Top 10 Creative Block Busters

I don't think we've had a Top 10 list on Creative Instigation before, but breaking through creative blocks deserves special treatment. Forget the environment, print this page, and post it.

1. Do something that makes you happy. Looking at Linden's face makes me smile. Playing with Linden quadruples the creative impact. (He's not my son, so don't tell me you don't have any kids in your life. There are plenty of kids waiting to be in your life.)

2. Take your mind off it. Forget about it for a while. Take a nap. Take a shower. Enjoy a really good meal. Call your best friend.

3. Change your perspective. Literally. Leave your office. Take a hike. Get in the car and drive. The last poem I had published was written at a stop sign.

4. Ask for help. Don't know where to go? I'm right here.

5. Find inspiration online. There's Brainzooming. There's Whimsy. There's a list on the side of the blog, and I need to add more. (Hmmm. Bonus idea: Make a list and cross things off. What a lovely feeling, that crossing things off.)

6. Find inspiration offline. Close browser. Open arms. (I saw that line in a Dentyne ad. Check out this really cool concept.) Talk to people, and listen to what they say. Ideas are everywhere.

7. Doodle. It's fun, and it helps your brain work.

8. Do a jigsaw puzzle. A real jigsaw puzzle. The tactile and visual stimulation work wonders. Another trick for this tip: Write notes about the topic in question with your non-dominant hand. Then, laugh at yourself. Laughing at yourself is extremely freeing.

9. Steal an idea and make it your own. In The Writer's Block, Jason Rekulak suggests you "Write about an incident that could be used against you if you ever ran for political office." Do that. Or, write a Facebook or Twitter post (very short and not so sweet) that could be used against you.

10. Begin.