Creative Process Archives – Biliz Maharjan

You’re Not Blocked. You’re Afraid to Be Seen.

Biliz Maharjan — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:28:08 +0000

Most writers have a problem. They rely too much on inspiration instead of action. So, instead of being honest with themselves about the actual truth, they tell themselves (and others) that they are not inspired and are trying to find the right “idea” to write about.

Not being able to write isn’t a problem of creativity. Instead, it’s a visibility problem. It means that writers are too vulnerable to show their true selves. They don’t want to be seen as someone who isn’t perfect. So, they hide behind the lie of “inspiration.”

The truth is, “You don’t have writer’s block; you have exposure anxiety.”

When you say you’re blocked, it feels safe. People think you are working on some great stuff. It’s just that you haven’t found the right way to execute it. But the truth is different. You are actually hiding from being exposed.

Saying you’re blocked protects your ego. It delays judgment and avoids vulnerability. So you keep using this idea to avoid producing any work.

In reality, you are afraid to hit publish. You have 10 articles in the draft, but you keep perfecting them. They never feel ready for you.

Let’s break down the common fears.

Fear of judgement: “What will people think?” Your colleagues, friends, and family might see your work and judge you. They might misunderstand what your work represents.
Fear of not being good enough: We’ve all experienced this at some point. It’s called impostor syndrome. You compare yourself to top creators and think you aren’t as good as them. So, you hide behind the idea of being blocked.
Fear of success: Yes! It’s a thing. “What if it actually works?” It feels scary because more visibility means more responsibility. So, the pressure to keep producing seems terrifying.
Fear of revealing yourself: You don’t want to put forward your opinions, stories, or truths. You believe that writing will expose you to the world.

How can you overcome these fears?

It’s easy; you shift your identity and mindset.

As a creator, it’s common to have these fears. I did. But I had to overcome them to become a better writer. And I did that by the much-needed mindset/identity shift.

Instead of asking, “What if they don’t like it?”, start asking, “What if this actually helps someone?”

Think service instead of ego. You are creating to help someone who is facing some difficulty in life. It can be personal or professional. If you have even a little information that can help this person, you must do it. Try to help a single person instead of thinking about a hundred or thousands of people. Shift your mindset from self-protection to contribution.

Next, you need to let go of perfection. I call “perfectionism” a disease that kills success. It stands in the way of your dreams. It keeps blocking possibilities that might actually change your life.

I tried to perfect every article I wrote. I would spend hours (even days) trying to write it perfectly. It only made things worse when I didn’t get the results I wanted. When I let go of perfectionism and started writing freely, it not only helped me produce more work (quicker) but also helped me build an audience that resonated with the topics I wrote about.

Here are some quick tips to help you move past your fears.

Lower the stakes: Post something small first. Write shorter pieces, share your thoughts in a 100-word post instead of a 1,000-word essay.
Expect discomfort: Feeling exposed is normal. Courage doesn’t feel confident at first. But when you move through discomfort, the world will become a different place.
Detach from the outcome: Outcomes aren’t in your control, but effort is. So, focus on what you can control. Remember, not every piece needs to go viral. Focus on reps, not reactions.
Build proof of bravery: Set a goal to publish daily or weekly. Make sure you don’t miss a post. Then, track your consistency, not applause.

If you feel blocked, remember that you are just being afraid of something. Ask yourself what it is. If you are trying to hide or avoid the truth, stop and act despite your fears.

Here’s something I want to leave you with:

You don’t need more inspiration. You don’t need more skills. You need more courage.

When you build the courage to show up and hit publish, your growth begins.

Hi, I’m Biliz.

If this piece resonated with you, feel free to leave a few claps and follow for more. You can also buy me a coffee.

Download my free blueprint to grow your audience from zero to 1,000.

Your support truly means a lot. It helps me keep creating and sharing meaningful work. Thanks for being part of this journey.

The post You’re Not Blocked. You’re Afraid to Be Seen. appeared first on Biliz Maharjan.

Boredom Could Actually Make You More Creative. Here’s How.

