Finding Creativity After 40: Strategies & Insights

For years, like many men in their 40s, I had convinced myself that I didn’t have time for creative pursuits.

My energy and focus were consumed by the 9 to 5, and while it did require some level of creativity, I had a successful career that was more analytical than creative.

Then with a young family to care for, my creative writing passions took a back seat. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day to tackle everything on my to-do list, let alone carve out time for creative interests.

But as time passed, I realized something was missing from my life. I missed getting lost in a good book or writing a new story from scratch. I realized that I had been neglecting a big part of myself and that it was time to change.

Breaking Age Barriers: Creativity Knows No Bounds.

Creativity is often associated with youthfulness and freshness. We think of the most creative people as young, idealistic, and full of energy. Characteristics that I, and many other men in their 40s with young children, no longer associate with!

So how can you tap back into your creative potential in your 40s and find new ways to express yourself?

In this post, we’ll explore some common challenges men face when finding creativity in their 40s and share strategies and insights to overcome these obstacles.

What is Creativity?

Put simply; creativity is the spark that ignites when you combine imagination, originality, and innovation to create something new and exciting.

Why Creativity Matters

Creativity is not just a hobby or a side project. It’s a vital component of personal growth and development.

When we are creative, we tap into our deepest selves and explore new ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world around us. Creativity can help us express our emotions, solve problems, and find new paths in life.

But for many men over 40, finding creativity can be challenging. They may feel stuck in their routines, bound by their responsibilities, and need help figuring out where to turn for inspiration.

Don’t Panic! How to Creatively Navigate the Twists and Turns of Your 40s.

When you hit your 40s, you’re bound to face all sorts of challenges and opportunities that you never saw coming. You may be switching careers, dealing with relationship drama, or struggling with your health.

But don’t worry – getting creative can help you deal with that in a new and more meaningful way.

When you find creativity, you can unlock your inner potential, try new things, and build up the confidence and grit you need to handle anything life throws your way.

Finding Creativity after 40: The Challenges

So, creativity offers a fantastic way to explore who you are and help you rediscover passions as you move through your 40s, but it’s not always straightforward. Let’s dive into some of the blockers and challenges to finding creativity in your 40s:

1). Feeling too busy

I know how hectic life can be for men in their 40s. We’ve got careers to juggle, families to care for, bills to pay, and a million other things vying for our attention. With all that going on, you may feel like there’s no time or energy left for anything creative.

But here’s the thing: creativity is one of the best things you can do for yourself at this stage in life. Studies have shown that creative pursuits can reduce stress, boost mood, enhance cognitive function, and even improve physical health. Plus, it’s a way to express yourself and tap into your innermost thoughts and emotions, which can be incredibly fulfilling.

I get it, though. You might think, “That’s all well and good, but when am I supposed to find the time?” The truth is, it can be a small time commitment. Even just 15-20 minutes a day can make a difference. And there are plenty of creative activities that you can fit into your existing routine, like writing in a journal during your lunch break, doodling while you watch TV, or playing an instrument before bed.

Consider what you are willing to trade off. You may have to cut back on scrolling through social media or watching sports highlights on YouTube. But think about it: which is more important to you in the long run? A few minutes of mindless entertainment or a lifetime of creative fulfillment and growth?

So pick up that paintbrush, dust off that guitar, or start that novel you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll thank yourself for it.

2). Feeling too old

You might feel you’re too old to pursue something creative or new. Maybe you’re thinking, “I should have started this years ago,” or “What’s the point of starting now?” But I’m here to tell you that age is just a number.

Some of the most accomplished and influential artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives didn’t hit their stride until later in life. Take Raymond Chandler, who didn’t publish his first novel until he was 51, or Grandma Moses, who didn’t start painting seriously until she was in her 70s. It’s never too late to discover your creative spark and see where it takes you.

Plus, there are some unique advantages to pursuing creativity later in life. For one thing, you’ve got a lifetime’s worth of experiences, insights, and perspectives to draw on – which can give your work a richness and depth that younger artists may not have. You may also have more time, resources, and flexibility than when you were younger, making it easier to carve out space for creative pursuits.

