Creative Hustle: How to Stay Creative in a World Full of Distractions
In today’s hyper-digitized world, creativity feels like a battle. Notifications, emails pile up, and some of us doom-scroll social media...but all is not lost; you can evolve...
In today’s hyper-digitized world, creativity feels like a battle. Notifications buzz, emails pile up, and some of us doom-scroll social media... but all is not lost; you can evolve. Staying focused and nurturing creativity amidst the chaos is no easy feat. But for a creative weirdo like you, finding ways to protect and fuel your creative process is essential.
Here’s how you can hustle creatively while keeping distractions at bay:
1. Optimize Your Creative Space
Okay, for number one, you need a designated creative space. Why? Cause the brain is weird—when you assign a specific place for a certain action, your brain will optimize for that action. Like sitting on the couch means playing games or binging anime... or whatever weirdo things you do during late Friday nights. Your space could be anything: a clutter-free desk with your sketchbook or notebook, or a distraction-free desktop/browser setup. Just ensure you make your space sacred—holy…wait, maybe not holy…
Weird Tip: Place odd objects, maybe a rubber chicken, a floating car, or a fake plant, in your space to keep the vibes fresh and unique. The weirder, the better! Create an environment so unconventional that distractions feel out of place. It’ll keep your brain curious and your creativity buzzing.
2. Master the Art of Deep Work
Dedicate a few hours for deep creative work, and immerse yourself in focused, undistracted, uninterrupted tasks. When you enter the flow state, you unleash another level of creative power you didn’t know existed. It’s almost God-like—some of your best work will happen here.
How to Enter the Flow:
Set a timer for 60-90 minutes of deep work.
Turn off notifications and disconnect from social media.
Use music or ambient noise to maintain focus. (Spotify is the way to go, or Apple Music if you're feeling fancy 🤷)
Look onto your work like a proud parent, and don’t forget that pat on the back.
3. Stop Multitasking
Multitasking is the enemy—it kills your creativity, stunts your evolution, and makes your work look like goblin poop compared to what it could be: something powerful and timeless. It fragments your attention and weakens your problem-solving abilities.
Creative Challenge: Instead of juggling tasks, focus on one creative endeavor at a time. Set aside time to fully immerse yourself in sketching, writing, or brainstorming. Watch how your creative flow amplifies when you allow your brain to wander and explore without interruptions.
4. Consume Less—Create More
Social media is modern-day heroin. It’s an addictive drug that hijacks your mind. External content can steal your creativity before you even start. Instead of scrolling for 2 hours first thing in the morning, make it a non-negotiable rule to create something first—write, sketch, or brainstorm ideas. You can consume content after you’ve started creating, and cut down the time you spend doing it.
Try This: Start your day with a 10-minute creative warm-up, like doodling, journaling, or brainstorming ideas.
5. Embrace Boredom
Boredom is where creativity is born. When you allow yourself to be still, your brain settles from the chaos of life, making unexpected connections and giving birth to fresh ideas. These ideas could come from content you've consumed during your Netflix or TikTok binge.
How to Embrace It:
Go for a walk without listening to music or podcasts.
Let your mind wander instead of constantly seeking stimulation.
Spend time daydreaming—and yes, it’s very much productive!
Or just stare at a wall, a sock, a banana, a doll head... Name it, give it a tragic backstory, befriend it, bite it. 🤪
The point is to have as little stimulation as possible.
6. Set Creative Boundaries
Boundaries are everything. If you don’t set guardrails, the zombie hoard will consume you (unless you’re Joel Miller, then that’s a different story). Distractions come from people, obligations, and an endless stream of tasks. Protect your creative time by setting up boundaries.
How You’ll Do It:
Communicate your creative hours to friends and family.
Say no to unnecessary commitments that drain your energy.
Schedule creative time just like you would an important meeting.
You could even wear a Gryffindor robe with glasses and keep a wand nearby, so when your family sees you, they know you’re in another zone entirely. Bonus points if you stay in character.
7. Refill Your Creative Well
Earlier, I said you should consume less and create more. While true, you also need to consume in moderation. Think of your creativity as a water tank: it can get empty if used up (duh), but it can’t be filled unless something fills it. You need to “refill” your creativity by absorbing content, seeking inspiration from books, art, music, and real-world experiences.
Creative Boost Ideas:
Visit a gallery or museum.
Read a book outside your usual genre.
Watch niche social media channels.
Watch a documentary or explore a new place.
Go to a paintball shootout, and roleplay as Captain Price, if you yell “Breaching clear, moving in!” for extra immersion.
Final Thoughts
Staying creative in today’s world is tough, but totally possible with intentional effort and practice. Protect your space, train your focus, sit still, be like Buddha, and cultivate habits that nourish your creativity. Your ideas matter, so make space for them to thrive and evolve into something worthy of this world.
Now it’s your turn…how do you stay creative in a distracting world? Drop your thoughts in the comments!