Biliz Maharjan — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:50:09 +0000

In today’s world, boredom feels like an enemy. The moment it creeps in, we reach for our phones, scroll endlessly, and fill every empty second with stimulation.

But what if boredom isn’t something to avoid? What if it’s actually one of the most fertile states for creativity?

Boredom used to be a regular part of life. Waiting in line, sitting in traffic, or simply lying in bed with our thoughts were common experiences.

These quiet, uneventful moments gave our minds space to wander, and that wandering often led to ideas, connections, and insights.

Now, with constant access to entertainment, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. Every pause is instantly replaced by a swipe, tap, or scroll. But when we do this, we also silence the mental space where creativity thrives.

Boredom as Mental Rest

Our brains are constantly processing—reacting to messages, consuming information, and jumping from one task to another. This mental busyness leaves little room for reflection or imagination.

Boredom, however, is like a reset button. When we’re not distracted by external noise, our minds shift into what scientists call the default mode network—the same state activated during daydreaming or deep thought. This is where creative ideas are born.

Some of your best ideas probably came in the shower, during a walk, or when you couldn’t sleep at night—all moments when you were doing nothing.

That’s boredom doing its quiet magic.

How Boredom Sparks Creativity

1. It gives your brain space to connect ideas.

Creativity isn’t about inventing something from nothing. It’s about connecting old ideas in new ways.

When bored, your mind naturally starts linking unrelated thoughts, leading to fresh perspectives and insights.

2. It pushes you to find stimulation from within.

When nothing external entertains you, you start exploring your inner world. You may start writing, sketching, imagining, or problem-solving simply to escape boredom.

That internal search often becomes the birthplace of creativity.

3. It encourages reflection.

Boredom creates the perfect condition to ask yourself questions like, “What am I really interested in?” or “What’s missing in my life?”

Many creative pursuits start with such self-inquiry.

Examples of Creative Boredom

Some of history’s most creative breakthroughs happened during downtime.

Newton was lounging under a tree (bored, perhaps) when he wondered about gravity.
J.K.Rowling conceived the idea of Harry Potter while staring out of a delayed train window with nothing else to do.
Einstein often emphasized the importance of “combinatory play”—letting the mind wander freely between unrelated ideas.

None of those moments were born out of hustle or constant productivity. They came from stillness and space.

How to Use Boredom to Your Advantage

If you want to spark your creativity, don’t run from boredom; invite it.

Put away your phone when you’re waiting or walking. Let your thoughts drift.
Schedule “empty time.” It sounds strange, but blocking 15 minutes to do nothing can recharge your creativite thinking.
Do mindless activities like washing dishes or going for a walk without music. These low-focus moments often lead to sudden insights.

Boredom isn’t a problem. It’s an opportunity. It’s the mind’s way of saying, “You’ve consumed enough; now it’s time to create.”

In a world that glorifies constant stimulation, daring to be bored might just be the most creative act of all.

The post Boredom Could Actually Make You More Creative. Here’s How. appeared first on Biliz Maharjan.

Scientists Found the #1 Creativity Killer — Here’s How to Avoid It

Biliz Maharjan — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 05:55:03 +0000

Ever feel like your imagination’s hit a brick wall? You’re not alone. I used to think that my biggest creativity struggles came from a lack of talent, inspiration, or the right tools.

But then I stumbled upon research that completely changed how I approach creative work. Scientists have identified the #1 creativity killer, and it’s something we all experience: stress.

The Science Behind the Creativity Killer

A study published in Neuropsychologia found that stress significantly reduces divergent thinking — the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem.

The brain enters survival mode when stressed, prioritizing immediate threats over abstract thought. This is great if a lion is chasing you, but it’s terrible if you’re trying to write, paint, brainstorm, or innovate.

Another Harvard study showed chronic stress shrinks the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for creativity, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking. In other words, the more stressed you are, the harder it becomes to think creatively.

My Own Creative Crash

I once tried to write a short story during a chaotic week. Deadlines were piling up, my inbox was a war zone, and I’d barely slept.

