January 14, 2025
As the cheese fog settles and the calendar flips to January, many of us feel an itch—a restless desire to start afresh, reinvent ourselves, or simply shake off the cobwebs of the past year. It’s not just about resolutions (though we’ll get to those later) but something deeper: a creative reset. A chance to clear the slate, find our spark, and move forward with a little more purpose—or at least with fewer regrets about how many mince pies we devoured in December.
But what exactly is a creative reset? Think of it as hitting the refresh button on your mind. It’s about recalibrating your energy, reassessing your priorities, and rediscovering what excites you. And no, it doesn’t require a complete life overhaul or one of those “detox” teas that promise the world and taste like disappointment. Instead, it’s a gentle process of reconnecting with your creative self, one small step at a time.
Here are a few ideas to get started:
1. Declutter Your Space – and Your Mind
There’s something oddly satisfying about clearing out a drawer or reorganising your desk. It’s as if, by tidying up the physical chaos, you make room for fresh ideas to take root. Start small: tackle a single shelf, your workspace, or that folder on your computer ominously labelled “Misc.”. Allow yourself to let go of outdated projects and ideas that do nothing for you. You’ll feel much better for it!
2. Take Stock of Your Wins (and Losses)
Before you dive headlong into new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What went well? What didn’t? And – be honest now – what did you absolutely fumble? Celebrate the victories, laugh off the failures, and consider what lessons you’ve learned. Reflection isn’t about wallowing; it’s about understanding where you’ve been so you can move forward.
3. Feed Your Inspiration
Needless to say, I’m a big fan of this tip. Sometimes, the best way to reignite your creativity is to borrow a spark from someone else. Read a book, watch a film, visit a gallery, or simply take a long walk and let the world surprise you. The key is to step away from your usual routine and give your mind something new to chew on. You never know where inspiration might strike – just be sure to have a notebook (or your notes app) handy when it does.
4. Set Tiny Goals
The new year often brings a spurt of ambition. We vow to write a novel, launch a business, or finally learn French (I’m already annoyed at the Duolingo owl 😭). But let’s be real: huge goals are overwhelming, and life has a way of throwing curveballs—or, realistically, Netflix marathons—into the mix. Instead, focus on small, achievable steps. Write 100 words a day. Spend 10 minutes sketching. Celebrate progress, no matter how tiny, and build momentum from there.
5. Embrace the Wobbles
Creativity isn’t a straight path; it’s more of a drunken stumble through a maze. There will be moments when you doubt yourself, when nothing seems to work, or when you’re tempted to pack it all in and become a hermit. That’s OK. Wobbles are part of the process. The trick is to keep going, even if it’s just a shuffle forward. Trust that the spark will return – usually when you least expect it.
6. Find Your People
Creativity doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour. Seek out others who inspire and challenge you. Join a workshop, attend a meet-up, or simply have a cuppa with a like-minded friend. Sharing ideas, getting feedback, or just having a good rant about the creative process. I’ve been recently become part of a creative lunch club, it’s been *wonderful* to meet other creatives in different industries and has left me feeling creatively refreshed after every meet up.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
This one’s important, so lean in: you’re not a machine. You’ll have off days. You’ll make mistakes. And that’s perfectly fine. Treat yourself with the same patience and understanding you’d offer a friends who’s struggling. Rest when you need it, celebrate when you can, and remember that creativity isn’t about perfection, because perfection doesn’t exist, it’s about expression.
As the new year unfolds, give yourself permission to reset, recharge, and rediscover your creative spark. It doesn’t have to be grand or Instagram-worthy; it just has to be yours. And if all else fails, there’s always February to start over again. 🤭
If you’d like to talk more creativity, social media, or data and insights, then why not give us a shout – we’re always happy to chat!