The Top 3 Reasons we neglect our creativity and art
Art is self-expression. It’s how we make sense of the world, channel our emotions, and communicate the parts of ourselves that can’t be put into words. And yet, even with the burning desire to create, so many of us find ourselves stuck. The canvas sits blank, the journal stays closed, and the ideas we want to express get lost in the noise of daily life. We know we want to create, but something always seems to stand in our way.
It’s a strange feeling, right? You long to make something, yet the act of creating feels elusive. Sometimes, we’re not even sure what’s stopping us, but there’s a familiar resistance that pulls us away from our art. Let’s break down the top 3 reasons why we neglect our creativity—and how we can finally start showing up for our art instead of letting it gather dust.
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1. Waiting for Time to Make Itself Available
Time can feel like this precious, fleeting thing. We’re all so busy, juggling work, family, and life. In the chaos, art often takes a backseat. We tell ourselves, “Once I have more time, I’ll finally start creating,” or “When things calm down, I’ll make room for my art.” But here’s the thing—time doesn’t just magically appear. If we wait for everything else to settle before we create, we’ll be waiting forever.
Instead of hoping for a free moment, we have to create that time ourselves. Art doesn’t need to wait for a perfect window. It can happen in the cracks of your day—during a quiet morning, a lunch break, or even a few minutes before bed. By scheduling small, intentional moments for your creativity, you give your art permission to exist, even in the busyness of life.
Make art a non-negotiable part of your schedule. It doesn’t have to be hours of work; it can be a few minutes of sketching, journaling, or freewriting. The key is to make space for your creativity, and in return, your creativity will make space for you.
2. Waiting for Inspiration to Strike
We’ve all been there—the myth of waiting for inspiration to come down like a bolt of lightning. We sit there, hoping the muse will find us, convinced that we’re not truly artists until inspiration hits. But here’s the truth: inspiration isn’t something that comes to us while we wait—it comes to us while we create.
Waiting for inspiration to strike is like waiting for the rain in the middle of a drought. It’s not the best approach. Instead, inspiration grows in the act of creating. When you start making, even if it’s not perfect, the ideas start to flow. The more you create, the more inspired you become.
So, instead of waiting for the spark, start making. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sketch, a few lines of poetry, or a new paragraph. Just show up. Inspiration is less about waiting for the perfect moment and more about meeting your creative self halfway.
3. Rumination and Self-Doubt
This is the heavy one—the voice that tells you your art isn’t worth making. The voice that whispers, “Who are you to create?” or “What if it’s not good enough?” These thoughts can paralyze us, keeping us from even starting. And the longer we listen to them, the louder they get.
Here’s the truth: self-doubt is a normal part of the creative process. Every artist feels it. The difference between those who make art and those who don’t is that the ones who create don’t let those doubts hold them hostage. They keep going, even when they don’t feel “good enough.”
Combat rumination by practicing self-compassion. Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. It’s about putting something real and raw into the world, whether it’s polished or rough around the edges. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer to a friend who’s struggling to get started. Instead of judging yourself, allow your creativity to be a process—one that’s messy, unpredictable, and oh-so-beautiful.
How to Overcome These Barriers and Get Back to Creating
Now that we’ve named the top 3 reasons we neglect our creativity, let’s talk about how to overcome them:
Schedule Time for Art: Instead of waiting for time to appear, actively make space for your creative practice. It doesn’t need to be huge blocks of time—start small and make it consistent.
Start Before Inspiration Strikes: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just begin. Inspiration comes through action, not waiting.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself as you move through the creative process. Let go of the need for perfection and embrace your creativity as an ongoing journey.
Feed Your Flame 🕯️ Creativity Coaching Program
If you’re struggling with any of these obstacles—whether it’s finding time for your art, waiting for inspiration, or battling self-doubt—I’d love to support you. My Feed Your Flame 🕯️creativity coaching program is designed to help you break through those blocks and reignite your creative spark.
In Feed Your Flame 🕯️, we’ll work together to address the challenges holding you back and build a practice that feels good—one that nurtures your creativity without the pressure of perfection. You deserve to create, to express yourself, and to share your unique gifts with the world.
If you’re ready to dive in and unlock your creative potential, reach out to learn more about how we can work together to make your art a regular, joyful part of your life.
