The Creative Cycle

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Do you struggle to work to a daily routine?

Me too. 

No matter how hard I try to get up, get organised, and get to my computer by 10am, I just can't seem to stay consistent. 

Over time, I've noticed that the creative work cycle is different to the nine-to-five work cycle. It breathes with its own rhythm of intense creativity, followed by intense periods of rest and reflection. 

This is the cycle of nature, as natural as the bodies that we haul to our computers. The flower doesn't flower every single day, but in an intense burst of creativity, then rest. 

Plants and animals rest. Nature rests. We are nature.

Knowing this cycle helps me to use my energy in the most efficient way. I've learnt that trying to work when it's time to rest isn't the best use of my precious time.

I've learnt to develop rest strategies. When I can't get another word onto the page, it's time to put words back in. This might mean catching up with friends, reading, music or TV. Sometimes it means no words at all.

I've tried fighting this instinct, and the work ends up being difficult; requiring more editing than it would have had I written with a fresh brain. 

I've observed three stages of creation. If you're also a mystic, you'll already know that three is a number that suggests creativity. 

  1. Inspiration: when our ideas are flowing in and we feel energised to start something.
  2. Dedication: when we work hard to turn our ideas into reality; thinking, planning, working; showing up every day until the work stops flowing. 
  3. Meditation: when we rest, cook, connect with friends, nurture the bodies that work so hard for us and reflect on what we've done so far. This stage gives rise to the next stage, inspiration. Inspiration keeps the wheel turning.

I made the following piece of visual content so that I could explain The Creative Cycle to my Creative Writing Students. 

But I'd also like to share it with you, my blog readers. 


Yesterday I did ten hours of writing and content creation. My brain is tired, so I'm going to go and read a book now. Words out = words in. 

Happy resting/working/playing.

Leanne Margaret © 2025

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