Time is often a hurdle that many people struggle with.

Sometimes it feels like creativity can’t be rushed or forced. It shows up at random and some days it doesn’t show up at all.

This dilemma can show up when we have to be creative on a deadline, such as a build-off or contest. This deadline can cause all forms of anxiety that can freeze our creative process worse than it was before.

Which is unfortunate because deadlines come when they come. Contests happen if you’re ready or not.

But they don’t need to be feared!

Here are some tips and thoughts on the matter

Try to understand your creativity

Try to figure out what inspires you. If it’s walking in the woods, go for a walk in the woods. Try to concentrate and understand your progress. Don’t worry about the result.

Prep and plan before you work

I find that planning beforehand is one of the best things to do when there’s a deadline ahead. Just like for presentations and work projects, looking over and outlining can not only be a timesaver but can help you brainstorm concepts.

That way you can get on the ball when you sit down to work.

It’s okay to step away for a bit

Sometimes it’s best to step away for a bit. I know it sounds contradicting but our brains may need to rest a bit from what we’re working on. Continuing to hit a brick wall isn’t good for the process.

Switching to a different project or finding something else to do may be the key to getting the juices flowing again.

We can’t wait for inspiration all the time

As much as I would love to say that I have inspiration for all my builds, it’s not always true. If I was in a dull and waited for inspiration then I would spend days doing absolutely nothing.

I find things to do in the meantime (as per the last tip). I sketch, browse Pinterest, and clean up my workbench. Sometimes working is a way of getting past that hurdle.

That nagging imposter syndrome

Sometimes we need to kick that nagging imposter syndrome to the side when we start to doubt our abilities (which can be a reason why we can’t get creative for a deadline). Imposter syndrome shouldn’t control what you enjoy.

Deadlines shouldn’t be feared but embraced

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What do you think? Drop a comment below and let me know, I’d love to hear it.

Have a safe Monday everyone!

-J