7 Less-Than-Obvious Habits That Could Be Ruining Your Creativity

Creativity is the lifeblood of any graphic designer.

It's what sets our work apart from the rest and helps us produce truly original pieces. But unfortunately, many people unknowingly sabotage their own creativity with a series of bad habits.

In this article, I'll explore seven less-than-obvious habits that could be ruining your creativity. If you can avoid these, you'll be well on your way to unlocking your true potential as a graphic designer.

1. You're too focused on the end result.

As a freelance graphic designer, it's important to have a vision for the finished product. But if you're too focused on the end result, you'll never get there. Instead, you'll get bogged down in the details and lose sight of the big picture.

Try to take a step back and enjoy the creative process. The end result will be all the sweeter for it.

2. You're not taking enough risks.

In order to create truly original work, you need to be willing to take risks. But many people play it safe, afraid of failure. This fear can hold you back and prevent you from trying new things. Don't be afraid to experiment and take chances. You never know what you might come up with.

3. You're not working on personal projects.

When you're solely focused on client work, it's easy to lose sight of your own creativity. Make time for personal projects, even if they're just for fun.

This will help you stay inspired and motivated, and you never know when one of your personal projects might turn into something more.

4. You're not taking breaks.

It's important to work hard, but it's just as important to take breaks. When you're feeling burned out, take some time for yourself and do something that has nothing to do with work.

This will help you come back refreshed and ready to tackle your graphic design projects with renewed energy.

5. You're not surrounding yourself with creative people.

Creativity is contagious, so it's important to surround yourself with other creative people. This doesn't mean you have to be friends with all the other freelance graphic designers in your city. But it does mean you should seek out creative individuals in other fields and disciplines. These people can help inspire you and push you to be better.

6. You're not challenging yourself.

If you're not challenging yourself, you're not going to improve. It's important to push yourself out of your comfort zone on a regular basis.

Take on new and difficult projects. Learn new skills. By constantly challenging yourself, you'll become a better graphic designer.

7. You're not taking the time to reflect.

Reflection is an important part of the creative process. But many people never take the time to sit down and think about their work. They move on to the next project without ever taking a step back.

This can prevent you from seeing the progress you've made and hinder your overall growth as a designer.

By avoiding these seven less-than-obvious habits, you can start to unlock your true creative potential. Free yourself from the shackles of mediocrity and start producing truly original work. The world is waiting.

If you're guilty of any of these bad habits, don't worry—we all are at some point. The key is to be aware of them and work to correct them.

By being mindful of your creative process and taking the time to assess what's working and what's not, you'll be able to continue producing your best work.

So, which of these seven creativity killers have you been guilty of?

Thanks for reading!
—Gary

✏️ My blog post for this week

On my blog this week, I discuss why we should stop second-guessing ourselves and let go of self-doubt.

Freelance graphic designers are more inclined to second-guess their work and themselves because their careers are intermittent, insecure, and occasionally disappointing. Stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting your instincts. Self-doubt can lead to a variety of issues. We may not share our work because we are afraid it is inadequate. Alternatively, we may mistrust our abilities.

Work, relationships, and health can all suffer as a result. Due to self-doubt, freelance graphic artists may doubt their talent and worth. Here are five reasons why you should follow your instincts and keep a portfolio. Indecision can lead to poor decisions. Second-guessing yourself can make making decisions stressful.

If you agonise over a decision for too long, you will waste time. Set a timer to push yourself to make a decision. Making a decision builds confidence. Concentrate on making the best option for YOU and have faith that everything will work out. Take advantage of any opportunity to increase your confidence and demonstrate your abilities.

Click the link below to begin reading. ⬇️

Read on to find out why we need to stop second guessing ourselves.

📚 What I’m reading right now

Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. It's about pushing yourself to the limit and coming out on top.

David Goggins is a man who knows no limits. A former Navy SEAL, he is now a world-renowned ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, and triathlete.

He has finished some of the most gruelling races in the world, including the Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile race through Death Valley in California.

Goggins is a man who has faced death, pain, and adversity to become the person he is today. His story is one of hope, determination, and resilience.

If you're looking for inspiration, Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins is the book for you.