It’s understandable to feel hesitant or self-conscious about trying something new. But the only way to fail is never to try. And who knows – you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

3). Feeling uninspired

Sometimes it can feel like you’ve lost touch with your creative side. You may have been doing the same thing for so long that it no longer feels fresh or exciting. You may be dealing with other life challenges that have sapped your energy and motivation. For whatever reason, feeling uninspired and lacking motivation can be a genuine hurdle to pursuing creativity.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that creativity happens naturally or that you either have it or don’t. But the truth is, creativity is often hard work. It takes discipline, focus, and a willingness to push through the moments when you don’t feel like doing anything.

The bottom line is that feeling uninspired and lacking motivation is a real challenge to pursuing creativity. But it’s not insurmountable. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can push through the challenging moments and rediscover the joy of creating. So don’t give up. You’ve got this.

4). Fear of failure

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut because you’re afraid of failing? You may have a lot riding on your career, relationships, or sense of self-worth, and the thought of making a mistake or falling short is too much to bear.

Fear of failure can be a significant obstacle to pursuing your creativity. It can keep you from taking risks, trying new things, or putting your work out there for others to see. But the truth is failure is an inevitable part of the creative process. Artists, writers, musicians, and creators have all faced setbacks, rejections, and disappointments.

It’s how you respond to those failures that make all the difference.

One thing to remember is that failure is not the same as incompetence or worthlessness. Just because something doesn’t turn out how you wanted doesn’t mean you’re a failure as a person or an artist. It’s essential to separate your self-worth from your creative output and recognize that mistakes and failures are opportunities for growth and learning.

Another challenge of fear of failure is the pressure to conform to certain expectations or standards. Maybe you feel like you must create something that’s “good enough” or that will impress others rather than just creating for the sake of creating. This can lead to a lot of self-censorship and stifled creativity.

So, if fear of failure is holding you back from pursuing your creativity, remember that it’s a natural and common feeling. Reframe failure as an opportunity for growth, and don’t let external expectations or pressures hold you back from creating what you truly want to create.

5). Self-doubt & Negative self-talk

It’s common for men in their 40s to struggle with self-doubt and a lack of confidence in their creative abilities. You may feel like you’re not good enough and don’t have the talent or skills to create something worthwhile. This can be especially true if you’re comparing yourself to others, whether it’s famous artists or friends and acquaintances who seem to be doing amazing things.

Negative self-talk can also be a significant obstacle to pursuing your creativity. That voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough, that your ideas are stupid, or that you’ll never be able to succeed can drain your motivation and energy. Getting stuck in a cycle of self-criticism and self-doubt prevents you from taking risks and trying new things.

So, if you’re struggling with self-doubt and negative self-talk, remember you’re not alone. It’s a challenge that many men in their 40s face. Even the most accomplished and talented artists have moments of self-doubt. But it’s important not to let it hold you back from exploring your creativity and pursuing your passions.

With the right mindset, support, and strategies, you can break through that barrier and discover the joy of creating.

Finding Creativity after 40: Strategies and Insights for Success

Despite the challenges that men in their 40s face when trying to find creativity, several strategies and insights can assist in overcoming these obstacles:

1). Carve out time

Carving out time for creativity is essential to tap into your full potential and discover your capabilities.

One strategy for finding time is to look closer at your schedule and identify pockets of time you can use for creative pursuits. Maybe you can wake up an hour earlier and use that time to write, paint, or practice your instrument. Or you can set aside a specific evening each week to work on your creative projects.

If time is constrained, consider integrating creativity into your existing routine – for example, by sketching during your lunch break or brainstorming ideas while on the treadmill.

The key is to make creativity a priority in your life. Make sacrifices, such as cutting back on TV or social media time to free up more space for creativity. Remember, if you don’t prioritize your creativity, it’s unlikely to happen on its own.

