Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Susanne Puerschel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Susanne, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
Creativity is the lifeblood of artists, writers, and innovators. Yet, even the most prolific minds occasionally encounter the stifling grip of a “creativity block.” This mental barricade, often likened to hitting a brick wall, impedes the free flow of ideas and expressions. At its core, a creativity block is an interruption in one’s ability to access their inner muse ( also called our higher self) or generate novel ideas. It’s a phenomenon that’s all too familiar to the artistic community. But why is it so prevalent? The intricate dance between the conscious and subconscious mind, external pressures, and the very nature of creative work makes artists particularly susceptible. It’s a challenge that, while daunting, is an integral part of the creative journey. Creativity blocks often arise from various sources. External pressures, such as looming deadlines and high expectations, can stifle spontaneous thought. Internally, self-doubt and the fear of failure paralyze creative impulses. Additionally, uninspiring environments and monotonous routines can drain one’s imaginative reservoir, leading to stagnation.
I personally experience these blocks regularly and I have learned a few things about why I , still, arrive at this point of feeling ” uncreative”.
1. I get in my head. Questioning the result before even starting to create, rooting in the deep fear of not being enough.
2. Judgement. Of myself and the perceived judgment of others has the ability to stop any creativity in me.
3. Lack of Self-Care. Not enough sleep , poor nutrition, uninspiring company and the lack of time in nature definitely have an effect on my levels of creativity.
AWARENESS is key.
At our evolutionary core, our brains prioritize survival over creativity, a mechanism designed to protect us from ancient threats like the saber-toothed tiger. Today, this manifests as creative blocks when faced with unfamiliar challenges. Our brain perceives these situations as threats, shutting down our creative faculties. By recognizing this primal response, we can consciously override it, assuring our minds it’s safe to innovate and create. Only with this awareness can we move beyond age-old fears and unlock our true creative potential.
What can you do when the emotions of fear and doubt overtake your conciseness , your creativity is frozen and multiple trips to the fridge feel more effective than anything else.
Certainly! Here are three examples that continue the thought:
Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation: When fear and doubt cloud your consciousness, grounding yourself in the present moment can be a powerful antidote. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or guided meditation, can help you detach from these negative emotions and observe them without judgment. By centering yourself, you can create a mental space where creativity can once again flourish, and the urge to seek comfort in the fridge diminishes.
Engage in Physical Activity: The best way to break free from emotional paralysis is to change your physical state and get moving. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance session, or a quick workout, physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Not only does it divert your attention from the looming fridge, but it also helps in channeling your energy positively, reigniting the creative spark within.
Seek Inspiration Outside: Nature, art, or even a change of scenery can be powerful catalysts for creativity. When doubt and fear hold you captive, step outside and immerse yourself in the world around you and find gratitude. Visit a local museum, take a stroll in a park, or simply change your workspace. These new stimuli can shift your perspective, helping you see past the emotional barriers and rekindling your creative spirit.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As far as I can think back, I knew with certainty that I had to be on stage as a ballerina. I had the privilege to grow up on communist side of Germany, receiving an outstanding elite education to become a professional dancer. Not many people know that artist in East Germany were highly celebrated, as long as they created what was expected of them. Underground though, it was a colorful scene that created fearlessly judging the political system and leaking it to “the other side”. These were exciting times and I was filled with eager excitement to be one of those “change makers” one day. When the wall fell in 1989 everything changed! All over sudden arts became a “nice to have” instead of a celebrated ” must have”.
I thought, leaving this new environment would bring new fulfillment. Only to learn that the arts in North America were in a much more difficult place than I could of ever imagined. That was back in 2000. I experienced it myself as a dancer ( professional). salary was $500/week for 40 weeks out of the year.
23 years later- nothing has changed. Everyone is complaining and so resistant to change.
And that is how 2RISE was born. I am tired of watching artist’s being second class. I am tired of the victim mentality. 2RISE is here to change the power distribution between society and the arts and entertainment industry.
RISE is an ultramodern platform set to redefine the arts and entertainment industry. Utilizing blockchain technology, we offer a Web3-based ticketing solution that ensures fair, secure, and transparent transactions. Integrated with NFT capabilities and AI-driven marketing tools, RISE aims to offer artists, fans, and vendors a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses long-standing industry challenges, such as financial sustainability and ticketing inefficiencies.
RISE is not just another ticketing platform; it’s a technology-driven ecosystem designed by a team with deep expertise in tokenomics, NFTs, and arts/entertainment management. Our platform employs AI-driven tools for artists and Web3 infrastructure to provide all stakeholders with a feature-rich, secure, and financially sustainable environment.
It is time 2RISE up!!!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Very early on I learned to be gritty. If I wanted something, I went out to get it. And as a child or even young adult we go after our wants with so much certainty. I had that, naturally. And still have it when I get out of my head. Trust your gut! Lean in to what your inner being knows and dismiss what other expect you to do. Whenever I follow that gut feeling and I stay away from the temptation to override it, everything falls into place perfectly.
Re-learn to be curious. Our life’s circumstance may have taught us to just swim along with everyone else’s beliefs and expectations. Curiosity is a superpower and when you lean back into that 4 year old self of you, you’ll find endless potential.
I have this quote in my house as a consistent reminder…. “You can only grow your business to the extend you are willing to grow yourself.”
No matter where you are in your journey, you will never be done. Make peace with that!
Look around you and take inventory of your inner circle of friends. What are their priorities? Are they talking about others and their problems all the time or are they dreamers, builders, changemakers, problem solvers? If they are not in the ladder category, spend less time with them and uplevel. You become who you surround yourself with!
And last and most importantly, self- awareness is key. Know your triggers, know why you are resisting, check on your self talk, identify your trauma and heal it. Reach out and ask for help as much as you can and find communities that help you RISE.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
One of the biggest learns for me personally over the past few years was letting go of the belief that I am not good enough. That belief comes with so many side effects- playing small, being a victim, not leaning into our purpose and so much more. As far as I remember back I had (and still have )this knowing that I am here for a very specific reason.
I know that the current state of the arts and entertainment industry is in need of a “revolution”. Not many people really care , yet, to create new ways in which we can distribute revenue for artists equally and make art and investable product without compromising integrity and the creative process. I am looking for people to collaborate with that are solution oriented artists or lovers of the arts that have a deep understanding of what got us her will not get us there. People that want to be a part of making an impact and the creation of something new that will change the financial landscape of the arts and entertainment industry forever.
If this speaks to you, if you are ready to stop complaining and start to take action email me [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.2rise.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointe_to_rise/?hl=en,
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-puerschel-800364175/
Image Credits
As always, credit goes to @girlsquadmedia
