5 Creative Ways to Reset in 2022

2021 … chiiiiiile. 

Remember when our Instagram timelines and stories were filled with the “2021 will be my year!” memes. We were so happy that we survived the sh*t storm in 2020.

That was until 2021 hit us with the remix. 

COVID and its variant homies are still running rampant in these streets, the police are still killing us and we’re still mourning the loss of Black icons like Cicely Tyson and Virgil Abloh. In addition, we’ve watched “the big quit” help usher Black creatives and entrepreneurs into their own paths to significant opportunities and even got to see firsthand what happens when Black creators demand protection and acknowledgment for their content. However, all the highs and lows don’t change that 2021 has left some of us feeling exhausted, limited and just wrung out. 

So after (almost) two years of donning masks, decision fatigue, dealing with stress and the (still) uncertainty of a raging pandemic, how do you reset for an inventive and productive New Year? Here are five places we can start:

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Detox Your Timeline

Whenever you need to do a reset or recalibration, this can be square one at any time of the year. Whether we admit it or not, social media can play a huge part in the clutter and overwhelm in our minds.

The consumption of information and influence we take in daily is debilitating to our productivity and overall purpose if we’re not careful, so it’s clutch to make sure you are intentional with what you see and hear every day. If you know there’s an influencer or family member that triggers you in a not-so-good way, you may want to go ahead and unfollow them. Likewise, the same goes for some of those email subscriptions. If there’s a brand that’s sending you too many daily emails or, worse, makes you want to pull out your debit card every time you see their name—it might be time to get off their list (at least for a little while). 

Rest & Recharge

The power of good rest should never be underestimated. Unfortunately, we are a society that’s focused on striving and rarely stopping because, for some reason, we equate quitting with laziness. So we work our fingers to the bone, only to rest when we’re exhausted. 

Newsflash: That’s not good rest. 

Take a moment to remind yourself regularly that you’re not a robot, and you can’t (and shouldn’t) be in “go” mode all the time. Instead, incorporate breathing practices into your daily routine. Find a meditative practice that helps you feel most alive and connected to yourself. Grab a journal and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise. Check out a yoga class or go for a morning jog. 

Whichever way you choose, find ways to take a break from the grind and settle into a space of restful relaxation.

Break Up the Monotony

2021 may not be the twin sister to 2020, but it’s safe to say they could be first cousins.  

So much so, many of us are still suffering from our creativity being on some sort of “autopilot” from last year’s relentless ride. For many of us, tapping back into pockets of creativity has been like pulling teeth. However, somehow we’ve still managed to produce something, even if it wasn’t our best effort. This worked for a minute, but some may be feeling stagnate because their once-steady supply of creative inspiration has dried up.

That’s why we must find new ways to break up the creative monotony in 2022. Think to yourself:

Do I need to have an honest conversation about what creativity means to me (in this space)? 

What activities do I need to schedule to stimulate my mind and boost my mood?

Is it time to change my work environment or set up a Zoom meeting with some of my creative friends/community to gain inspiration? 

Whatever the case, do something different for a fresh outlook on your artistry as you tap back into your genius!

Create a Replenishment Schedule

Are you a creative who has a habit of being over-booked and always busy? Unfortunately, this only gets worse at the end of the year as we close out projects, meet deadlines and complete tasks before the New Year’s clock strikes midnight. 

Before you fill your new planner to the brim with ideas and events that could potentially add to your exhaustion and overwhelm, give yourself the ease you deserve by creating a replenishment schedule.

You start by identifying the people, activities, dynamics and engagements that replenish and fulfill you. Got a friend you’ve been meaning to have lunch with? Schedule it to your replenishment schedule. Need to schedule a self-care or personal pamper day? Add it to your replenishment schedule. Got a fave movie that inspires you every time you see it? Pencil a watch date into your replenishment schedule.

Choose Your Power Word

Maybe New Year’s resolutions are not your jam. They can feel forced and temporary, so much that the resolution feels like a thing of the past by the time February comes. 

As an alternative, consider choosing a power word for the year. This game-changer brings on a whole new awareness of how you approach your goals and year. It also elevates your life level from doing something to being something—which makes a world of difference. For example, let’s say your word for the year is “courage.” The idea is that the power word will serve as a “north star” in all areas of your life, accompanying every thought and action. So instead of being driven by dates and action items on a to-do list, your year will be guided with intention.

Regardless of how 2021 went, you have tremendous potential. And whether you’re picking up where you left off or starting all over again, give yourself this time to reset your mind and spirit so you can move in passion and purpose.

From all of us at THE BLOCK—we’re wishing you a happy, healthy and wealthy 2022. Let’s crush it together!