The dreaded creative rut.

Picture this: you’re working on a project and can’t seem to think of just the right idea. Your brain has been running non-stop but you’re still coming up short. Not a single thing. Zilch. Zero. Nada. I’ve been there (more times than I’d like to admit), and it is an awful and infuriating feeling. Does anyone else ever feel the pressure to be creative all the time? I know I’m not the only one who struggles with that feeling, especially in my line of work. Trying to come up with captivating content and clever copy is something I thoroughly enjoy doing...until I hit that creative rut.

I learned pretty early on that my most creative ideas aren’t the ideas that I have to come up with right on the spot. My most creative ideas are the ones that have time to breathe and room to grow. I always try to give myself a couple of extra days around each project I am working on to allow myself time to work with the idea, but also time to step away and let the idea just be if I get in a creative rut. I know that when I stop putting all of my focus and energy into the project, the ideas will slowly start to come to me. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the random notes I have in my phone from when I took time away and then that’s when the inspiration struck.

So how do you stay creative and inspired when you just aren’t feeling it? Each person is different but I’ll list off a few things that I have helped me in the past. The first is taking a nap. You’re welcome. Take a nap and shut your brain off totally! So many times I have woken up with clear eyes, a fresh perspective, and excitement to take on the challenge ahead of me. I’m not sure if you watch Parks and Rec or not, but there’s an episode where Leslie can’t seem to think of the “big idea” that she is searching for. So Ron locks her in a room and makes her go to sleep, then she wakes up refreshed and filled with new ideas...that’s basically how it works.

Secondly, I love a good run or Pure Barre class. These things help me to focus on something else other than the project I’m working on, plus the endorphins tend to give me a positive outlook.

Next, read a book. I love reading because you can learn so much by reading books by different authors: their writing styles, the way they organize the book and the chapters, their stories or their character’s stories. It really helps take my mind off the task at hand, but it also exposes me to people whose styles may be different than my own, thus giving me new ideas as well.

Lastly, go somewhere where you feel inspired. I have a few favorite spots in OKC and one of my favorites is Commonplace Books in midtown. I first went there the week they opened and have been back countless times since. I am inspired by all of the books and the thoughtfulness that they put into each table and detail of the store. I was so inspired by Commonplace that I had my Dad build bookshelves that I designed based off of their shelves in their store. I could spend hours just browsing the books and petting their sweet shop dog. Find a place to go and rest and, get inspired.

The second place I go is Cuppies and Joe in uptown OKC. This coffee shop was right around the corner from my first apartment in the city and I loved it instantly. They not only have a killer iced vanilla latte which I am thankful for daily, but they also have an awesome space with lots of nooks and crannies. My favorite spot to sit there though, is outside. They have some tables outside of their shop right on the sidewalk and right on 23rd street. I love sitting there because I get to people watch, and be in the bustle of the city, and sip my coffee and read a book. I have gotten lots of ideas just sitting there and being still.

So when you’re working and can’t imagine coming up with the idea, make sure you take some time to back away from the project altogether. Build in some time (or for me a couple of days) to allow yourself to think and create without feeling the pressure of a deadline. And finally, go to or find that place to feel inspired. A place where you can rest, relax, read a book and just be still. It’s in those moments that your creativity will come back to you naturally.