Finally, it’s worth noting that finding time for creativity is often about mindset as much as it is about logistics. You may think you’re too busy or that creativity is a luxury. But the truth is, making time for creativity is an investment in yourself and your well-being. It can help you de-stress, gain perspective, and discover new passions and talents.

Prioritize your creativity and carve out that time, even if it feels like there are a million other things demanding your attention. You’ll be glad you did.

Expert input:

“Make creative work the most important thing you do. Everyone complains about being too busy, but everyone finds a way to do what’s truly important to them. If watching a TV show is important, you’ll find a way to do it.”

Chris Guillebeau – Author and Entrepreneur

2). Embrace your experience

As men in our 40s, we’ve lived through a lot. We’ve experienced successes and failures, joys and sorrows, and everything in between. And while we can dismiss our life experience as just another part of getting older, the truth is that it can be a powerful asset when it comes to creativity.

Using our life experience to inform our creative pursuits means drawing on the wisdom and insight we’ve gained over the years. It means recognizing that we can creatively express our experiences – both good and bad – that have shaped us. Whether writing a memoir, painting a portrait, or composing a song, our life experience can provide a rich tapestry of material to draw from.

So, embrace your experience and use it to fuel your creative fire.

Expert input:

“Your Weirdness is your superpower. It’s your ability to own your life and create something amazing with it. It’s something to be explored, expressed, and tapped into as a means to access who you were born to be, your innate creativity, and your authentic power source. It is why you are here—your purpose.”

James Victore – Artist and Entrepreneur

3). Experiment with new forms

As we age, it’s easy to fall into habits and routines – especially regarding our creative pursuits. But trying out new forms can be a compelling way to shake things up and unlock new possibilities.

The beauty of experimenting with new forms is that it allows you to see the world in a different way. If you’ve spent your whole life painting, for example, trying your hand at writing or music can give you a fresh perspective and challenge you in new ways. It can also help you tap into different parts of your brain and unlock new sources of creativity.

Of course, trying something new can also be intimidating. You might worry that you’re not good enough or will embarrass yourself. But the point of experimenting with new forms isn’t necessarily to become an expert – it’s to challenge yourself and explore your creativity in new ways.

Start small, take baby steps, and above all, have fun. Whether you’re writing a poem, learning to play the guitar, or trying your hand at pottery, the journey is often just as important as the destination.

Ultimately, experimenting with new forms is about being open to new experiences and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. So why not give it a try? Who knows – you might discover a new passion or talent you never knew you had.

4). Seek out inspiration

Have you ever felt like your creativity has run dry? Like you’re just going through the motions and lacking inspiration? It’s a familiar feeling, especially when life gets busy and overwhelming. But don’t worry – there are ways to reignite your creative spark and get those juices flowing again.

For starters, try mixing things up. If you’ve been doing the same creative activity for a while, switch to something different. For example, try picking up a paintbrush if you’re a writer. If you’re a musician, try experimenting with a new genre. Just stepping out of your comfort zone can open up new avenues of inspiration.

You can also look for inspiration in unexpected places. Go for a walk in nature, visit an art museum, or read a book by an author you’ve never heard of. Pay attention to the small details of everyday life, like how the light falls on a building or the sound of birdsong in the morning. You never know what might spark your creativity, as demonstrated in the inspiring story of how Play-Doh was created!

Another way to get inspired is to collaborate with others. Join a creative group or club, attend a workshop, or bounce ideas off a friend. Sometimes the energy and excitement of working with others can give you a fresh perspective and new ideas.

Don’t let a lack of inspiration keep you from exploring your creativity—there are plenty of ways to reignite that spark and rediscover the joy of creating. Just be open to new experiences, pay attention to the world, and, most importantly, permit yourself to have fun.

Expert input:

“You are a mashup of what you let into your life.”

Austin Kleon – Author

5). Get comfortable with discomfort

Creativity can be messy and unpredictable. Trying something new or putting yourself out there creatively can be uncomfortable. But the truth is, real growth and breakthroughs often come from embracing discomfort and pushing beyond your limits.

