When Creativity Feels Out of Reach: And you’re Tired of Trying So Hard

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including YOU.”

— Anne Lamott

Sometimes, creativity just doesn’t show up.

You sit down to design, and nothing happens. No ideas. No energy. And the more you try, the more frustrated you get. You feel like you have to post something, or keep up with others—but instead of helping, it just adds more pressure.

Sound familiar?

Most of us have felt that way.

There are times when even opening your design software feels like too much. Then you scroll through Instagram, and it looks like everyone else is creating and sharing amazing things—while you’re stuck.

In those moments, it’s easy to feel left behind or not good enough. But here’s something that helps: take a break.

Step away from your screen. Go for a walk. Get some fresh air. Look at the colors in nature, notice the shapes, the light. It doesn’t solve everything, but it gives your mind room to breathe. And little by little, the pressure starts to ease.

Also, don’t set the bar so high that you can’t reach it. We often make things more complicated than they need to be—overthinking the design, the color palette, the concept. That can lead to getting stuck or feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes, less is more.

Try keeping things simple. Focus on clean shapes, fewer colors, and trust your eye. There’s beauty in simple design too. And when you have the energy and inspiration, you can challenge yourself with more complex work. It’s all about balance.

Like I mentioned in an earlier blog: run your own race.

Set your own goals, your own pace. That takes a lot of pressure off. And usually, once the pressure is gone, the creativity comes back—naturally and without force.

So if you’re feeling stuck right now, you’re not alone.

This happens to all of us. It doesn’t mean you’re not talented. It just means you need a pause—and that’s okay.

Have you ever felt like this?

Feel free to share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Stay creative,