I sat down, ready to craft something magical. What did I get? A blank page and a headache. Every idea felt forced like I was squeezing a dry sponge. That’s stress for you — it doesn’t just block the good stuff; it makes you feel like a fraud while it’s at it. Looking back, I should’ve seen the signs and taken a breather, but nope — I powered through and ended up with nothing.

I saw the impact of stress on creativity firsthand in my own life. There were weeks when I’d stare at a blank screen, frustrated that my best ideas seemed to vanish when I needed them the most.

The more I stressed about not having ideas, the worse it got. Sound familiar?

How Stress Sneaks Into Your Creative Process

Stress isn’t always apparent. It doesn’t just come from deadlines, financial worries, or significant life changes. Sometimes, it creeps in subtly through:

Perfectionism: The pressure to create something “great” on the first try.
Overconsumption: Constantly comparing yourself to others’ work on social media.
Lack of rest: Burning out because you think you have to work non-stop.
Fear of judgment: Worrying about what others will think of your work.

When stress builds up, creativity takes a backseat. Your brain is too busy handling pressure to allow ideas to flow naturally.

How to Avoid the Creativity Killer

So, how do you keep stress from ruining your creative potential? Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Create Bad Work

One of the biggest creativity blocks is the need to be perfect. The best way to overcome this? Lower the stakes. Instead of aiming for a masterpiece, tell yourself, “I just need to get something down.” Creativity thrives when you remove the pressure of immediate success.

Remember, done is better than perfect. If you embrace imperfect work, you can create more freely.

I started writing more freely when I stopped obsessing over perfect first drafts. My ideas flowed effortlessly when I allowed myself to create “bad” work.

2. Take More Breaks

When you’re feeling stuck, your instinct might be to push harder. But research suggests that stepping away is actually the best thing you can do.

A study from the University of California found that people who took short breaks during problem-solving tasks were more likely to develop creative solutions. This is why some of your best ideas happen in the shower, on a walk, or right before bed — your mind is relaxed enough to make new connections.

If I hit a creative block, I go for a walk, listen to music, or do something unrelated to my work. Without fail, the ideas come back when I’m not actively searching for them.

3. Limit Your Consumption

Scrolling through endless content on social media or consuming too much information can paralyze creativity. You start comparing yourself to others and feel your work isn’t good enough.

Try this: Instead of passively consuming content, set boundaries. Read one inspiring article, watch one helpful video, and then implement what you’ve learned.

Creativity grows when you create, not when you consume.

4. Develop a Ritual to Signal ‘Creative Time’

Your brain loves routines. If you struggle to switch into creative mode, try developing a simple pre-work ritual. It could be:

Writing in a journal before you start working.
Listening to a specific playlist that signals “creative time.”
Meditating or deep breathing for a few minutes.

Over time, your brain will associate these actions with creative thinking, making it easier to get into the zone.

5. Move Your Body

Exercise isn’t just good for your health — it’s a creativity booster. A Stanford study found that walking increases creative thinking by up to 60%. Movement gets your blood flowing, which helps your brain make new connections.

Even a quick five-minute stretch or a short walk can make a difference. Some of my best ideas have come while pacing around my room, talking to myself like a mad scientist.

Conclusion

Creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s about creating an environment where ideas can flow freely. And that starts with managing stress.

If you’ve been struggling to be creative, take a step back. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Are you consuming more than you create? Are you neglecting rest and play?

Everything changed when I stopped treating creativity like a high-pressure job and started embracing fun, rest, and imperfection. My ideas strengthened, my work felt more effortless, and, most importantly, I enjoyed the process again.

So, if stress has been killing your creativity, here’s a reminder: Relax, take a break, and trust that the best ideas will come when you’re not forcing them. Creativity thrives in a mind that feels free and not weighed down by pressure.

—

I send a weekly newsletter about creativity, self-improvement, and online writing. Subscribe here! Also, check out my free e-book about growing an audience from 0 to 1000 here.

