When Passion Fades: How I’m Finding My Way Back

When we do the same repetitive thing over and over again - no matter how creative our work is - things eventually become dull, boring, and may even leave us wondering if this is truly what we’re meant to do in life.

Have you ever felt that way?

You used to love your work, but now it’s just... “okay”. You want that excitement back - that feeling of can't-wait-to-wake-up-and-dive-into-your-projects. But the problem is... that spark is gone. And it feels like there’s no way out.

So, we acknowledge this feeling... but what’s next?

I’ve been there too - moments when nothing, not even the things I was once so passionate about, could excite me. Here are the real, practical tips that are helping me right now ⬇️

1. Find Fresh Inspiration - and Brainstorm with ChatGPT

I search for people whose work currently inspires me - people whose content style and creative energy truly appeal to me.

Then, I open ChatGPT, and together, we brainstorm how I can adapt those ideas to my own work - whether it’s content creation, drawing, or something else entirely.

I actually did this today and ended up with a list of 100 really cool ideas for my YouTube channel, including fresh topics beyond just iPad tutorials. It completely shifted my perspective from feeling stuck to feeling inspired.

2. Dream Big - Without Limits

I stop being “realistic” and write down all my wild, surreal goals - the ones I truly want to reach, even if they feel out of reach or outside my niche.

Then, I revisit the stories of people I admire - how they fulfilled their dreams - and I turn to my journal. Lately, I’ve been writing in my own custom-designed ASDB Planner, which I created specifically for my ASDB Academy and my iPad design students. (You can read more about the planner HERE).

My ASDB Planner has a special section for:
Daily idea brainstorming
New concept development
Big vision mapping

This planner is my space - designed by me, for me - so there’s no fear of judgment, only room for creativity. Honestly, where else would I write down all my wildest ideas if not in the planner I created for myself? 😄

3. Kick Fear to the Curb - With Action and Affirmations

Fear and anxiety about the future ("What if this doesn’t work? What if I fail?") can be paralyzing. Here’s how I’m combating that fear:

•  I meditate.
•  I repeat affirmations.
•  I remind myself of my favorite quote from my mentor, Ryan Serhant: "Take care of work, and the work will take care of you."

But most importantly, I take action today. (Remember those YouTube ideas from step 1? Today, I’m preparing my filming plan for tomorrow!)

I’m also finding joy by painting - this time, inspired by the biography of my favorite artist, David Hockney. There’s something powerful about reading how others started from scratch - it’s a massive reminder that if they did it, so can I.

4. Journal It Out - Write the “Mess” Down

Writing down my chaotic, messy thoughts is everything - and gosh, it feels amazing. There’s a reason why journaling is at the top of every self-development list: because it truly helps!

In fact, these newsletters are like journaling for me. Originally, they were meant to just update you about my iPad Design Academy... but somehow, they’ve become a source of practical tips and creative therapy - for both of us! 😄

5. Share Your Struggles - With the Right People 

Talk to people who:
✔️ Support you
✔️ Value your work
✔️ Want to see you win

And be honest about what’s going on without fear of judgment. Recently, I did exactly that - and one conversation led to a HUGE AHA moment that reignited my creativity!

But here’s the key: Only share with those who genuinely root for you. Not those “friends” who:

•  Watch your stories first…
•  …but never like, comment, or support you (You know exactly who I mean lol)

Final Words - From Me to You:

We can do this!!!

I never write about things I haven’t lived through myself. Every tip here is from my real life - things that are helping me, right now, during my own creative struggles.

So, here’s to you - pushing through the blocks, reigniting your passion, and making your creative dreams a BIG reality.

You’ve got this. And I know you’ll be amazing - because there’s truly no other way 😉

With all my support,
Anna 💛🎨
Bonus: Something You’ll LOVE! 

We’ve decided to bring back the iPad Design Bootcamp with 5 video tutorials - because your feedback and results from it were so professional and inspiring!

🎨 Get FREE access to the iPad Design Bootcamp HERE!