Tips to find creativity # 8: If one idea isn't working for you, then focus on another one

You have no idea how many times I've tried to make an idea work by forcing thoughts out, even when there were several other ideas that were spiraling around in my head. I understand. Especially if you're someone like me who can have multiple ideas for different projects all running around in your head at the same, it can be hard to focus on one, especially when one really wants to work on a specific project. However, something I've learned throughout the years is that: If one idea isn't working for me, then I should focus on another.

Having several idea can feel really amazing. It can feel like one's motivation for creativity is at its peak, and fill one's heart with joy. And through that high, one tends to try to prioritize one specific project in order to see it to completion (At least that's how I tend to do things). However, there comes a point where the idea doesn't flow the same way. Maybe a block in creativity regarding that specific idea comes into play and you have no way to get around it. The other ideas dancing in your head just seem to taunt you, and you wonder why you can't just focus on the idea you want to prioritize.

It happens.

And the mistake I've seen some people make is to try to force the idea out. To try to continue pressing on, even when nothing is coming out. From my experience, this method has ruined a lot of ideas that I was once excited about.

It's understandable to want to prioritize ideas, especially when one has so many. But that prioritization also has its limits, and it's okay to put a temporary stop on an idea and to continue with another. Sometimes ideas require breaks so you can come back with more clarity.

Usually, what I do in this situation is that I have a server (on Discord) where I write down any ideas I have and I divide them up into channels so I can focus on different projects. Sometimes this means that even when I am working on one project, I can write down an idea for another project and add it to the channel. It makes it easy for me, especially when I finally decide to work on that project again. One can do this even when a project has been postponed, and it can help a lot for when you decide to get back into that specific project.

Just know that it's not bad to put a project on pause for a bit to focus on another idea. And it doesn't mean that you will never come back to it. Sometimes projects just require one to step away for a bit. I am sure that you'll be able to pick it up again soon.

So dear readers, if you're having trouble progressing on one of your ideas, I would suggest putting it on pause and focusing on another to help strengthen your creativity and bring you back with a fresher outlook.

Stay tuned for the next creativity finding tip!

-Ruby Rose