Hi Y’all, Jennifer Ledet here with quick tips for women who want to live and lead by choice, not by chance.
I, my friends, am out of words! I know that no one would ever expect to hear those words come out of my mouth, but it’s true.
As you may know, I have finished writing and turned in the manuscript for my new book (Live and Lead by Choice, Not by Chance), and although I wanted to write a blog/vlog post, I felt like I had just used up all of my words. I couldn’t think of a thing to say. (I know – good thing this is recorded, because even I wouldn’t have believed it!)
Do you ever have a dilemma or situation, and just feel like you’re staring at a blank page? No creative ideas, no solutions, just crickets?
Yeah me neither. I’m joking. That’s exactly what’s been happening with me.
Here’s the thing: sometimes the answer isn’t to push harder. Instead, it’s about stepping away and jump-starting your creativity.
Here are four simple ideas for getting the gears turning again when you’re all out of ideas:
First, go for a walk. I know you might be thinking “Jen ain’t nobody got time for that! I’ve got problems to solve.” But getting your body moving can shake something loose in your brain. There’s magic in letting your thoughts wander while you walk. I walk, not so much for the exercise, but because it’s so good for my soul.
Next, try a different creative activity. Rather than sit around and bouder (that’s Cajun for pout) about not having any ideas, I got cooking – literally. Cooking is one of my favorite creative expressions. I’ve whipped up some amazing grub if I do say so maself. (Think bacon-wrapped, goat cheese-stuffed dates for my book club!) I have also embarked on a new home project. I’m turning our upstairs den, which I used to call the “Fraternity House” (because it was our boys’ hangout) into a “She Shed/Studio”. I’ll be able to tackle my embroidery and applique projects up there, and who knows? Maybe even watercolor painting at some point.
Just do something that’s not directly related to your problem. Trust me, your brain is still working in the background.
Phone a friend. Sometimes, just talking things out with someone else can bring clarity or spark an idea you didn’t see before. Plus, a little connection can help shake off that mental fog. Certainly a coach can ho up a mirror to hep you see what you can’t see on your own.
And finally, get out in nature. Breathe in that fresh air, take in the sights and sounds. Nature has this amazing way of grounding us and clearing mental clutter.
Remember, clarity isn’t a precursor to taking action; it’s a result of taking action. So when you’re feeling stuck, don’t wait for the perfect solution to drop out of the sky. Get moving, get creating, and see where it takes you!
Alright, go give these a try and see if it helps break through that block. Catch y’all next time!
You might also like:
What Does Your Big Fat “But” Look Like?
Lead Yourself and Your Team Out of the Land of Stuck
Through facilitated leadership team retreats, customized training programs, coaching, and keynote presentations with a hint of Cajun flavor, Jennifer Ledet, CSP, provides leaders with tools to help them be more intentional and live and lead by choice, not by chance.
