Top: Cos; Skirt: Zara (similar here and here); Sandals: Charles & Keith (similar here and here); Necklace: Jenny Bird
In today’s landscape, there is a constant struggle between creativity and the need to over perform. Over the past few months, so many fashion designers have left their respective houses and spoken out about the ridiculous pace at which they have to create in order to keep up with the fashion calendar. Personally, I don’t think this issue is one that exclusively plagues fashion designers, it’s something that bloggers face on an everyday basis.
Most of us got into this industry because we wanted a creative outlet, and those of us who are fortunate even got to make a career out of it. However, I definitely feel like the pressure to perform can get in the way of creativity. In the past, I’ve written about suffering from an anxiety attack due to missing a personal deadline. Since then, I vowed to never allow myself to feel pressured to produce content at a rate where I no longer felt inspired. If necessary, I would take a step back to hit refresh.
So what do I do to stay inspired? Once in a while, I find it therapeutic to remove myself from my day-to-day routine. Going out for dinner without a camera, going somewhere I normally don’t go, or even just going to get a mani-pedi helps me refresh. The most effective way for me to get my creativity back, however, is travel. There is nothing I find more enriching than exploring a new place and feeling inspired by a different culture, landscape, and sense of adventure that comes with travel.
So to my fellow creatives, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the numbers game, and how hard it is to produce solid content 24/7. This is a reminder to go back to your roots and remember why you got into this industry in the first place. Protect your authenticity and creative spark – it’s what makes you special.
Couldn’t agree more – sometimes that pressure definitely gets a bit too much and it ends up being counter-productive. So important to step back every now and then.
PS. Looooving this top! You babe, as always.
Ashleigh x
http://www.ashleighdmello.com
Pressure is something we can’t avoid in this world, unfortunately… But you’re right, it’s a great way to escape to go dinner without camera or a mani pedi! Love this look!
http://violettedaily.com
I agree with you 150% Well said. Love This W&B look. You look Fabulous!
Xx, Raysa
thank you for writing this. This is exactly how I feel at the moment too. It is so much pressure. I love being a blogger, it keeps me creative, I meet new talented people every day and i also do what i love. but sometimes i panic, if i haven’t uploaded a pic on Instagram or missed a posting time on my blog. Sometimes I give myself a day off, switch off from all social media and just constantly telling myself that it is going to be ok1
I hope you will have a lovely week, you look stunning as per usual btw xxx
Yukova Blog
Thank you for this, a very insightful way to start a week and I really needed this reminder. It’s so easy to get lost in the creativity as one always is focusing on the goals. And with this industry in specific it’s an insane amount of pressure to always deliver and always be new, fresh and innovative, it’s madness! I often find myself behind what I want to perform, which is not healthy in any way!Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Lovely and inspiring post! It’s true, there’s so much pressure to be perfect and produce so much. You’re doing an amazing job! Your looks are always chic and I love reading your thoughts
http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Loving this – so true! Happy Monday, lady!
You’re absolutely right hun! So true, one needs to always remember the main motive behind every act.
Love the look.
Funmi x
funmialabi.co.uk
This is a message that I definitely need to take to heart too because I am constantly putting so much pressure on myself in pretty much all areas of my life! Loved this post!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
Thanks for the pep talk Siffat! I couldn’t agree more on focusing why we are all here. Love this black/white minimal look. Chic as always!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Loved this post. Thank you so much for these refreshing words.
You are such an inspiration to me and so many others!
xo, Shell
http://acourageousbeauty.com
Looking so chic Siff!
This outfit looks so fab on you…xoxo, Neha
This is so true lovely, this is really inspiring! At the end of the day is about doing what you love and only writing about what you love, that’s how I manage to stay true to myself! 😉
Love from London,
Whit
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
Thanks so much for sharing so openly in this post. I’m newer to the blogging/Instagram gig – nowhere near the level of output you must have, but it’s great to hear the truth about the pressure and hard work behind the scenes, without the sugar-coating.
Your authenticity and creativity are inspiring. Thanks for doing what you do!
MoJo
xo
Babe I absolutely love this post! You are so right that we can feel pressured by time and numbers to produce something that may not be true to ourselves. I too have felt some anxiety when I just don’t find enough time in the day to get what I need to get done. Blogging and working a full time job has big challenges and although I do hope to make it a career one day, I have to constantly remind myself that I’m only human. Such a great post!I think you’ll speak to many bloggers out there that can relate! Love your fashion sense and so happy you’ve been able to find a happy medium where you don’t compromise your creative vision. Have a great week!
xoxo
Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
Very true. I think for me personally, I do a regular tech detox, especially on the weekends. They are meant to enjoy. It’s easy to get caught up in the number game, or social media game but better to have balance. Love the inspiration and photos. x/Madison
FASHION TALES
How beautifully you wrote it darling! While I am very new at this and I cannot relate to the pressure you are talking about. I do find myself sometimes not listening to my partner or enjoying a moment because of the constant need to document everything. It makes me feel ridiculous, I have to admit.
Love,
T.
https://tbymallano.wordpress.com/
Traveling also helps me, it truly does wonders for the mind. Beautiful styling!
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Great words Siffat. I think we could all use a bit of this. I love the look.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Love that silver choker and this minimalist look on you! Gorgeous!
Thanks for opening up mama! I couldn’t agree more!
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhiteT.com
As a blogger I find it difficult to always come up with new content. This post was a great reminder that’s it’s okay not to always be on point 24/7. Have a great week <3
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
Very inspiring post! I love this look. Love that skirt and the side slit 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Great post! I find it really hard to do things when I feel pressured! It’s nice to take breaks and relax for a moment. You look great, btw!
