There are some days when you just can’t find the creative energy to get anything done. Unfortunately, deadlines still loom and you can’t take a vacation every time creative genius doesn’t strike. Here are seven ways to re-ignite your creative juices when you’re feeling stuck:

Getting The Creative Juices Going

1. Take a Break

Sometimes the only way to make any progress on a project is to take a break from it. Do something entirely unrelated. You can either choose to do something productive or an activity that’s purely enjoyable, but be sure to set a time limit on your break so you’re not tempted to avoid getting back to work.

2. Seek Out Inspiration in the Work of Others

Does a particular writer or song always inspire you? An encouraging quote can be just the inspiration you need to get back on track. One of my favorite ways to get the juices going is looking at magazines. It doesn’t matter if it’s related or not; I still find inspiration.

3. Go For a Walk

Take a quick walk around the neighborhood and think about anything other than the project at hand. Practice mindfulness and make a habit of paying attention to everything that is happening around you.

4. Take a Nap or a Shower

Unfortunately this tip isn’t going to be easily implemented if you don’t work from home, but you’re in luck if you do! If your day seems unproductive from the get-go and you can’t get out of a rut, literally reset it by either taking a shower or a short nap. Afterwards, get dressed in a different outfit from the beginning of the day and start the day anew.

5. Write Down as Many Ideas as Possible

Have a vague idea but not sure how to implement it? Or have no idea where to start?  Handwrite as many ideas as possible. Challenge yourself to come up with fifty or hundred different possibilities. You may not end up using any of the ideas, but you will become aware of just how creative you’re capable of being. Your imagination is limitless.

6. Change Locations

If you work from home, go to a coffee shop, library, or somewhere else with WiFi. If you work in an office, try switching to another part of the building. Sometimes all it takes is a change of location to spark your creativity.  If you can’t get away, pretend.  Try this great app, called Coffitivity.  It simulates all the sounds of being in a coffee shop and you add your own music.  I know it sounds silly, but it really works.  My graphic artist told me about it and I have shared it with a few friends and it we all use it when we’re feeling the need to get out.

7. Set a Timer and Begin

While it can be tempting to wait for inspiration to strike, it’s important to remember the thing separating successful people from unsuccessful people often isn’t talent. Instead, it’s discipline. If you wait to work only when you want to, you’ll end up not working much at all.

Try setting a timer for a manageable amount of time, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and don’t stop working until time is up. The work you produce doesn’t have to be polished or brilliant; you just have to start. Once you get over the initial fear of beginning, the rest of the project is likely to go much smoother.

How do you get your creative juices going?