership!