Not Feeling Creative? Try This Trick.

[@Doodlebob563]

I'm a painter and when I'm just not feeling it I go into my workspace and clean it. Half of the time it works to get the creative juices flowing and the other half I let it go because the next time I go into that space it will be nice and clean which will absolutely help put me into a creative mood.

[@matthewnelson5429]

I start cleaning then usually end up finding a project to work on

[@pony3284]

I haven't been in my workroom for... a few weeks. Probably closer to a month than I'd like to imagine. I decided to just start cleaning/organizing yesterday and it's already so exciting to know I did *something* in that room.

[@Doodlebob563]

@@pony3284 Future you will thank you!

[@strawpiglet]

That's a good idea.

[@fleamarketkeanu]

I will add that this also applies to your living space. If you feel generally bored, cleaning up or taking care of a few chores will either reveal something that you need (sleep, food, etc), motivate you to switch tasks and find joy in something else, or just result in more chores being done.

[@ChrisPVille]

Oh jeez, that pressure knowing time is ticking away and you'll never get it back. It's probably unhealthy, but it both motivates basically everything I do, and it makes me feel bad when I take a break and don't get things done. Being acutely aware of time as your most precious and non-renewable resource is both a blessing and a curse.

[@mikecunningham4682]

I get you, time keeps moving at the same rate, no matter what you do. It's simultaneously comforting and terrifying.

[@scorp2359]

that resonates with me on a level that i don't think my much younger girlfriend will ever quite understand, especially considering the injuries i sustained in the army which limit my mobility & the hereditary problems i'm slowly losing the battle against containing. we only get so much time apiece, some longer & some shorter than others, so i fall into the camp of trying to make the most of it as best i can. since i am retired, i do that through as positive interactions with my adult daughter as possible, quality time with my girlfriend & my dog, building out a mostly diy 3d print farm mostly for fun, & collecting & reading LOTS of books, aside from little tinkering projects here & there. we each live our lives as best we can in our own ways, but if we don't try to make it count by what matters to us we'll finish this journey feeling very unfulfilled & i don't wish that on anybody.

[@randomgaming6808]

I'm glad i'm not the only one. I don't do models but i do play music, and i've tried to get back into other "useless" hobbies like video games or crossword puzzles, but i literally can't stop thinking what a waste it is when im doing it. I feel guilty i'm not using the time to do something actually productive.

[@TJtheBee]

I think part of it is the hustle culture mentality and the idea that unproductive time is wasted time, but I do agree, I prefer to be making things rather than *not* making things. I get squirrely otherwise.

[@tay13666]

When I have bench time, and I am not feeling creative, I just hang out and clean. Organize. Just putter around. Sure, it doesn't seem very productive, but just the fact that I am putting my hands on my tools and projects helps me feel at piece. A lot of times I end up doing stuff I've been meaning to do for a while. Clearing that mental load helps allow the creativity back in.

[@MattWeber]

But in reality, you expedited the creative process later. Having things clean and organized mean less time wasted when that creativity strikes as everything is where it should be.

[@tay13666]

@@MattWeber Exactly! Both physically and mentally. It's crazy how much all those little 'back of the mind' to-do things weigh one down.

[@SamuelMcCunemusic]

exactly what i do as well.

[@John_21601]

Yep!

[@Xyn3ph3nx777]

Something I've heard a long time ago that's always helped is: "If you cannot give anything out, take something in". If you can't write - read. If you can't draw - look at art. If you can't sing/play an instrument - listen to music.

[@Mokeysniper]

just wanted to say that i appreciate how much better the team has gotten in putting resources in the description. There was a time about 1-2 years ago when adam mentioned something and even specifically called out that it will be linked in the description, where you could count on nothing being linked in the description. And i noticed that ya'll have gotten really consistent with actually linking everything. To the point where even small side mentions will fairly reliably be linked now. Good job 👍

[@Jay-kk2rd]

I’m a retired civil engineer turned blacksmith. This is the format I most enjoy listening to you on. Unedited, no commitments to the “suits”. I’ve embraced the art of forging metal which is such a respite from my previous life. Believe me Adam, this is the what you were meant to do.

[@colonelb]

I have a fair amount of days where I've set aside a day or time to be creative and then either I'm feeling under the weather or otherwise can't get in a flow during the time I set aside, and what I typically do is give it a few to see if it kicks in, and if not, then I try and "swap" my creative time with a chore or other task that I was going to do later in the week so that I can do the chore stuff now, and free up a day later in the week instead to try being creative again. That tends to help stave off the shame/waste feeling, hope it helps!

[@GeneCash]

I was watching another video about a girl talking about how the human brain can snatch failure from the biggest of successes. "oh I built X!" or "I fixed Y!" then your brain goes "why did it take you 3 tries? why did you take a week to think of it? why was Y broken in the first place?" or the worst: the vague "oh I could have done that better" and I was like OMG not only do I do that every day, I do that every 15 minutes!!

[@SocksAndPuppets]

I think it's important to have a mix of different kinds of creative work you're doing. I always want to be the state where I have something with deadlines, or a regular schedule, but also have creative work that's just for me. If I'm struggling with one, I switch to the other. It's important to have deadlines, but it's more important that you have stuff to do just for yourself, to keep the joy in your creations. When I'm not feeling it for drawing, but I want to get something done, I'll fill that time with the "busywork" mechanical sections of half finished projects, or script a new comic, or spend some time browsing references that I could use later, or I'll review my notebook of unused ideas to see if something piques my interest. Sometimes though, if I'm really not feeling it, the best thing I can do is switch off, play a videogame or read a book or go for a walk... and then be ready to jump back into it if and when my mood changes.

[@SaltyBeach1038]

This. Sometimes my best work gets done when I’m using it to “procrastinate” a different project 😊

[@brianbaker2455]

I'm the one who asked the question, and the advice of self-forgiveness is accurate, but I have no idea how to do it. I have been a writer most my life, I was an actor, and I like to think I'm creative. It's hard to live up to the potential of the creative process and - not fulfill - but feed the creative process. I would not trade my all-consuming passion for making something that didn't exist before, but I wish I could see more of the beauty and less of the flaws I created. The passion is fueled by my consuming passion, and sometimes the tank is empty.

[@ayyubmoghul]

Are you obsessed with perfection?

[@brianbaker2455]

@ayyubmoghul very much. At least, I always think I could have done it better.

[@ayyubmoghul]

@@brianbaker2455 Understand that you are human, you will make mistakes because nobody is perfect. Who made you think you have to be perfect? Where does this belief come from?

[@charlespatt]

My awareness of perfection has become that it is not a destination, but rather it is in the process of doing. Mistakes and some errors are expected, but how I deal with them is what makes the journey a success.

[@cordialgreetingsart]

Creatives are their own worst critics.

[@AlmostCoolGuys]

"Clear the mechanism." Was a very important line for me growing up gotta get in the right head space

[@GRoBBMaN]

Thank you so much. The balance between wanting to be creative and being creative is something I have difficulty with. And I almost always put things off! ‘25 will do better. Thanks Adam for all you do

[@gamerkingdom1442]

As someone who’s a Artisan here in Puerto Rico, I completely understand what he’s talking about. The constant pressure to push yourself to be creative can hinder the creativity. It’s okay to unwind from it. My hobbies of GUNPLA/LEGO building, or sitting down and playing video games, help me release that creative stress. You have to, so the creativity can be flexible and be free, rather than being a burden…

[@rockguitarist931]

I hate the attitude that artists can't do normal things like watch a movie or play video games if they want to succeed in their craft, for the love of Pete we need to decompress, too!!!!

[@Lucas-KnifeHands]

Shout out to the mums and dads with young kids trying to get shit done creatively when the kids finally go to bed and you have to manufacture creative energy out of exhaustion.

[@Fenderbendsfab]

Man this hits home….

[@flavorkingpluto]

I really like you in this roll. Your thoughtfulness and sincerity about the creative process resonates with a lot of people, I imagine. Speaking for myself as a creative, I’m a little sensitive and this feels like support. I appreciate it.

[@leifkarlsson679]

Every maker in the world needs to hear this. It is real... true and genius. Thank you Adam for your wisdom and your acknowledgment of the process of creation and doubt. I would hug you if I could my brother from another mother. 😊

[@joshmitwit]

Thanks Adam (and team) for sharing your authentic and heartfelt insights on life and its challenges. It's inspiring, useful and much appreciated. Have a great holiday and New Year! :)

[@scrapkat67]

You have perfectly described my relationship with my craft room. Some days I just sit and stare out the window, but the pure satisfaction of being in “my nest” puts me in a better place.