The post Scientists Found the #1 Creativity Killer — Here’s How to Avoid It appeared first on Biliz Maharjan.

The Genius Way To Steal Creative Ideas (Without Plagiarizing Them)

Biliz Maharjan — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:25:09 +0000

Every idea has been taken.

Everything you can possibly think of, someone has already used it to create content of their own. If you don’t believe me, google it, or search for it on social media.

There are no new ideas. Because of this, many creative individuals struggle to find their uniqueness. Most think they cannot compete with what’s already out there. That’s true; others have already made what you want to make, and it can be a little frustrating.

Does that mean you stop doing what you love? Does it mean there won’t be new writers, painters, artists, and musicians in the future because they won’t have unique ideas?

Definitely not.

Your work becomes unique because you are unique. There is only one you in the world. Your experiences and lessons are different from those of your predecessors. Therefore, your creations can be unique, even if the idea is the same.

The best way to create great work is to steal from others.

It sounds like an unethical statement. How can you steal someone else’s work and become great? That’s a crime.

Hold on!

By “stealing,” I do not mean plagiarizing their work (or idea). That is indeed a crime. You cannot copy someone else’s work and claim it as yours. The laws will punish you if you are guilty of plagiarizing.

So, what does it mean to “steal from others”?

Austin Kleon has written an excellent book about it called Steal Like An Artist, in which he explains the idea behind stealing from your inspirations. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Austin’s book:

“Every new idea is just a mashup or a remix of one or more previous ideas.”

“Copy your heroes. Examine where you fall short. What’s in there that makes you different? That’s what you should amplify and transform into your own work.”

“If all your favorite makers got together and collaborated, what would they make with you leading the crew?”

“Start copying what you love. Copy copy copy copy. At the end of the copy you will find your self.”

Stealing means taking certain things from the greats and mixing them to make your own. As I said, you are a unique individual. Your experiences are unique, and so is your thinking ability. You can find the best work from your heroes and add your elements to improve them.

How to make an idea your own?

Suppose you are a writer lacking “good” ideas. It has kept you from producing new work and doing something you love (write consistently).

You can read some of the best articles by top writers. Look up to your favorite writers and see how they write, what they write, and how they get so many views in their stories. Follow them on social platforms and stalk their work like crazy. Aim to learn as much as possible from them.

Make a list of the headlines of the best articles. Then, pick the ones that resonate with you—something you can write about. Rewrite the headline and article, adding your experiences and opinions. You don’t have to write it the same way as the original writer. Instead, make it your own. Further, you can find similar articles and mix the ideas to produce a better one.

You should ask yourself: How can I improve this article and add more value?

I learned a similar technique in SEO: If you want your article to rank on top of a search engine, find the top results for your keyword first. Read the top three articles that come up on your screen. Then, write a new article that includes more value than those currently at the top.

You can use this technique for other creative work, too. For example, if you want to make a YouTube video about passive income, search for the best ones. Watch the top three videos and re-create them, adding more value. You can also learn what headlines they use (and copy that) and how they approach the audience. Make your video better, providing additional value to the viewers.

Copying from the best will make you the best. Copy until you don’t have to.

If you want to be the best at what you do, learn how to steal from others. Consume what the top creators are doing, follow them, and use the lessons to create something your own.

Every creator has a hero—someone they admire who inspires them to continue doing the work. Identify what makes your heroes the best. Steal from their best work. Do it from multiple creators and add your input. The outcome is your creation.

“Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light, and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speaks directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.”
— Jim Jarmusch

Once again, don’t plagiarize and copy the work A-Z from someone. Find inspiration from everyone’s work and make it your own.

Fake it till you make it. It means that you steal from others to find your uniqueness. When you have done it several times, you will eventually stop, and it won’t be necessary anymore. It’s because you will have learned everything you need to become the artist you want to be.

Join other thinkers and creators to receive weekly inspiration for a better life.

The post The Genius Way To Steal Creative Ideas (Without Plagiarizing Them) appeared first on Biliz Maharjan.