Take Chances, Not Breaks


July 30, 2024


In every creative journey, there comes a moment when the excitement wanes and inspiration seems to dwindle. You might find yourself staring blankly at your canvas, page, or project, feeling disheartened by a lack of progress. It’s tempting to label this experience as burnout and retreat for a break, but what if this is actually an opportunity to pivot rather than pause?

Wall of Stagnation

Creative blocks are a universal experience, often leading us to question our abilities and passions. When motivation dips, many instinctively think a break is the best solution. While rest is essential, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s not exhaustion that’s causing our stagnation, but rather a lack of inspiration.

Instead of stepping back, consider that what you’re truly feeling is an urge for novelty. Creativity thrives on exploration, and when we become too entrenched in our routines, we risk losing sight of the magic that sparked our passion in the first place.

Magic of Risk-Taking

Taking chances means stepping out of your comfort zone. It can be daunting, but the rewards often outweigh the risks. By daring to try something new, you’re giving yourself permission to explore without the pressure of perfection. This playfulness can reignite your passion and rejuvenate your creativity.

Think of it this way: creativity isn’t always about the end product. It’s also about the journey and the joy of exploration. Every new experience is a chance to learn, to grow, and to find inspiration in unexpected places.

Reframing Your Mindset

When you feel stuck, remind yourself: don’t take a break, take a chance. Embrace the discomfort of being uninspired as an invitation to explore new avenues. By shifting your focus from stagnation to exploration, you’ll find that the walls you encounter can transform into gateways.

Remember, creativity is not a linear path. It’s a winding road full of detours and surprises. When you allow yourself to take chances, you not only break free from stagnation but also rediscover the thrill of creation.

The next time you find yourself at a standstill, consider this: what can you try that’s different? What new adventure awaits you? Embrace it, and watch as your creative spirit flourishes anew.

The Christopher Mudgett archive collection is the only one in the world to present the artist’s up-to-date painted, sculpted, engraved and illustrated œuvre and a precise record—through sketches, studies, drafts, notebooks, photos, books, films and documents—of the creative process.
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