[@jennyray4753]

As an aging artist (75) I find I feel these emotions as well. I think the wisdom that is trying to tap me on the shoulder here is: ...relax....don't beat yourself up just take some time to digest and reflect on what has been done so far...feel the sense of accomplishment and you will start to regain the creative juice!!

[@grokfro]

I would offer one more bit on this for when you're stuck: re-establish your momentum. Do something small and easy that doesn't even have to be related to whatever it is you're stuck on...just do something. It may even take a few of them strung together to get it back. Then once it does, you'll feel better prepared mentally to tackle what was stopping you before. Adam does a great job covering the rest. Be purposeful in your recharging yourself so you can be better prepared to tackle it again. Good luck!

[@stephendsullivan]

"I read until I have a thought," is a really good tip. It's like me saturating myself in the subject through books, movies, comics, or whatever, until that little PING (thought) goes off in my brain. Then I turn to my commonplace books and start writing down those thoughts. One almost always leads to another, and I move on from there. So, I guess "follow my inspirations, and then write down a thought, and the thoughts that follow," would describe my process for breaking the log jam. Though sometimes doing art will break writing issues, or the other way around.

[@michaelholmes4808]

Merry Christmas Adam to you, the family, and the family at the cave. Stay safe in the New Year.

[@roryoutdoors5431]

Sunday mornings with Adam and coffee are so good for my mental health - a friend’s voice giving sage wisdom! Filling the gap (sort of) that I’ve been missing since we lost Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe. Different subject matter, same relationship 🇨🇦❤️🎄 Now to listen to Dave Cook’s the Turkey… Merry Christmas!

[@GlennShortell]

When you work a regular job,you have to take what they call a mental health day just keep your head on straight.

[@bradlothrop4076]

Thanks, the positivity, kindness, kindness to yourself, how to seek knowledge and come to terms with it for you. Good advice sir.

[@CredibleOpinions]

Truly the hidden part of being creative and making is the time to mentally rest and step away. The created thing is built upon something and the mind needs the raw material to forge.

[@MannyCruz-q5r]

“Read and read and read” is a great go to. Love that.

[@Fenderbendsfab]

Some incredible words of wisdom regarding work and home life and the pressures we feel to constantly produce or over criticize our output/results. Your response was so well understood and touched home on many levels. Thank you Adam. Your words help so many of us.

[@ayyubmoghul]

May God grant you many more years, Adam.

[@SimonPhippsArt]

Adam, your ability to articulate the feelings I feel about my overriding need to constantly create, use the talents I have been gifted and the skills I've developed and the obsession with squeezing productivity out of every spare moment is quite remarkable. Thank you

[@scooterpickle8625]

I recognize the incredible amount of emotion that you underwent, while recording this video. The passion is real. I felt it, as well.

[@clutchyfinger]

It's such a good tip to just start learning when you dont have any ideas. You find something to latch onto, and then when an idea strikes you have the itch to try the new thing.

[@NathanealSellars]

Dude... I absolutely feel you with regards to spending time with your family and spending time in your mancave. Despite our urges, family time optimization is the most valuable investment we can make. Keep up the good work. Love and good will to you and your family bro.

[@Chord_]

6:30 I love this, that your first question in a new subject matter is you bringing your perspective to it. It's something I've never considered before, but in hindsight it's so obvious. Because, we all bring our histories and experiences into whatever we're working on, but I've never thought before that that could also manifest as a simple question. It's that crack in the door that lets you get a foot in. That's something I'll be carrying with me.

[@ChantingInTheDark]

Creative blocks are part of being human. The best advice I need to heed myself is simply to not try and force the creativity. When I was a design student this would constantly happen, often near a deadline. I would feel anxious if I wasn't working on my projects, but when in a block trying to battle through was the WORST thing to do. I wouldn't be feeling it, try and draw something, it wasn't up to standard, I would scrap it, get mad at myself for being lame, try again, get mad, rinse repeat. Now, I know I just need to stop, talk a walk, watch something inspirational, do some mundane chores, and inevitably, I would get the urge to be creative again. Simple breathing with your eyes closed works wonders if you clear your mind.

[@shuriken4573]

I recently discovered breaking taps and, as a professional machinist, I was amazed at his precision. Particularly I watched a video where he was using brazed monocrystaline diamond tooling to mill a mirror out of copper with no polishing! That really got me hooked.

