The Creative Rut: Finding Your Creativity

Hello from North Carolina! Austin and I are in Raleigh this week for his work conference. I decided to tag along and spend some time up here with him. It always nice to have a change of scenery, right? Especially if you’re needing help finding your creativity or dose of inspiration. And once I saw the hotel, it was a no brainer that I wanted to make the trip. If you follow me on snapchat, you know I will be at the pool later this afternoon! In the meantime, I wanted to talk a little about breaking the creative rut. We’ve all been there. And here are a few things I do to stay focused.

This is something that I am not really used to. I started my blog 4 years ago, and when I first started, I was teaching full-time (more on that story here). I only blogged 2-3 days a week because at that time it was just a fun hobby I did in my free time. Now that it’s my full-time job, there is pressure and expectations to produce quality and value to my audience. And I love it! I can honestly say, I love what I do. But no matter how much you enjoy something, it can still be hard to feel inspired. I’ve found these 5 tips to play a huge role in feeding my creative outlet

Finding Your Creativity

1.  CHANGE

While this word scares me at times, a change of routine can be good for the creative sole. As much as I love my home office, I find getting out of the house and working from a local coffee shop can be just what I need to feel productive or even creative. Austin and I get some of our best ideas over coffee.

2. TRAVEL

If you can, travel! Being able to see new places and different parts of the world can be so inspiring. It can force us to get out of our comfort zone and that will often give us a new (or different) perspective.

3. MENTAL HEALTH & WELL BEING

This should be a priority no matter what area of work you are in. If I find myself having writer’s block or lacking creativity, I go to Pure Barre or on a walk with Lucy. Sometimes the fresh air is just what I need to clear my head. I also find that having a job that is “24 hrs on”, it’s good to take a break and unplug. I hear from many influencers who feel the pressure to constantly be “on” and posting every single thing. I can’t stress how important it is to take time off. When I was teaching, my principal always told us that we could use a “mental health” day whenever we needed. She emphasized the importance of taking time for yourself and having that balance. And you know what, it took me a while to understand what that meant. Now, I take one day off of social media. Like 100% off. No snapchat, instagram or blog. And while that may not be “good for business” it’s good for me and my work-life balance. I know some of you may think, one day, that’s nothing! But for someone who relies on the internet to run a business, it is.

4. LISTEN

Some of the best advice I’ve received has been from what I’ve learned at conferences or from my peers. I highly suggest going to conferences or meet-ups with others in your industry. A few of my favorite conferences for small business owners or blogging  include: rewardStyle Conference, Create Cultivate and Alt Summit.

5. TALK IT OUT

I’ve mentioned on here before that my Mom and Austin play a huge role in things that go on behind the screen. Including post ideas or creative goals. Daily, I run ideas by Austin or my Mom. Talking out my ideas can help me stay focused and often get these goal accomplished.
  

What helps you stay inspired? Please share in the comments below! xx Ashley

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

PAIGE FLORAL BLOUSE (fit: true to size) c/o | Katie Dean Gold Thumb Ring c/o***20% OFF with code ashley20 *** I’m so excited to give this brand a try. You guys know how much I love my thumb rings! | By Terry Lipstick: Gypsy Rose (see more of my favorite spring lip colors here) | Maya Brenner Mini Initial Necklace (I wear this necklace everyday. It’s my favorite!)  | Citizens of Humanity Denim (these are the exact pair, I just rolled up the hem) | Chloe Sunglasses (on sale!) | Tory Burch Logo Ring | MICHELE Deco Madison + Wrap Around Strap c/o | Chloe Faye Medium (identical style under $125)