Hurdling Mental Blocks – J Student Reporters

As elusive as it is, the coveted “light-bulb moment” can be won through a relaxed and open-minded approach. [Source: Quotes Gram] — As elusive as it is, the coveted “light-bulb moment” can be won through a relaxed and open-minded approach.
[Source: Quotes Gram]

Of all the pestilences that everyone needs to endure at some point in their lives, lack of inspiration is one of the most detrimental. It is the reason that your favorite artist scrapped the album you were looking forward to, and why you can’t think of anything to write about for your English essay. It’s the driving force behind writer’s block and the very hand that dangles an epiphany out of your mind’s reach. Creative difficulties are a hindrance to the development of the human race–if everyone were able to obtain a Eureka moment at will, human civilization would be light years ahead of our current stage, and virtually every existing problem could’ve been quickly and efficiently solved. However, the curse of uncreativity is an inevitable part of life, and even the most brilliant thinkers are plagued by it on a constant basis.

Fortunately, these frustrating occurrences can be remedied by simply obtaining inspiration, but the real problem is finding it in the first place. To find something as abstract and elusive as a moment of insight, you must learn how to think outside of the box, to disassociate your normal way of reasoning and thinking in favor of a more unorthodox and open-minded approach.

Talking with others, reading, or listening to music can also help. An article from “The Life Hacker” states that analyzing things from another’s perspective can lead to discoveries of ideas you would not have thought of by yourself.

It is also important to not be over productive. Forcing yourself to work hard when you are devoid of inspiration results in nothing, as your output will be lacking in creativity or substance. According to the same article, “Creativity and inspiration come from a place of mulling and rumination, not forceful whip-snapping. Give yourself a period of time every day to stop, reflect on what you’ve filled your mind with, and indulge your mind-wandering.”

Most importantly, you must stop and consider even the worst of what you’ve brainstormed. Contemplating possibilities is like digging in a mine, and you are more likely to miss out on striking gold if you only consider the more favorable ideas you’ve thought of. There may be a chance that there may be a hidden solution in one of your “bad” ideas you didn’t spot earlier, so embrace everything you’ve thought of.

So, in the event that you can’t think of anything for a school project or come up blank when pondering your next business venture, try taking the more relaxed and perceptive path towards inspiration. Don’t pressure yourself to come up with ideas. Turn on your playlist instead, or try talking with family and friends. Regardless of quality, examine any idea you’ve thought of. If all goes right, you may be able to wake your creative muse at the end.

Sean Choi

9th grade Palisades Charter High School

Sean Choi

Leave a Reply Cancel reply