Shouldn’t creativity be allowed to rest and resurface? But then, what about consistency?
I’ve always felt a tug-of-war between these two ideas — one pushes me to show up relentlessly every single day, while the other makes me anxious on days when my creative tank feels completely empty.
How do you stay consistent when there’s nothing left to pour out?
So, what should a creative person, business owner, or content creator do on those days, when inspiration runs dry but the need to show up remains?
How do you stay true to both your craft and your consistency?
I’m sure many of you have wondered about this too, so let’s dive in and explore how to finally tackle this creative dilemma.
Hi all,
This month I started reading a new book called Big Magic by the wonderful Elizabeth Gilbert, the same brilliant author of Eat, Pray, Love. The book explores our creative nature as humans and touches on so many beautiful aspects of how creativity moves through us.
While reading today’s chapter, I found myself thinking about this very conflict and wondering if the book will address it in a similar way. I’m yet to finish reading, so this post might not be completely in sync with the book, but it will definitely draw some inspiration from it. I’ll also be sharing my own experiences and the tools that have helped me on those days when creativity and consistency seem to pull me in opposite directions.
Small Lessons and Realizations
Take today, for example. I sit here typing these words while being physically drained, so exhausted that I can barely keep my eyes open. So why am I here, you ask?
Because I’ve been in a creative rut for the past couple of weeks. Last week, all my scheduled content went live, and now I’m left with nothing new to post. Last Saturday, no blog went up, unlike in August and September, when I was so far ahead that every Saturday was already scheduled in the first week of August.
That built pressure on me, especially with the drastic shift in my life right now. I’m juggling a 9-to-5, along with my part-time work and this blog, learning a new language with three classes a week, all while dreaming of taking on my dream project soon. On top of that, I’m dealing with PMS, shifting my sleep cycle from waking up at 2 PM to 6 AM, and so much more.
Despite forcing myself to be consistent, my creativity is blocked due to physical and mental exhaustion and that’s completely natural. So what have I learned from this?
I’ve learned two things:
- A lot about myself, how I work, where I went wrong, and what triggers my creative blocks.
- How to keep working even when my creativity needs time to resurface. My mind still generates ideas when I give it space, but it can’t always transform them immediately into fully developed blogs or other work I want to produce.
To address the first realisation
I have learned that during August and September I was very organized. All my days were thoroughly planned and executed.
But after a while, due to the repetitiveness and lack of change in my career and life, the whole routine flipped, and I couldn’t get back to it. Since things were already scheduled and happening on autopilot, this so-called necessary pressure never really built up until now.
I also realize that when I feel mentally and physically low, my capacity to focus on future goals, maintain consistency, or be creative becomes greatly compromised. I became overly negative, and like a snowball, a small skip in consistency led me to this point.
So why am I sharing this so openly and vulnerably with you all?
Because I want you to take this deep dive too and understand what exactly led you into your own creative rut. Sometimes we move so fast that we do not even pause to notice when or why our creative flow started to fade.
Now, that we have our root of the issue let’s : Address the Second Realisation
1. Creativity flows when you allow it
Creativity cannot be forced. When we overthink or push too hard, it often shuts down. Giving yourself space to breathe, reflect, and simply observe can be enough to let ideas resurface naturally. Even small moments of inspiration can grow into something bigger if you allow them time.
Sometimes forcing yourself to show up in the exact same way every day; eg: writing ten pages in the same format, reading, or researching the same types of topics, can actually block creativity. It helps to allow some space and let go of the need to control everything.
Creativity flows through you; it is not something you generate entirely on your own. Like other magical energies, it works best when you let it move freely instead of trying to hold it tightly.
2. Consistency helps even when it feels awful
Showing up consistently matters more than waiting for the perfect moment or idea. It might seem contradictory to what I said earlier, but hear me out. I meant that you shouldn’t try to control your creativity, yet you still need to respect it by making time and space for it every day. Sitting on a project, waiting for perfect motivation or inspiration to strike, will only block your flow.
For example, I told myself I was too tired and would only write the intro of this blog before going to sleep. I didn’t even know what topic I would choose today, yet the next thing I knew, I was halfway through. This is very different from the past few weeks, when I gave excuses not to even sit for five minutes to write, blaming it on my creative rut.
Even on days when your energy is low or your mind feels blank, putting in small effort keeps the momentum alive. Consistency acts like a bridge, connecting scattered ideas into real progress over time.
3. Rest and recharge are essential
Rest is not wasted time. Taking breaks, sleeping well, or stepping away from work recharges both the mind and body. Often, our best ideas come when we stop trying so hard and simply let ourselves recover. Without rest, both creativity and consistency suffer.
But make sure to commit to proper rest and not just scroll on your phone.
I’ve written a blog before on the different types of rest we need, so do check that out. I am 100% sure it will be helpful.
4. The real tug of war
The question I asked was how to deal with a lack of creativity and consistency. But from the examples above, I think we can now see how creativity and consistency actually go hand in hand. The real challenge is taking the first step toward that consistent routine, which also allows space for creativity to flow. This first step comes down to willpower. The true struggle is not between creativity and consistency, but between a lack of willpower and your discipline.
Second is your mood or laziness versus your goals.
I’m not saying that being consistently present will always make creativity flow, it might not, and that’s okay, especially on days when proper rest is needed.
Sometimes you may feel creative but lack the energy to show up consistently. Consistency can also look different for everyone; no one is asking you to show up every single day. Even once a week can be enough to keep your work moving forward.
When things feel out of control, it’s understandable, but in most cases, it comes down to willpower and mood. Following your plan rather than your mood is what keeps you moving even when it feels difficult, and that I believe is the real answer to my earlier posed question.
5. Start with the first step
Every journey begins with a single step, no matter how small.
Write one word, plan a short trip, or make a tiny change in your schedule.
These small actions break the cycle of inaction and slowly rebuild both consistency and creativity. Like me today, just sit down for five minutes to follow your plan and see how you get hooked.
You can also try Mel Robbins’ five-second rule to jump out of bed or sit down for five seconds and get started.
There are so many examples and tutorials on YouTube to help take that first step. Unlike me, don’t blame your mood, habits, situations, consistency, or creativity, just go and do it. Or, if needed, take a necessary pause and a break as your first step.
End Note / Summary:
- Creativity and consistency are not enemies—they work best together. Creativity needs space to rest and resurface, while consistency keeps the momentum alive.
- Small steps matter. Even five minutes of effort or a tiny action can break the cycle of inaction and rebuild both consistency and creativity.
- Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. Showing up in a way that works for you, whether daily or weekly, is enough to keep progress moving.
- Rest is essential. Physical and mental recharge fuels both creativity and consistent effort. Avoid mindless distractions like scrolling on your phone during rest.
- The real challenge lies in willpower and discipline, as well as managing mood and motivation. Following your plan rather than your mood helps you show up even when it feels difficult.
- Allow creativity to flow naturally—don’t try to control it. Let ideas arise, observe them, and give them time to develop.
- Take the first step. Whether it’s writing a word, making a small change, or using simple techniques like the five-second rule, starting is the key to reconnecting with both creativity and consistency.
Balance between creativity and consistency is possible. Respect your energy, follow your plan, and take small actions, this is how you keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.
On that note, I wish you all the best and I’m so happy to see so many creatives taking the time to read about this topic. Your efforts and presence make this world a little more magical every day.
Thankyou for reading..
Catch you in the next one…