Getting comfortable with discomfort can mean a lot of different things. It may mean trying something new that you’re not sure you’ll be good at. It could mean putting your work out there and facing rejection or criticism. Or it means simply allowing yourself to sit with the discomfort that comes with creative uncertainty and not knowing what will happen next.

Remember that it’s okay to take baby steps and make mistakes. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself and not give up when things get tough.

In the end, getting comfortable with discomfort is about embracing the messiness and unpredictability of the creative process. It’s about recognizing that growth and breakthroughs often come from stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself in new ways.

So lean into discomfort and see where it takes you.

Expert input:

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”

Seth Godin – Entrepreneur and Author

6). Practice self-compassion

Being tough and self-reliant can feel like standard conditioning for men in their 40s. But when it comes to creativity, sometimes the kindest thing we can do for ourselves is to practice self-compassion.

Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and support you would offer a good friend. It means recognizing that you’re only human and that it’s okay to make mistakes, experience setbacks, and have doubts and fears. It also means being gentle with yourself when you’re struggling and reminding yourself that you’re doing the best you can.

For many men, practicing self-compassion can be a challenge. It can feel like weakness or self-indulgence to be kind to ourselves, especially when trying to push ourselves creatively. But the truth is, self-compassion is a powerful tool for overcoming fears and self-doubt. When we’re kinder to ourselves, we’re more likely to take risks, try new things, and push past our creative boundaries.

So if you’re struggling with self-doubt or creative fears, try practicing self-compassion. Be gentle with yourself when you’re struggling. With time, self-compassion is the key to unlocking your creative potential.

Expert input:

“One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren’t enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.”

Viggo Mortensen – Actor

7). Embrace imperfection

For many men in their 40s who feel conditioned to strive for perfection and avoid mistakes and failures at all costs, perfectionism can be a significant obstacle to creativity. That’s why embracing imperfection and seeing mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth, and learning is essential.

Embracing imperfection means allowing yourself to make mistakes, take risks, and experiment with new ideas – even if they don’t always work out how you hoped. It also means recognizing that mistakes and failures are a natural part of the creative process and can often lead to breakthroughs and new insights.

For many men, embracing imperfection can be challenging, with mistakes and failures viewed as signs of weakness or incompetence. But the truth is, the most successful and accomplished artists and creatives often have embraced imperfection and learned to use it to their advantage.

So if you’re struggling with perfectionism or a fear of making mistakes, allow yourself to experiment, take risks, and learn from your failures. Recognize that creativity is a process and that making mistakes along the way is okay.

8). Surround yourself with supportive people

Creativity can be a solitary pursuit, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Having a network of supportive friends, family, or creative peers can be incredibly beneficial when pursuing your creative goals.

Supportive people can provide encouragement, feedback, and inspiration when needed. They can help you stay motivated, hold you accountable, and offer a fresh perspective when you’re stuck. They can also help you celebrate your successes and navigate your setbacks.

There are many ways to connect with others who share your interests and passions. You might join a writing group, attend an art class, or participate in a local theater troupe. You might also reach out to friends or family members interested in creativity or explore online communities and forums.

Ultimately, surrounding yourself with supportive people is about building a community that understands and values your creative pursuits. It’s about finding people who encourage you to keep going, even when things get tough. So if you’re feeling isolated or struggling to stay motivated, consider reaching out and building your support system. You might find the journey is much more enjoyable with some friends along for the ride.

By breaking down the barriers that hold us back and fostering a more creative mindset, men in their 40s can tap into their inner potential and discover new avenues of self-expression. Whether painting, writing, music, or any other form of creativity, there’s no limit to what we can achieve when we think outside the box.

The journey won’t always be simple. We’ll face setbacks, doubts, and fears along the way. But by embracing discomfort, practicing self-compassion, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we can overcome these obstacles and reach new heights of creativity.

So if you’re a man in your 40s feeling stuck or uninspired, take heart. You have all the tools to tap into your creativity and explore new possibilities. With courage, persistence, and creativity, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. The simple truth is that creativity knows no age – it’s a journey for all that want it.

So why not start today?