[@wsoeltkakd]

I see a lot of people in the comments with a similar process; however one of the best pieces of advice was to clean off your work surfaces, prepare your workbenches etc; and be ready to start fresh. It's a chore, but the creativity often can get buried under the scrapple that accumulates on horizontal surfaces.

[@kiruppert]

There’s a guy I’ve started watching lately. He’s named Eoin Reardon, and he mostly does traditional woodworking with unpowered hand tools. He’s just so fun to watch go.

[@chrisgenovese8188]

i feel what Adam is saying. I've put everything i have into my workshop and studio: money, energy, and time. so when im not being productive, i get down on myself. i start to panic, and ruminate on the past and the future. what i usually do if nothing is coming to me, i either clean, organize, or do workshop infrastructure. the shop is a living thing that needs maintenance, so there is always something to be cleaned or improved. sometimes i just wander around from room to room until something jumps out at me lol

[@DSWoodworkUSA]

Small breaks are just like small steps that I sometimes think I can ignore, in order to speed up the whathaveyou process. I do not have ADD, but I watched a long video once about adults with ADD and what they do to help live their lives without burnouts and other issues that I absolutely related to. Their "tricks" helped me where I needed it.

[@TheRealTorch511]

“Clear the Mechanism” - one of my favorite movies. Umpired for over a decade (no small fields) and had the privilege of calling a No-No at a 9 inning HS Varsity game that was the final game of the season. As a creative professional and a maker for the last 2+ decades. You just have to trust that it will come. Step away, do something else, and come back when your mind is in the right place and never ever doubt your skills.

[@sixstix965]

I love that you dont read from a script im glad i got to grow up watching you guys on myth busters

[@DataBroth]

what you said about "shop infrastructure" is key to providing yourself creative momentum too many of us artists glamorize chaos and disorder as some form of creative "virtue" but often times simply "doing something" is more than enough to get creative juices running even if it is not that day, the next day, when you feel your creative space is cleaned and fresh it reinvigorates something that is lost we can get caught up in big ideas, but creativity is more than just finished projects experimentation is a HUGE aspect of creativity and experimentation requires some level of order, and experimentation also creates new chaos as you make little messes it's a balance, but like thirst, one that is easy to identify once you know what to look for the creative block is like dehydration, and we need to rehydrate with repetitive/organizational tasks before we can exhaust ourselves again with the next project

[@EricVera539]

An ex girlfriend of mine who is a writer, she works for a tv station, told to me to just play. Have fun. She explained it to me and it works everytime. Love her for that.

[@rosieone5670]

Myself, I will sit on my stool at the bench and stare around aimlessly at all of the parts, pieces, hardware and stuff that needs to be resorted. I start to touch stuff, I open cabinets and drawers, I find stuff to reorganize, I find stuff that I put aside for a future project which starts the gears turning on those parts and how they need to be modified or look for parts or tooling, fixtures, jigs that will be needed, next thing you know you question why you’re sitting about and the fog lifts and inspiration appears like magic. The Steam Engine Effect. Once I get rolling it’s pretty hard to stop. Thanx Adam for the pondering and reflection, I’ll stop by later, I have shit to do. Rosie🌹

[@BrianTimmonsTX]

On the subject of channels worth watching: I’m an amateur first time violinmaker, and my suggestions revolve around that topic. But I believe they’re worth watching for makers of all stripes because of the process mindset involved, which translates to making all kinds. Olaf the Violinmaker is a great channel, very chill and relaxing to watch. He narrates what he’s doing and it’s fascinating seeing the repair and restoration he can pull off. Davide Sora is an Italian violinmaker who has a video library of his complete process. The videos have no narration, they’re beautifully shot and edited. Pure maker p*rn.

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

As an author, there's a push by some to, "write everyday". I don't. I'd rather spend 3 hours of really great writing, than 10 hours writing crap that's going to be needing major revision or deleted. I also rely on my subconscious to do a lot of work in the background while I'm doing other things that aren't creative. Today, I'm tie dying and might get to reviewing another chapter before I send it off my editor.

