We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tina Mirka a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tina, 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 Blocks have absolutely been a struggle for me as an actor and creative producer. While I’m at times able to overcome these obstacles, they always seem to pop back in from time to time. With all of the distractions of daily life, it can be easy to fall off track and lose sight of why I wanted to act, write, and create in the first place.
However, here are a few tools I’ve found to be especially effective in overcoming Creativity Blocks:
1. Learning to get back to your “why”.
In my case, this would be the primary motivator for why I wanted to get into the entertainment industry in the first place. I highly recommend listening to Simon Sinek’s viral Ted Talk called “How great leaders inspire action” to learn more about the importance of reconnecting to your own “why”.
2. Mindfulness practices.
I regularly practice a variety of habits to increase mindfulness, such as journaling and meditation. I find that this helps to calm many of the swirling throughts in my mind that often cloud my brain and contribute to mental blockages.
3. Small daily habits to foster creativity.
When I have a burst of creativity, I try to take full advantage of it. In the past, I’ve discounted just how much of a difference it makes to be motivated and in the flow. But if I let something slip by, I end up mentally finding it much harder to complete the task.
To get into this creative state more often, I seek to build momentum through incorporating smaller tasks into my daily routine, such as reading 10 pages of a script per day. I was particularly inspired by Darren Hardy’s book “The Compound Effect”, which demonstrates how small tangible habits can make larger goals far less daunting and help set you up for long-term success.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Contact Info:
Website: www.tinamirka.com
Email: hello@tinamirka.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tinamirka
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve come to recognize the following qualities and skills that played pivotal roles:
1. Adaptability.
In the world of creativity and entertainment, things are constantly evolving. Being adaptable to changing circumstances, trends, and technologies is essential. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate a mindset of adaptability. Embrace new challenges as opportunities for growth, and always be open to learning and evolving with the industry.
2. Collaboration.
Creativity often thrives in a collaborative environment. Building strong working relationships with fellow creatives, whether they are actors, writers, directors, or producers, can lead to incredible synergy and open doors to new opportunities. Attend industry events, engage with peers, and seek out mentorship to develop these vital connections.
3. Resilience.
The creative journey is filled with highs and lows. Rejection and setbacks are par for the course. What sets successful creatives apart is their resilience. My advice for those starting out is to develop resilience by understanding that failures are part of the process. Each setback is a chance to learn and grow. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you to persevere through challenges, and don’t let temporary obstacles deter you from your creative goals.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed, I rely on a few different strategies to regain control. First and foremost, I try to assess the situation. I often create a list of tasks that are contributing to the overwhelm, prioritizing them based on urgency and importance. If I’m still unable to get a grasp, I might journal until I feel at ease about a particular problem or set of problems.
Effective time management is also key to managing overwhelm. I like to rely on digital tools, like my phone’s calendar, reminders, and notes app, to schedule tasks and deadlines and keep everything as meticulously organized as I can.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, have also played a significant role in regaining balance. Prioritizing self-care is equally vital. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are other integral components.
Acknowledging that we’re not alone in facing overwhelm is essential. Seeking support from friends or other colleagues in this industry has often led me to valuable insights and solutions.
Finally, I’ve learned to embrace the power of saying no. Overcommitting is a common cause of overwhelm, and I’ve realized that declining additional commitments when my plate is full allows me to concentrate on my core responsibilities and deliver my best work.
Overwhelm is certainly a shared experience in the entertainment industry – like practically all other industries – but with effective tools and a proactive approach, it can become much more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tinamirka.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tinamirka/
- Other: IMDB: www.imdb.me/tinamirka
