Not long ago, I made my overdue debut into the world of putting-pen-to-paper — writing. I was wowed at the kudos, encouragement and support I got, ones which made me feel like a superstar sailing on cloud nine. However, this amazing feat wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Mojibola Sodiq, Efosa Taiwo and Jaiyeola Akorede who embraced and guided my pen; to you I doff my cap, sires.
Needless to say though that my “debut” filled me with great enthusiasm, I reached a resolve within me to produce a different write-up everyday for, well, the years to come. I know seeing this article most would likely think I’m well on my way. No! Not after I found out a few hours later that truly "writing no be beans". This translates to writing not being as easy as I thought as hours on end I couldn’t come up with a single idea of what to write on.
For the first time, I experienced what many of you might know as the creative block. A creative block or barrier according to goodtherapy.org, can be described as the inability to access one’s internal creativity, and is experienced mostly by those in the creative professions — writers, musicians, performers, artists etc. Such block could last for hours, days, weeks, months or even years.
This prompted my reflection on how many creatives or prospects in the world of creativity would have given up their art due to this inevitable block.
Tapping from the abundance of the available knowledge on the internet, I was able to overcome this block in five steps which I would numerically highlight here:
1. Always Carry a Notepad/Jotter Around: As I discovered, ideas can come at the most unexpected time: walking on the road, sleeping, eating, playing amongst other activities unassociated with your creative skill. Jotting them down when they pop up unannounced could really be the big break you need.
2. Distance Yourself From The Work: This is closely related to the first step. However, it covers unfinished works or projects. Forcing creativity would leave you even more blank than you started. Therefore, leave that work which you feel you can’t complete and do other things. When the idea to finish comes, you would be ready.
3. Be Optimistic: There’s no such thing as a totally bad idea, all depends on what you make of it. See the potential in your ideas and work towards achieving them.
4. Read and Research: Read books and explore the internet. In this age of ICT and globalisation, solutions to problems abound on the Internet.
And the fifth is inspired by a statement made by Ben Carson, a famous neurosurgeon at John Hopkins Hospital and also the author of "Gifted Hands", which goes thus: "Sugar and salt may be mixed together but ants reject the salt and carry away only the sugar." That is, select the right people in life and your life will be better and sweeter.
In this context, get the right people who can boost your creativity. They are assets for every creative; as you can’t keep a goat close to a horse, and expect the goat to make the horse happy. Your circle matters in creativity!
Alayo Buhari is an HND2 student of the department of Mass Communication
