We're not machines. We can't expect our creative output to be the same every day. So why do we beat ourselves up when we have ‘bad days’?
Maybe you have unreal expectations about the creative process?
Perhaps you think that if you're not super-productive and creative every day, you can't call yourself a ‘real artist’? I used to have those kind of feelings too. Discovering Energy Cycles
Being I’m the kinda girl I am, I love documenting my process. Doing this, I began to notice that my creative output was anything but even. Regardless of how regularly I show up in the studio, my productivity is all over the chart.
I began to see patterns and cycles. Certain times of the year, I’m way more productive. Other times, it's like pulling teeth. But my creative cycles aren't necessarily the same as yours. I’ve seen a huge surge of productivity in some of my clients at a time of year when I feel at my most sluggish. Likewise, at the time of the year when I’m gearing up, they’re slowing down. Maximising Your Energy
It’s really useful to be aware of the times of the year (or month!) you’re at your most productive. That way you can optimise your schedule to take advantage of all your extra energy!
Likewise, you can schedule less demanding tasks for your low-energy times. (Reading an informative book curled up on the sofa, and still feeling productive - anyone?) Start recording your energy levels now!
So if you don’t already have a copy of my Energy Almanac, grab yourself one now and start recording - and making use of - your energy cycles.
(And if you do already have a copy, you might want to get the new one: I’ve updated it to make it prettier and included full instructions on how to use it.)
Whether you use the Energy Almanac or not, promise me one thing: You won’t beat yourself up any more about your 'bad' days.
They’re just as much a part of being a productive creative as the good ones. Having a bad day means a good one is due! © Author: Cherry Jeffs Liked this post? Word of mouth is the main way for indie creators to get known.
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