[@blazertundra]

My answer would have been to clean my house to good music, check on the pets and plants, or to put on a good show and make something easy and mindless. I have a plushie business on Etsy, so I get the luxury of still profiting off my "easy, dumb, repetitive, non-creative" makes when I'm not in a good season for being creative. And 100% agree on keeping some degree of separation between your creative/work areas and home areas in every sense. I'm privileged to have a home with a small bedroom that I use for my creative space. Nothing is stopping me from shutting the door or walking past that room, except any living things like houseplants or reptiles currently occupying it.

[@richgodschalk1695]

I feel exactly the same way when I walk into my shop...a sense of peace and the world noise diminishes. It isn't always conducive to actually getting anything done, usually, but not always. Either way the lovely sense of comfort is fantastic.

[@PK-999]

Being a few years younger than you and hearing you say about how many years left just leaves me with the thought :- “I reject your reality and substitute my own” :)

[@LittleTalksWithMyles]

I go through phases where I feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. Like some have mentioned, there have been times when I’m literally packing up the shop, only to see something that sparks my creativity. Now, I’ve learned to give myself a break. After a few days, or maybe a week, I’ll clean up my workspace, and before I know it, I’m back at it.

[@eukara]

Thank you, this feeling you describe is so relatable and you rarely come across such honest and down to earth breakdown of it.

[@rockguitarist931]

Creativity comes in waves for me, sometimes I have absolutely no urge to record new music or draw something, other times it feels like I'm about to forget the cure to world hunger if I don't get my ideas on paper asap.

[@kennenandersen]

When I'm feeling drained but want to create, I will pour myself a giant, strong vodka-based beverage, go out to the garage, sit in my mechanic's chair and ponder. I will shift my feetsies around in a circle, and sip my adult beverage while taking in the surroundings. I let my mind go, and sometimes I'll take out a notepad and pen, and make some notes. Everyone is a maker and artist. I firmly believe that is integral to our humanity. We all have it. We are born with it. Ya just gotta tease it out!

[@TJtheBee]

In terms of creators I would recommend, 100% suggest Miscast. He's in the miniature wargame/kitbashing/hobbying sphere, and his work is tremendous. Seeing his growth over the past several years has been a privilege.

[@jegermuscles8461]

Talk about exactly what I needed. I'm an Aerospace Engineer coming back after a huge cancer scare and glad as I am to be working again, there are still so many pieces of me missing I need to get back before I can solo anything big.

[@matthewnelson5429]

Hey!! We might be 57 but still have lots of things to do. Lol. I’m just now looking to get back to my art more than just doodles an occasional projects. Love all that you and your team do.

[@dichoseadepaso]

What works for me is just start cleaning stuf... I hate cleaning, and my shop is my very own mess, but when im lost on the creative side, i just start arranging my stuff, organize my screwdrivers, even go to the kitchen and start doing the dishes. There's something meditative to just organizing and cleaning stuff that is so different to the creative meditation. it kind of just resets your wheel

[@johnathanscopazzi7203]

Thank you for sharing this, is exactly what i needed to hear right now. I am writing this on my sons you tube subscription and I am actually, Armida Scopazzi. Your content helps me be ok in the creative space. i bought a legacy cafe and bakery 2 1/2 years ago and it has not gone as planned. It is as if the world cannot support a small food business. I know know the space needs to exist for the community, but I am so consumed with just trying to keep the day to day going, the actual create part gets lost sometimes. Your ability to explain your process is amazing and so helpful. While I just hope to somehow survive here, I am grateful for you and your tested channel. You always make my days better. Thank you... Armida's Bakery & Cafe.

[@StevePierson123]

Man I needed to here this. I’m detailing a ‘76 MGB at the moment and have felt guilty for not being able to put in the work I expect of myself. My garage is my relief and I needed that reminder.

[@pipdesignshop]

The Maker/Manager dynamic is something I've been trying to figure out lately. I like the idea of framing it that way and will be doing more research on that.

[@4paintings]

Dalí and other artists used the technique of trying to fall asleep to abandon the conscious state, but not entirely (Dalí, for example, would sit and hold a pair of keys in his hand, so when they fell to the ground, he could wake up and capture the inspirations that came to him) :) In any case, I hope that one day I’ll be able to create even one percent of the community you’ve managed to build! I’ve published my first video :)

[@charlescarter4080]

Clear the mechanism. Amazing cinematic moment. Great movie.

[@SaneRetry]

I struggle with the same pressure to create that you describe and it is so reassuring to hear you say this! Wonderful advice!

