The blank wall has the answer

Dec 27, 2023

A simple but powerful technique to get out of a creative rut.

elephants enjoying being safe in the water

Sometimes you find yourself in a rut. You feel lost. You know what to do, but at the same time, you don't. Mindless scrolling keeps you distracted. You start to disconnect. Your vitality fades away. You feel distant, not sad, but dispassionate. Numb.

  • I know that feeling bro

  • Let me help you

A simple solution

Get ready, because here it comes: sit down and stare at a blank wall. That's it. You don't need to do anything else. Don't try to control your thoughts or relax. Initially, you may feel awkward. Allow sensations and emotions to arise on their own. I promise you that if you keep staring at the wall for long enough, the solution will emerge.

At some point, an idea will appear:

  • If you roll a pizza does it become a burrito?

  • That would make for a cool restaurant

  • Thank you!

I'm sure you will have more interesting thoughts. Perhaps a cool project to build, a deep conversation to have, or an interesting article to read. As you start fantasizing about it, one idea will get traction. Your excitement will start to grow:

  • Pepperoni burrito? That sounds orgasmic man… who wouldn’t want one?

  • Bob opened a restaurant last year, maybe we could team up. He likes pepperoni…

You will start thinking about how cool it would be to do it, anticipating the recognition and the sense of accomplishment. At this moment, it’s easy to feel the urge to start working on it immediately. Don't rush it, let the itch grow. Start connecting again with yourself, with this moment, and the opportunity you have to make it different. Don’t let fantasy confuse you, let it inspire you. Eventually, you will feel aligned, ready to take the necessary next steps. Stand up.

There are many types of walls: some are made of concrete, others of paper. Some are physical, others digital. It doesn't matter how it's built; what matters is creating the space to rediscover yourself. Stare at the wall for long enough and it will stare back at you.