Such wise words! I totally agree. I try to produce at least 2 – 3 times a week even though my goal is 5 times a week. I tell myself it’s ok. Do what you can. It’s not a race, but a journey.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
I can so relate to this Siffat! I have had to take a bit of a step back this summer because I was getting so overwhelmed and stressed between my increased workload, deadlines and upcoming launches and my blog. It isn’t exactly the path I wish to be on but sometimes you just have to listen to yourself and take a step back.
Your words never fail to inspire. I completely agree with what you said. It’s always a better idea to take a step back when we lose the interest and creativity we once had. Better to do that than to pressure ourselves to keep posting things that aren’t reflecting our best work.
I hope you are having a great week so far!
~Andrea Tiffany~
aglimpseofglam.blogspot.com
So well said Siffat! Pressure can really kill creativity. I also try to refresh my mind from time to time in order to come up with new stuff. I like to work on offline projects too!
I love your look! It’s just perfect.
xx
Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com
Absolutely loved the text and your minimal outfit, everything on point!
Erik from http://www.erikschlz.blogspot.com <3
Wow! This is such a nice post, thanks for sharing! Love your outfit ahhh!
April of: https://beybiapril.wordpress.com/
IG: @aprilnunezz
Love the minimal style of that b&w outfit!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
You look so edgy! I love your choker!! I hope you are able to get your creative juices flowing!
http://www.fashionstylemogul.com
yes the pressure is too much of a hindrance for creativity at times, specially with all social media! love your outfit!
http://www.thestyletune.com
So agree with you hun, social media also puts pressure on all of us which can be daunting at times… Looking fab as always btw 🙂 xx
What a lovely and deep post, thank you for sharing!
http://www.heelsandbeyond.com/
Love the COS shirt! They are one of my favourite brands.
LUXESSED
You look amazing dear!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
This is such a gorgeous look!! So inspiring! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com
You are so right. Most of us did get into fashion because of the creativity but somewhere along the way pressure sets in. It’s hard to feel inspired sometimes. You’re amazing!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Great post – I always strive to keep it real to let go of stress!!
Share my excitement in the second installment of my collaboration with Los Angeles brand TOBI this week at the blog – I am sure you’ll love it as much as I did!
Happy Tuesday!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Thank you so much for this post! I can relate on so many levels because I started my blog as a creative outlet as well. It’s a work in progress and it takes a lot of patience. It is difficult to not get hung up on the numbers and I love that you remind me to go back to my roots. This was such an important and great post for bloggers to read. Thanks for sharing 🙂
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
I totally agree! Sometimes you just need to step back.
http://www.lifeisjustrosie.tv/2016/08/this-is-how-i-beat-summer-heat.html
loving those sandals! super chic look!
kelseybang.com
sometimes when I’m feeling the pressure I take a day or two off social media and blogging and recharge. It really helps! anyway loving this look on you! the blouse is fantastic, I love the sleeves
http://www.prettyinleather.net
love the shirt on you!
xx
http://thedemeler.com
Fab monochrome look and I really like the oversized shirt. I loooved this article and it really resonates with me at the moment. I was certainly feeling the pressure coz I have 1 full time job, 1 part time and coz of what I read I felt I had to do more than one post a week. I managed for one week, but it got too much and I decided I wasnt going to go nuts for a blog that I set up to be my creative ‘happy place’.
And you are right about how travelling is such a mood booster. Have a gd wk hon ( :
This is SUCH a good post! Sometimes it all just gets so overwhelming, and the need for perfection can start to overtake everything. That is when I know I need to take a step back + focus more on just enjoying life, blogging, etc!
And the funny thing is…taking a break usually that brings fresh new ideas + a more renewed passion for what I do!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com
Even as a newbie in this blogzone I can absolutely relate.
You make ever look so good! Love how you carry this outfit so chicly.
http://www.amnaonline.wordpress.com
The slit on your skirt is so sexy! And I totally can relate – there are definitely times where I feel like I’m just drawing a blank. Sometimes I just need a few days off from social media and enjoy the little things in life!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
I totally agree that the pace is too fast. So many of us are feeling it. And many are too scared to actually speak about it… in case they are perceived as a “failure” of some sort for it.
I feel like there is a collective urge and need to slow down…even though many people don’t want to talk about it. To appreciate and to savour, to be still. To have quality over quantity. And to create from love and passion and rather than a fear to stay visible and relevant in a saturated and fast paced arena.
And that if we all allow ourselves this balance and slower pace we crave…maybe collectively we can hope this mad rush the world is in will slowly shift…Our lives and our creativity will surely benefit.
I couldn’t agree more with you! We all go through the same phase from time to time and as you said it is important to keep the authenticity! Don’t pressure yourself, this is the worst thing you can do. x
Ela BellaWorld
Amazing look! Great styling, Beauty! You are such a doll.
Thanks for sharing!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Indeed, the life that we live is often under pressure. Often we have to force us to follow the path chosen by others. But what is wonderful you succeed, you try and find your way for that inspire you and help you to write this particular post. You look great!
I can definitely relate to this pressure, but like you, I’ve adviced myself to take it slow.
I love the care-freeness in this outfit. Pretty Siffat!
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
irenethayer.com
Yesterday for the first time in a while, I went out to dinner without any camera or phone. And it was so relaxing to be disconnected for a while!
Love your outfit as always!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
Truly inspiring post! Love it. I can totally relate to it! Loving your outfit so much. You look so stunning! <3 <3
Simply chic! Love your top. Hope to hear from you soon. 🙂
Love, Airish
Gorgeous Glance
http://www.airishabella.blogspot.com
I love this black and white look on you! As always, your styling is perfect.
I can totally relate to the pressure syndrome and find that I definitely need to recharge my batteries from time to time!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
I love your style so much !!!!!
Kisses from France
Célia.
http://www.ananasandco.com
Amazing post.