We all have those days when nothing seems to go right. Whether it’s the weather, a not so nice interaction, or simply waking up on the wrong side of the bed, bad moods can creep in and steal our motivation. As someone deeply immersed in the creative process, I've learned that these bumps in the road are a natural part of the journey. But how do you keep moving forward when your mood is pulling you back?
Acknowledge and Accept Your Mood
The first step is to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Pretending that you’re not in a bad mood only makes it worse. It’s okay to admit that today is not your best day. Accepting your mood doesn’t mean giving in to it; rather, it’s about recognising it without letting it define your entire day. My favourite mindful meditation would say something like, just like the clouds pass, so too will your mood. In the meantime, be gentle with yourself.
Find Comfort in Routine
When your motivation is low, turn to your routine. There’s a certain magic in the familiar—those daily tasks that don’t require too much thought can anchor you when you’re feeling adrift. For me, it might be a walk through the countryside, where the rhythm of my footsteps and the fresh air can sometimes be enough to clear my mind. It’s not about forcing yourself to be productive but about finding solace in the small, routine activities that bring a sense of normality.
Shift Your Focus
Bad moods often come from a place of stress, worry, or feeling overwhelmed. When that happens, try to shift your focus. Instead of dwelling on what’s causing your mood, immerse yourself in something that brings you joy or peace. It could be reading a favourite book, practicing mindfulness, or even working on a task that’s unrelated to the source of your stress. By shifting your focus, you allow your mind to take a break, which can be incredibly refreshing.
Embrace Creativity as Therapy
Creativity can be an incredible outlet for negative emotions. Writing, for instance, has always been my way of processing the world around me. On days when motivation is hard to find, I remind myself that even in a bad mood, there’s value in showing up to the page. The words may not flow as easily, but there’s a rawness to writing when you’re feeling low that can be powerful and cathartic. Don’t be afraid to explore your emotions through your creative practice—sometimes, your best work comes from the most unexpected places.
Connect with Your Why
When your mood is weighing you down, reconnect with your reasons for doing what you do. Why did you start this journey in the first place? For me, it’s the stories that are waiting to be told, the characters that demand to be heard, and the deep satisfaction that comes from bringing a project to life. Reminding yourself of your ‘why’ can reignite that spark of motivation, even on the toughest days.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Finally, remember that it’s okay to take a break. If your mood is really not budging and motivation feels impossible, give yourself permission to pause. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step back, rest, and come back with a renewed sense of purpose. Taking a day off doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re human. And being human is the heart of creativity.
Bad moods are part of life, but they don’t have to derail your progress. By accepting your feelings, finding comfort in routine, shifting your focus, embracing creativity, reconnecting with your ‘why,’ and knowing when to pause, you can stay motivated even on the toughest days. After all, every cloud has its silver lining, and every bad mood is just a temporary detour on the path to something greater.
So, if you’re feeling down today, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and remember—you’ve got this.
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