Rediscovering the Joy of Creating
Photo by Matheus Bertelli via Pexels
Dancers train for years to master their craft. They start because they love movement—the way their body flows with music, the exhilaration of getting lost in a routine. But over time, that joy can fade under the weight of pressure, perfectionism, and expectation.
Sound familiar?
Maybe you’re not a dancer, but as a creative, you might have experienced something similar. Writing, painting, composing, designing, running a business, managing a big project or team — what once felt effortless and exciting might now feel… different.
✅ Deadlines overshadow passion.
✅ Overthinking drowns inspiration.
✅ The process feels more like a job than a joy.
When Creativity Starts Feeling Like a Chore
So many of us start creating because we love it. But somewhere along the way, something crowds out that passion and satisfaction.
I’ve run into this several times with my current novel in progress. Sometimes it has felt like a slog to keep coming back to my project, nudging that word count higher, revising, reaching toward the end of that first draft. It’s a complicated plot with some heavy themes, so I sometimes feel drained after working on it.
How Do You Get It Back?
The good news? That joy isn’t gone — it’s just covered in a little dust and debris. And we can brush it off and uncover it again.
Here are some ways to reconnect with creativity in a way that feels fulfilling, not forced:
🎨 Make something just for yourself. No audience, no deadlines, no expectations. Just you and the joy of creating. Do you have a hobby that is replenishing? I have a paint-by-numbers flower project that is fun and relaxing. Focusing on that for a bit can recharge my creative energy as I see the bright, colorful image take shape.
⏳ Give yourself permission to slow down. Not every project needs to be done at full speed. Taking your time can make room for inspiration. I tend to self-impose unrealistic deadlines at times, and I often have to step back and apply a dose of realism. Does that draft really have to be done by the end of March? No. Would I like it to be? Sure. But what would serve my process and my creative longevity better? Perhaps setting a more realistic deadline of May, since I’m also working a full-time job and running a part-time side business. Being kinder to myself in this way can feel frustrating at first, but it has helped me stay in the game instead of burning out.
🔄 Break the routine. If your creative work has become rigid, shake things up. Try a new medium, a different environment, or a playful experiment. I took a 3-act story writing course which has reinvigorated my process by learning new strategies, seeing examples of other work that inspires me, and meeting with other writers to work through challenges. Then I wrote out a one-sentence summary of each scene on a note card and laid them out on my bed. I played around with the order until I found one that made sense and fit the 3-act structure I’m seeking. I went into my document, shuffled things around, and now I have a better flow going and feel ready to tackle the last bit.
💭 Remember why you started. What drew you to your creative work in the first place? What made it feel exciting before? Connecting with these key factors can be motivating.
💬 Talk it out. Do you have a critique partner or writing group where you can problem solve? Or a friend who can help you think of small shifts that could reinvigorate your process? They don’t have to be a writer; it could be anyone who is caring and supportive and who understands the inherent challenges of creative work.
You’re Not Alone in This
If you’ve been feeling drained by your own creative work, you’re not the only one. It happens to so many of us. But the pressure, the overthinking, the self-doubt? They don’t have to stay in control.
There’s a way back to creativity that feels good again.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you rediscover your creative flow — without burnout or pressure. Let’s connect and talk about what that could look like for you.