10 Real Ways to Keep Your Creative Spark Alive

How I keep showing up—even when I don’t feel like it

Hey friends—feeling a little uninspired lately? ME TOO. The weather change can be brutal for some folks, especially those of us with chronic pain or illness¹. But it happens to all of us. One week, your creative energy is on fire; the next, your notebook hasn’t been opened in days. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Between long to-do lists, less daylight, and real-life craziness, even the best creative habits can lose their spark.

But staying inspired doesn’t have to mean chasing motivation. It’s about building gentle momentum—bit by bit, in ways that work for you.

I’ve created more than a thousand Daily Pages (my small-format art journaling habit that keeps me grounded and creative), and I’ve hit every kind of slump along the way. These 10 real strategies are what help me keep my spark alive—no perfection required.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this email:

• How to make small creative actions count

• Ways to find fresh inspiration when you’re stuck

• How to build a creative routine that actually fits your life

Ready? Let’s jump in.

1. Start Small and Manageable

When we lose creative energy, it’s usually because we’ve made things too big. Forget the all-day art marathon. Start with five minutes. Make a messy page. Jot down a few thoughts. Stick a random scrap of paper down and call it good.

Why this works: Consistency beats intensity. Five minutes adds up faster than you think—and it’s much easier to come back to a habit that feels doable.

2. Set a Simple Goal for Each Session

I always ask myself: what’s the smallest win I can make today? Sometimes that’s adding a title, gluing one thing, or scribbling a list. This is where my Currently List really shines. When you give yourself one clear, achievable task, you remove the pressure to make something “worthwhile.”

Why this works: Tiny goals create momentum. Each win reminds you that you’re doing the thing—you’re showing up, and that matters.

3. Embrace Imperfection

Some of my favorite pages started as “oops” moments. The paint bled. The photo ripped. The layout went sideways. But those “mistakes” often became the spark for something unexpected.

Why this works: Perfectionism kills creativity. When you let your art be a little messy, you open the door for magic to happen.

4. Find Inspiration in Everyday Life

Look up from your desk for a minute. There’s inspiration everywhere: the way sunlight hits your coffee mug, the pattern on your bedsheets, the playlist you can’t stop listening to, or just the random stuff on your desk. I once made a whole page inspired by the pink-and-orange streaks of a TJ’s-parking lot sunset.

Why this works: Everyday details are abundant—and always available. You don’t have to search for inspiration; you just have to notice it.

5. Mix Up Your Supplies

Sometimes all you need is a little change in tools. When I get bored, I dig to the bottom of my supply drawer and grab something I haven’t used in forever—an old stamp set, a forgotten pen, a weird scrap of fabric.

Why this works: New materials invite play. You don’t need to buy more stuff; you just need to rediscover what you already have.

6. Join a Creative Community

When I first started Daily Pages, I was doing it alone. Then I started sharing my pages with a few friends—and that changed everything. Creative community isn’t about comparison; it’s about encouragement.

Why this works: Community gives you accountability and connection. Seeing what others make reminds you that you’re part of something bigger.

7. Revisit Old Work for Inspiration

Flip back through your old notebooks or albums. You’ll find stories, colors, or patterns you forgot you loved. Sometimes I’ll literally remake an old page with a new twist, just to see how my style has evolved.

Why this works: Looking back reminds you of your growth—and your growth is inspiring as hell.

8. Incorporate Self-Reflection

Your creative practice can also be a mirror. When I feel creatively blocked, I’ll make a page about how I’m feeling about being blocked. Sometimes the most powerful pages come from honesty, not aesthetics.

Why this works: Reflection fuels connection. You’ll learn more about yourself, which gives your art more meaning and direction.

9. Create a Routine That Works for You

I make my pages at the same time every day, and that works for me in this season of life. That’s not going to work for everyone, and it’s totally okay. Some weeks it can be mornings. Some weeks it’ll be Thursdays at midnight. The point is showing up in ways that fit real life, not forcing a routine that doesn’t.

Why this works: Working with your schedule is essential. Flexibility can keep your creative habit sustainable. You’re more likely to keep showing up if it feels like an invitation, not an obligation.

10. Celebrate the Small Wins

Finished a page? Great. Wrote a single sentence? Also great. Took a photo you love? Amazing. I like to end the week by flipping through what I made—it’s a mini celebration that keeps me excited for what’s next.

Why this works: Recognizing progress builds momentum. You’re training your brain to see creativity as something joyful and rewarding.

Your Turn

Which of these ideas do you want to try first?

Maybe it’s revisiting an old notebook, or setting a five-minute timer for your next page. Pick one small step and start there. That’s how tiny creative sparks turn into a steady fire that keeps your soul warm.

Your Creative Journey

Staying inspired isn’t about being endlessly motivated—it’s about keeping your creative door cracked open. Some days you’ll burst through it; other days you’ll just peek inside. Both count.

Keep showing up, in whatever way works for you. Your story, your pace, your way.

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Here’s what we covered today:

• Consistency matters more than perfection

• Inspiration is everywhere, especially in the everyday

• Creativity thrives when you make it work for your life

Action step: Pick one spark from this list and try it this week—five minutes is enough.

Talk to you next week!

xoxo,

Kristin

P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.

1. https://medicine.washu.edu/news/what-people-with-chronic-illness-need-to-know-about-the-october-slide/