The Creative Rituals That Keep Me Going (Even When I Don’t Feel Like It)

INTRODUCTION

Inspiration is a luxury—not a reliable friend. Most days, creativity isn’t about waiting for the perfect idea to strike. It’s about showing up, even when you’d rather do anything else.

For me, that’s where rituals come in. They’re not fancy. They’re not even always fun. But they’re what keep me moving forward—one small, steady step at a time.

Because here’s the thing: if you’re always waiting for that sparkly, everything-clicks moment of inspiration? You’ll be waiting forever. Real creativity starts with action—tiny rituals that remind you that the work isn’t about being in the mood. It’s about building momentum, even when it feels hard.

Why “Just Wait for Inspiration” Doesn’t Work

My first year in art school was pretty rough. I remember sitting in that cramped, paint-splattered studio late at night before finals—staring at my half-finished projects, waiting for inspiration to show up and do the heavy lifting.

It felt like everyone else was closer to the muse than me, having lively, creative conversations while I was left in the dark. I kept thinking, “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.”

Turns out, I was falling for the oldest creative myth in the book: that great work comes from sudden bursts of inspiration. That if I just waited long enough, some magical idea would pop into my head fully formed, ready to be translated into a final project.

I didn’t realize until much later that inspiration doesn’t work like that. It’s not a random lightning bolt; it’s a byproduct of action.

Back then, our professor would talk about “the design process”—the part everyone loves to skip because it feels too structured, too methodical, too unromantic. I tried to dodge it every chance I could, hoping that one big idea would come and save me from the messy middle. I’d turn in half-formed projects and hope no one noticed.

The truth? So much of my energy was wasted waiting for that perfect moment; when I could’ve been doing the work. And it took me a while to see that the only thing that actually brings ideas to life… is getting started.

It wasn’t until after graduation, when I started freelancing and digging into brand strategy on my own terms, that it really clicked: inspiration isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you create through showing up, making messy drafts, and letting your curiosity pull you forward.

Now, when I feel stuck, I know that the fastest way to get unstuck isn’t to wait. It’s to start. Sometimes that means sketching shapes on a digital canvas. Sometimes it’s typing nonsense into a blank Google Doc. But always, it’s about building momentum first because once I’m moving, inspiration has a habit of catching up.

The Power of ROUTINE AND Ritual in Creative Work

Creativity has this kind of mysterious story attached to it—like it’s this elusive, magical thing only a chosen few get to experience. And sure, there’s definitely a little magic in the process. But most of it? It’s a lot more human than we give it credit for.

The official definition of creativity is “the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas,” or “the ability to make something new or imaginative.” But honestly, that definition doesn’t clear much up. Here’s how I see it: creativity is about taking what you already know, what you’ve lived, and remixing it into something fresh; something that feels new to the world and true to you.

Every single one of us has that ability. We’re all creative, in different ways. The difference is that some of us have learned to trust our creative muscles; to show up for them every day, even when we’re not feeling it.

And that’s where rituals come in. Rituals aren’t about making creativity rigid. They’re about giving it a rhythm, something your brain and body can rely on.

For me, it’s about building small, repeatable habits that keep me connected to my creative work. Like brand systems in design, rituals create a consistent experience. They’re a gentle reminder that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down to create. You just have to start.

My Go-To Creative Rituals

Let me share a few of mine—these are the small, steady practices that keep me going when the mood isn’t there and the coffee’s already gone cold.

🧶 Crochet as Meditation

Crochet has become one of my absolute favorite creative rituals. I started last year, just messing around with a basic pattern and some leftover yarn. And before I knew it, I was hooked (pun intended).
It’s repetitive, almost meditative. My brain gets to relax—no strategy, no deadlines, no perfection needed. Just loops and patterns, row after row.
Some nights, I’ll crochet for hours, letting my hands move while my mind drifts. Other times, it’s just 20 minutes—enough to quiet the noise and come back to center.
The best part? If I mess up, it’s no big deal. There’s a term in crochet called “frogging,” where you literally just pull on the yarn until the mistake is gone. It’s forgiving. It’s patient. And it reminds me that creativity is about process, not perfection.

☕ Morning Walks to Clear the Cobwebs

I’m not great at sitting still all day—especially when I’m deep in brand strategy work. Morning walks are my chance to shake off the static and wake up my brain.
An iced coffee in one hand, sneakers on, and no pressure to do anything other than move. It’s simple, but it works.
Some days, if my brain’s been buzzing with client work, I’ll take another walk in the evening—like a mental reset button that says, “You did enough today. Let’s start fresh tomorrow.”

📝 Passion Projects to Stretch My Skills

I keep a running list of design prompts and creative ideas I want to explore—no clients, no deadlines, just me playing.
Sometimes it’s a fake brand project in an industry I’ve never touched. Other times it’s a messy brainstorm for a blog post that may never see the light of day.
These personal projects are like a sandbox: a place to test ideas, take risks, and remember why I fell in love with storytelling and design in the first place.

What This Means for Building a Brand

Here’s the big takeaway: creative rituals aren’t just personal. They’re powerful tools for building a brand that feels like you—authentic, consistent, and real.

The best brands aren’t built in a flash of genius. They’re built in the slow, steady rhythm of showing up—again and again, even when it’s hard.

Brand rituals look different for everyone. Maybe it’s posting weekly, even if you’re not sure anyone’s reading yet. Maybe it’s revisiting your offers every quarter to make sure they still feel aligned. Or maybe it’s taking time every month to check in with your brand voice and ask: Is this still me?

These rituals don’t have to be big. They just have to be yours. Small, consistent efforts add up to a brand that people trust—because they can feel the intention and care behind every piece of content, every visual, every conversation.

Conclusion: Creativity Isn’t for the Inspired—It’s for the Committed

At the end of the day, creativity isn’t a mood. It’s a practice.
You don’t have to feel inspired. You just have to show up.

Because if you do it enough—if you keep making, keep learning, keep trusting that your work matters?
Inspiration usually finds its way to you.