How Taking a Break Can Supercharge Your Creativity

Why Less is Sometimes More: Missing Days and Creative Breakthroughs

Photo by Lua Valentia on Unsplash

Many creators feel a pang of guilt every time they miss a day of creating.

You’re not alone. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking consistency means never missing a beat.

But what if I told you that missing days could make you a better creator?

Inspired by a powerful insight from Bullet Journaling, let's explore why taking a break might be exactly what you need.

You're a creator who prides yourself on consistency.

But life happens—days slip by without creating. And suddenly, what started as a minor break turned into a growing guilt.

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You scroll through social media, seeing others post daily, and the comparison game begins.

You start questioning your commitment, your discipline, and ultimately, your worth as a creator.

That guilt isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it’s a heavy anchor. Every missed day feels like a setback, a failure.

The pressure builds, turning what used to be a passion into a burden.

You start thinking, “If I’m not creating every day, am I a creator?”

This mindset keeps you trapped, focusing on what you didn’t do, rather than the value of what you can create next. The result?

You’re stuck in a loop of self-doubt, unable to move forward, and your creative energy dwindles.

Here’s the truth: Missing days doesn’t diminish your value as a creator—it enhances it.

The key is to reframe how you view those gaps.

1. Accept the Gaps: Stop fighting the inevitable. Missing days are part of the process, not a failure. Use these breaks to reset and reflect on what truly matters in your work.

2. Focus on Today: Shift your perspective from what you missed to what you can create now. The past is out of your control, but today is a blank slate waiting for your next idea.

3. Simplify Your Routine: If you’re struggling to keep up, it’s time to refine your process. Cut out the unnecessary, streamline your workflow, and focus on what brings you joy in creating.

4. Use Rapid Recaps: Instead of stressing over catching up, jot down quick notes or insights for the days you missed. This keeps you connected to your journey without the pressure to be perfect.

5. Start Fresh with Intention: Every missed day is an opportunity to approach your work with renewed energy. Don’t dwell on the past—focus on the creative potential of the present moment.

By embracing these strategies, you’ll not only overcome the guilt of missed days but also discover that these gaps can fuel your best work yet.

You’re not alone in feeling the weight of missed days—we’ve all been there.

But what if those gaps could be the spark that reignites your creativity?

The next time you find yourself stuck, remember: it’s not about how many days you missed; it’s about what you do next.

If this resonates with you, hit that subscribe button.

Join a community of creators who embrace the ebb and flow of the creative process.

Together, we’ll turn those missed days into opportunities for growth and breakthroughs.

And if you know someone else who could use a reminder that it’s okay to take a break, share this newsletter with them. Let’s build a movement where every creator knows that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply start fresh.

I’m here with you on this journey—subscribe now, and let’s keep creating together.

Let’s keep the conversation going - how do you handle missing days when it comes to your content and writing?

Recent Popular Posts

In case you’re new to the Mitten Dad Minute, I wanted to share some recent popular posts that have resonated with other readers.

What Else I’m Stacking (Interesting Newsletters from Others)

With back-to-school season underway, I thought Christina’s recent post was very timely. I hope everyone has a great school year, and thank you to all staff members in our education systems!

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Chris' post about not living the way others expect of you also seemed relevant to my newsletter today.

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Alberto had a great post about Impostor Syndrome that resonated with me. At the end of the day as creators, more than likely we all share a similar fear, so one of the best things you can do is just start.

You Can’t Defeat Impostor Syndrome, but You Will Still Succeed