Progress Over Perfection: How to Keep Creating When You Feel Behind

You’re Not Behind—You’re Becoming: Creating Slowly in a Season of Motherhood

If you’ve ever scrolled through an art challenge on Instagram and felt that sting of “I’m already behind”—this is for you.

As a mom of a toddler and a newborn, I know exactly what it feels like to crave creativity while also drowning in laundry, feedings, and the endless snack cycle. You want to make beautiful things. You try to show up. But time doesn’t always cooperate—and suddenly, it feels like everyone else is flying past while you’re stuck in the mud.

But here’s what I’ve learned: progress doesn’t have to be fast. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to keep moving.

Let’s walk through what it looks like to create slowly, gently, and imperfectly—in a way that actually lasts.

Your Messy Middle Is Normal

You’re not failing. You’re in the middle of becoming.

The challenge that almost made me quit.

I used to think art challenges had to be done exactly on time. I thought I had to show up and post every single day—at a high level of polish. But with two little kids and unpredictable days, that kind of pressure just made me want to disappear.

I’d start strong… then miss a day… then miss two… and suddenly, the shame crept in:
“See? I can’t even finish an art challenge. I’m not disciplined enough. I’m not meant for this.”

The reframe that saved my joy.

Eventually, I let go of the rules. I gave myself permission to stretch a one-week challenge over a whole month. To start before it began, knowing I might need wiggle room. To finish late, or never, and still call it a win.

Because it is a win.
Every sketch, even if nobody sees it, is proof that I showed up.

My mantra

“You don’t have to finish fast.
You just have to finish when it feels right.”

Tiny Steps Count (Even If No One Sees Them)

Private progress still moves you forward.

My rule: one sketch a day.

Some days, all I can do is a 5-minute doodle during snack time. That’s it. But I’ve learned that tiny sketches become motifs, which become patterns, which become products. It adds up—even if it doesn’t look like it yet.

You don’t need to post to be proud.

It took me a while to believe this, but I’ll say it clearly now:
You don’t need external validation to validate your art.

Some of my most meaningful pieces never made it online. They’re tucked in my iPad or sketchbook. And they’re still valuable. Because they taught me something. Or calmed my mind. Or made me smile.

The quiet wins matter

“Done is a win.
Seen or unseen, it counts.”

You’re Not Behind—You’re Becoming

You are moving forward, at the exact pace this season allows.

My quick sketch that turned into something more.

One day I drew a leaf. That’s it. Just a tiny, imperfect leaf on a page. But it sparked a whole series of nature-inspired motifs. That became a pattern. That became a product I loved. That’s how it starts.

Your creativity is valid—even in chaos.

Your “one tiny sketch” could be the seed of something. Or maybe it’s just a moment of peace in a loud day. Either way, it’s enough. It matters. You’re allowed to learn, slowly. To show up, gently. To make something imperfect and still call it art.

What I hope you remember

“1 tiny step a day becomes 1 tiny habit…
That becomes a creative life.”

Ready to Make Progress Without Pressure?

If you’ve been waiting for a sign that you’re not behind—that you’re still allowed to create, at your own pace—this is it.

You don’t need to catch up. You just need a gentle place to begin.

That’s why I created a free Seamless Pattern Course, broken into bite-sized steps you can pause and come back to anytime.
🧵 You’ll create your first repeat pattern
🖌️ Learn simple Procreate tools
🌸 Work through creative blocks without pressure

Just open the canvas. I’ll walk with you from there.

👉 [Sign up for the free course here!] 🌟