SUSTAINING YOUR CREATIVITY

 

STRATEGIC RESET

(REST)

Have you sometimes felt like your writing is simply just flowing out of you and then suddenly there is a blockage? Or worse: perhaps your mind has been overflowing with ideas; you have been brimming with enthusiasm and confidence, you have been on a roll, writing consistently every day, passionately intent with your craft, until one day, you don’t want to do anything even remotely creative? You can’t even lift your pen, or stylus, or turn on your computer or sit at the typewriter. Loss of your creative energy might be accompanied by anxiety, or a feeling of being overwhelmed, you may be physically and emotionally fatigued, this all might be indicative of creative or personal burnout.

Over the years in my role as a Chaplain and supporting workers in a variety of industries I have witnessed people who have been incredibly talented, gifted, and passionate in their service simply stop.

 Burnt out. 

This has been particularly so for people who have been serving in humanitarian, caring, ministry, compassionate helping roles (such as the demand on Missionaries serving in intense cross-cultural contexts) who sometimes have expectations that may be more than a person can reasonably deliver without personal consequences. For some this sadly resulted in them not being able to sustain their sense of call for the long haul. 

In supporting them and helping them recover I have learnt some valuable skills to help support longevity of service that may be helpful to sustain your creativity for the long term.

There is a tension between our living and doing and service and sacrifice and our living in a state of rest and flourishing and sustained efficacy. This is highlighted when we consider scriptures such as Paul’s call to the Romans to be “living sacrifices” (Romans 12) and in 2 Timothy 2 to when he entreats Timothy to join him in suffering as a soldier, to compete diligently like an athlete, and to work hard like a farmer. Paul seems to be reinforcing the words of Jesus about “Dying to self” (John 12:23-25).

And yet in balance to this Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 :

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The message version puts it this way:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

We are finite beings, so we need to place limits on how we expend our time and energies. Even Jesus, had time to reset; he walked away from the crowds that were thronging to him to be healed in order to spend time with his Father and be refreshed, revitalized, and recharged (Luke 5:15–16).

The point is that sometimes we overextend ourselves in battles that may not be ours. We might struggle through difficult writing projects that may not be our fight to bear. We may be running ahead of or writing beyond our training and ability. We may be trying to farm and write in fields outside of seasons that would bring flourishing for ourselves and those we minister with and for.

Writers are sometimes like athletes. Sometimes we are sprint runners, like when an article we are writing has a deadline. Sometimes we are marathon runners, like when we are working on deep-dive long term stories. In both athletic disciplines runners rest after a big event.   

In military contexts it is a recognised necessity that soldiers require a regular “reset" to prepare for future battles. They restore their readiness to serve through multi-faceted processes that include repairing and replacing equipment, retraining, and most crucially addressing their well-being as soldiers and care for their families. These processes ensure that military units can perform their duties effectively in their next active service. We would do well to consider some of the wisdom in resetting ourselves too.

To sustain our creativity for the long-haul we need to learn the art of the reset. We simply need to apply some mercy for ourselves. When we are hitting those creative blockages, losing our flow, getting frustrated, flustered and fearful of no productivity ‘resetting’ is essential. We need to allow ourselves to stop, rest and be refreshed in preparation for redeployment at our peak performance.

As writers, it is impossible to make art every single day. Sometimes you have moments of “I can’t do this anymore”. Don’t force yourself to be creative when you aren’t in the right headspace or heart space. Remember, you get tired, disinterested, and burnout for a reason — you need rest.  

What are you doing to reset yourself? 

Make a list of what it would mean for you to authentically take a rest and revive.  

Here are some ideas to  help you get started resetting yourself: 

Take some well-earned naps, get into some light exercise, make time for some quiet prayer, do something else that you love that you have been putting off, cook a hearty meal and enjoy it without rushing, spend some quality time with family and friends, take a vacation, take a walk in nature, or do whatever helps you feel at peace.

Take time to talk to someone you trust who will help you to reset yourself by helping you stay true to your reset plans and journeying with you in gentle accountability and encouragement.   

Ultimately, we need a constant reminder to come back to our essentials in Jesus: a rest for our souls, burdens that won’t break us, and learning His rhythms of Grace (Matthew 11:28-30).   

We want you here for the long run.

 I think Jesus does too.

Shalom.