Embracing the Ebbs and Flows: A Creative's Guide to Navigating Unproductive Days
A Candid Admission
I am typing this after spending the day working on a painting that, if I’m honest with myself, looks like crap. As I cleaned my palette and washed my brushes, I became aware of how low I felt. For hours, I had been working on a particular painting. If you are also an artist or creator, you know there is always a part after the initial blast of energy—when you start something new with excitement and vigour—where it gets messy. Your enthusiasm at the start has waned, and even though you know this is only a stage in the creative process, you keep going. Even when it doesn’t look good, sometimes you can get into a creative flow, pull yourself out, add those finishing touches, and it all works out. But there are days like today when, no matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t work.
Today has been one of those days, and as I put my paints away, I noticed how personally I had taken it. It wasn’t just my painting that looked like crap—I was feeling utterly crap. I was as messed up as my painting was looking.
As creative individuals, I believe the quicker we can let go and understand that when something goes wrong creatively, it isn’t a reflection of who we are, the more we will be free for our creative expression. It’s okay to have something not work out. It isn’t always about perpetual productivity.
The reality is triumphs and challenges. In this spirit of honesty, we should openly acknowledge the existence of those days when the creative well seems to run dry, when the muse eludes us, and our efforts feel futile.
In these moments of apparent stagnation, we can cultivate resilience, gain invaluable insights, and ultimately emerge as more well-rounded artists. By embracing the ebbs and flows inherent to the creative process, we can learn to navigate these unproductive periods with grace, equanimity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Allure of the Idealized Narrative
It doesn't help that in our increasingly digitized world, where social media reigns supreme, it is easy to fall prey to the allure of the idealized narrative. We witness perfection and polished work as we scroll through social media. While inspiring, these posts often miss the intricate details of the creative process—the moments of frustration, the bouts of self-doubt, and the periods of stagnation. We don’t see those bad, unsuccessful stories. So, it becomes tempting to question our own creations, to doubt the validity of our struggles, and to harbour a sense of inadequacy.
However, it is crucial to recognize that these narratives, while inspiring, often omit the intricate details of the creative process. By quieting our inner voices of frustration, self-doubt, and inadequacy and acknowledging this reality, we can liberate ourselves from unrealistic expectations and embrace the inherent complexities of the creative life.
Factors Contributing to Unproductive Days
- Physical and Mental Exhaustion
- External Stressors and Distractions
- Creative Blocks and Artistic Insecurities
- Environmental Factors
Strategies for Navigating Unproductive Days
Embrace the Ebb and Flow
One of the most profound lessons we can learn as creative individuals is to embrace the inherent ebb and flow of the creative process. Just as the tides rise and fall, our creative energy waxes and wanes, and it is in accepting this natural rhythm that we can cultivate a sense of equanimity and resilience.
Rather than berating ourselves for perceived failures or unproductive periods, we must learn to view these experiences as an integral part of the creative process. By doing so, we can release the burden of unrealistic expectations and cultivate a more compassionate and nurturing relationship with our creative selves.
Practical Steps:
- Self-Love: Attend to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Seek Inspiration and Engage with the Creative Community
- Embrace Playfulness and Experimentation
- Cultivate a Supportive Environment
- Practice Mindfulness and Presence
- Embrace Diverse Perspectives and Experiences
- Celebrate Small Wins and Incremental Progress
- Seek Professional Support When Needed
Embracing the Journey
We must recognize that unproductive days are not aberrations to be feared or resisted but rather an integral part of our artistic life. By embracing these experiences with compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the ebbs and flows inherent to the creative process.
It’s easy to get into a mood, but we must realize this will pass, and it is OK to have a bad day. That’s all today was—just a bad day.
As I finished putting my paints away, closed the studio door, and walked away, I realized this would pass, and it is OK to have experienced a day like today. Who knows? Tomorrow, when I open the studio door and glance at my painting on the easel, I might have a creative burst of energy, adding the final touches and sitting back to see my best painting ever. After all, isn’t that what all of us artists strive to create—the best painting ever?