[@cubert13]

One of my solutions to not feeling creative or motivated enough to do work is to just start doing small tasks. Start cleaning up something, sorting, maybe doing the little things that tend to fall by the wayside. Sometimes that can help me get an idea or get into more of mood to work. But my thought is even if I don't get "actual" work done at least I did something.

[@tommyzcat]

You are a Gem, Adam. A Gem.

[@Mattlon3]

I finally have access to a craft space and free time and i finally realized why ive always found mr savage so relatable

[@cimfur]

Just took over a machine shop and the biggest challenge is myself. Thank you for sharing the insights

[@plasticarcade]

Great video, your only 57 man you got so many more years to give, Have a great one and blessings to you and yours :)

[@kennethholmes9315]

I was gona say shop maintenance when I get stuck on things. I find myself doing challenges to keep it interesting. That sort of thing. Have a great day. Love the videos

[@jeremyjoyner1198]

I can FEEL the emotion in this video!

[@brent1222]

I just started using foam and i love working with it so far. Sadly i havent felt the creativity to start a project. So i also cleaned my workspace. Didnt help but going to draw and write there now too

[@filmdesigner800]

I struggle with being creative in my own time doing my own projects after being creative professionally 60 hours per week. Trying to avoid burn out but find the energy to do my own things has been the hurdle for me.

[@johnbazaar8440]

Yep. I have to forgive myself for not being able to measure up to my own unrealistic expectations. For a break today, I’m going to the local flea market for inspiration. Merry Christmas, Adam. From a fellow transplanted New Yorker. 😎👍

[@DeformedDevices]

Sit in the club chair, listen to music and let your mind work. As an ADHD'er working includes sitting and thinking. Let our brains crank because once we figure it out our hyper focus will take over and get it done in less time.

[@JB-kg5gz]

This translates to other creative areas. Mine is fiber. If it's something that can be spun into thread or yarn or string, or felted into fiber, I'm working with it. Needles, looms, various machines. I also have other things that suck up most of my time, and sometimes exhaust me. Too often the days I've set aside for my workroom time are days that I'm too tired to work out the necessary sequences to the the new projects in the workroom. I seldom use other people's patterns, so my work takes a lot of brain space, sequencing, thinking ahead. So, I also have things in the workspace near the comfy chair to do while I rest. Mostly reading, or simple handwork I've done sixty times already and doesn't need any brain space. Maybe music or listening to others create on YT. When you need rest, nothing else really substitutes.

[@thomcarr7021]

Most of the time, the "intuitive mind" can not appear for use by request or demand. The best solution to a situation often just appears out of nowhere, at the most unusual time.

[@charlespatt]

As others mentioned, if I'm not feeling too motivated, i will start cleaning and organizing. Then almost inevitably i will come across something that needs fixing as well (but was put off). Fixing something will almost always get my creative juices flowing again. And even if it doesn't, my shop is cleaner and something's fixed!😂

[@gnome_with_the_iron_hands]

Very excited to hear about you undertaking a blacksmithing project soon! It will be even more awesome if it's with Tony Swatton! :)

[@JohnB1163]

Occasionally there are times when you just don't feel like doing anything and it's okay, there's nothing wrong with that because everyone needs some time to decompress and get their thoughts together. I know they say "a rolling stone gathers no moss" but they never mention that the constantly rolling of that stone can slowly wear away because it doesn't have the opportunity to rest

[@sustorres765]

thank you so much for your episodes this year, have a brilliant top Christmas x

[@LostButMakingGoodTime]

I suppose there’s a difference between having a specific thing you need to get done and not being to get out of neutral, and just wanting to be doing SOMETHING and the muse has gone silent. (And may have left the country.) I think the only real answer in both cases is to simply do…. anything. Big or small, related or random. Straighten something, label something, organize something, inventory something, sharpen something. Anything, so long as it’s in the same space (literally or figuratively) and so long as it’s PHYSICAL. Stand up, walk over, and pick something up and hold it in your hand. There’s definitely a flow state called “random” or “incidental.” Embrace it. (Shopping on-line for tools and supplies does not count! 🤨 We all know that is a black hole that will drive a stake through the heart of any hope of eventual productive activity.) No matter what you end up doing, I promise you will feel better for it. And who knows, it might just throw the switch and you’ll be off and running.

