To master your mindset and your mood in your creative is all about self leadership. As creatives, we often wait for inspiration to strike like a lightning bolt. In The book – ‘War of Art’ Steven Pressfield famously said, “Inspiration strikes at 9 AM every morning.”
This statement isn’t about forcing creativity but rather about cultivating discipline so that creativity has a place to show up consistenly. But what happens at those time when your energy is low?
When your brain fogs over, and you feel like your creative tank is empty? Is that procrastination, fear, or something deeper, is it burnout? How do you master your mindset and your mood?
The Fine Line Between Burnout And A Creative Slump
Creatives can often confuse burnout with a bad mood; however, despite their similarities, they are not the same thing. On one hand, a bad mood is temporary and can pass quickly. and on the other hand, burnout is a deeper, long-term state of exhaustion that requires real recovery. Creatives can often confuse burnout with a bad mood, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between a bad mood and burnout is crucial and impact your ability to be consistent.
A Mood Slump: Temporary, fleeting, and often tied to external factors (like lack of sleep, stress, or a tough morning). It’s a wave that passes.
Burnout: A deeper, more chronic depletion where creativity feels like a chore, exhaustion lingers, and no amount of pushing through helps.
Signs of Burnout:
Chronic exhaustion (physical, mental, or emotional)
Loss of passion or interest in creative work
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling disconnected or unmotivated, even when projects excite you
Persistent self-doubt or a sense of hopelessness
If you’re experiencing burnout, rest and recalibration are necessary before you can push forward. But if it’s a mood slump, there are ways to shift your energy and get back into flow.
The “Creative Compass” Method:
A Daily Tool for Reigniting Creativity
Instead of forcing yourself to sit down and create when you’re feeling off, use this simple tool to align your energy before jumping into your work.
1. Movement – Shake Off Stagnation
Creativity thrives in movement. A short walk, stretching, dancing – anything that gets your body moving shifts energy and clears mental fog.
2. Breathwork & Mindfulness – Reconnect to Your Creative Core
Simple breathwork exercises, meditation, or even just closing your eyes and focusing on deep breaths can rewire your energy in minutes.
3. Environment Check – Change Your Scenery
Sometimes, sitting at the same desk every day stifles creativity. Step outside, go to a café, or rearrange your workspace to re-ignite fresh ideas.
4. The 10-Minute Rule – Just Start
Tell yourself you’ll work for just 10 minutes. Often, this small step gets you into the groove, and before you know it, you’re deep into the process.
5. Creative Play – Engage in a Non-Work Creative Activity
Play the piano, doodle, sing, or do something artistic with zero pressure. This unlocks a creative flow without the weight of expectations.
Balancing Discipline with Intuition
Showing up every day doesn’t mean ignoring your needs. The dance between getting things done and honoring your energy is an art form in itself.
If you feel resistance, ask yourself: Is this procrastination or genuine exhaustion
If you’re stuck, try a mindset reset: Change your environment, move, breathe, and return with fresh energy.
When you feel overwhelmed, break it down: One small step forward beats waiting for the perfect moment.
Mastering your mindset means knowing when to push through and when to step back. The secret to long-term creative success is not waiting for the right mood—it’s cultivating the conditions that allow creativity to thrive.
Final Thought: Creativity is a Relationship
Your creative work isn’t a machine that produces on demand. It’s a relationship that requires care, discipline, and intuition. By using the Creative Compass method, you can navigate the ups and downs of your creative energy, show up for your work consistently, and create without burning out.
So next time you feel blocked, don’t force it, redirect your energy, shift your state, and trust that creativity will meet you where you are.
OWN YOUR MOOD WITH THE
MINDSET RESET GUIDE
I breakdown 5 key areas I believe are pivotal to elevating your mood through mindset. You can start today and start to take back control of your day.