[@JuleahStrickland]

Honestly, I feel I'm at my most creative when I don't take my mental health meds. (If I do not take relatively at the same time every day, they start getting out of my system.) I hate how I feel physically and mentally but I feel like I come up with some really great ideas. I jot those down, get my meds back on track and carry on. When I am not feeling creative on what ever hobby I am currently working on, I switch to another. I go from painting to rug tufting to stained glass to embroidery to whatever. Or I will just take a nap. Lol Eventually I get to where ever it is I want to be creatively.

[@alpheusmadsen8485]

I do not know why you need meds, but whether it be for ADHD or schizophrenia or depression or something else, I cannot help but think that the very things that mess up our lives also give us incredible creativity. I think it might even be called the "curse of imagination". I have only recently realized I'm autistic and have ADHD, and I'm trying to figure out what I can do without burning out. Right now, I'm working a part-time internship. I noticed an incredible amount of creativity at the start, but I'm already burning out, so I'm not sure what I should do next or instead!

[@stephuhhkneee]

4:00 it’s so refreshing to hear this

[@LeroyMustang]

Recently I’ve heard you use the word “succor” a few times and I do think it’s a delightful word that should be used, especially in reference to one’s own need to be soothed or or given personal aid. What I did notice is your pronunciation of “succor” which apparently varies in the US from the British pronunciation and to other dialects, midwestern-eastern?? Anyway, you pronounce it suck-our, I’ve always pronounced it suck-er like “soccer” with a “u” instead of an”o”, and the Brits pronounce it suck-a, the last two being most similar. Just an interesting observation, language is fun.

[@alexlits]

Damn it. My brother was in Brisbane last week and he’s a fan of yours. If I found out 2 weeks ago, he would’ve meet you in person.

[@Dylanschannelodoom]

Liking this for future use, thanks Adam

[@kelvington4182]

When it comes to creativity I use the John Cleese method of sitting on the floor and playing. Actually just playing with a toy or anything. After about 15 minutes my brain is in a great place and I can get to work.

[@ItsSakuraKeiIRL]

Thanks Adam 😊!!! Happy holidays ☆☆☆☆☆☆

[@shawnmccormick8912]

If you want to get into blacksmithing, might I suggest looking into induction forges? They're great if you want to be able to just get in and get going on things. You don't have to worry about ventilation nearly as much as with coal or gas forges, and, while the specialized coolant is pricey, you aren't burning a bunch of fuel all the time. Large work is harder to do with induction coils, granted, but most forge work in the hobby space tends to be of a manageable size.

[@MusicAutomation]

If your brain is not in “creative mode” it’s because it’s in “analytical mode.” Use it to think about project structures, organizational plans, workshop layouts, etc.

[@mesger_makes_and_grows3826]

For Love of the Game is one of my favorite movies.

[@Urhonour]

When I'm not feeling creative I don't take my meds for a bit and let the hallucinations sink in.

[@artao5]

Your comments about the guilt from not being creative really hit home for me. I'm bi-polar, and guilt is a real problem a lot ... no .... Most of the time. Such false thoughts don't help. Good to know I'm not alone in that. Guilt is a mind-trip from our childhood programming ................... Okay, I just made that up. Not sure how well I could defend that statement. LOL

[@ilogvideo]

The creative process! Incubation is as important a part as any.

[@carladelagnomes]

The reality is, the creative ability is held in a human body, one with needs and shortcomings that require maintenance that might not involve being in the shop (or The Cottage, in my case). We need to take time out for a cup of tea or gathering inspiration from the outside world. I go to the local coffee shop or café and talk to other humans or go for a hike/walk in the wilds and let my brain design and resolve issues. Creativity cant be forced or timed.

[@andykphoto]

I’m hoping that friendquaintance is Alec Steele 😸 he fits onto the Adam shaped hole in my brain, for enthusiasm and approach

[@tested]

It is not, but Alex is great!

[@jayegodley8989]

I’m currently battling a months-long drought where i have halves of ideas, and beginnings of ideas, but I can’t translate it onto paper or into 3d. And it’s driving me slowly insane.

[@Dellaluna13]

That “mechanism” bit was the one thing I remember the most from For the Love of the Game,

[@jeromethiel4323]

Sometimes you just have to "Cool the engines." Words of wisdom from the band Boston.