A survival guide for how to show up online when inspiration ghosts you
(AKA how to post when you’re tired)
Some days you’re bursting with ideas. Other days… the spark is gone, your brain is mush, and social media feels like a big flashing “NOPE.” But the algorithm doesn’t sleep. And your people? They still want to hear from you. (Even if it’s just a little burst of honesty or value.) So what do you do when you’re tired, busy, or just not feeling it—but still want to show up consistently on social?
You make it easier on yourself. Here’s how:
1. Ditch the pressure to go viral
Not every post needs to be epic.
Sometimes, a quick thought or a tiny moment of truth is enough to keep you visible and valuable. In fact, posts that don’t try so hard often resonate the most—because they feel real.
Try lowering the bar
- Share a single sentence that made you think.
- Post an “I’m here, and that counts” kind of check-in.
- Screenshot a client win and add one line of context.•
- Repost something that still rings true and say why it matters now.
You’re not building a billboard—you’re starting conversations. People remember the little nudges of truth more than they remember the shiny graphics.
What this looks like in action
Imagine you’re dragging your feet about posting, but you remember a client emailed you to say, “That workshop changed everything for me.” You don’t need a case study. Just screenshot that email (crop out their name), caption it with “This is why I do what I do,” and you’re done. You’ve got a post even though you’re tired.
Progress over perfection. Even small posts move your message forward.
2. Embrace the magic of constraints
When your energy is low, structure becomes your secret weapon.
You don’t need a brilliant idea—you need a repeatable format. Constraints keep you from spinning out in “What do I even say?” mode.
Try
- A “3 things I believe about [your niche]” post
• A “hot take, soft heart” one-liner
• A fill-in-the-blank caption like: “If you’re feeling ___, you’re not alone.”
• Use a weekly content theme to take decision fatigue off your plate
Mini prompt
Only have 10 minutes? Post about:
- One boundary you set this week
• One myth you’d love to bust
• One moment that made you smile (even if it was tiny)
The truth is, most audiences love simple content. They don’t want you to wax poetic—they want to hear what’s on your heart. And when you give yourself a shape to fill in, you get out of your own way.
If you ever feel like “Ugh, I can’t create from scratch right now,” use a pre-written framework you trust. (And if you don’t have one yet, start collecting posts you admire and turning them into templates.)
3. Let your rough drafts lead the way
When in doubt, post your ramble. Seriously.
- Snap a pic of your desk and share your messy thoughts.
- Talk to your camera for 30 seconds—even if it’s imperfect.
- Write what you wish someone had told you today.
- Use your Notes app brain-dump from last night as today’s post.
People don’t need polish. They need permission to be real. And that starts with you. When you share something unfiltered, you give others room to do the same.
Even if it’s “Here’s a post I almost didn’t write,” that transparency invites connection. You’re modeling what it looks like to create even when it’s hard. That’s a kind of leadership.
And hey—sometimes that brain-dump post ends up getting more engagement than the one you spent three hours crafting. Go figure.
4. Match your content to your energy
Low-energy? Then don’t try to summon your high-energy alter ego.
Instead, pick content that fits how you’re actually feeling.
- Repost something from your archive (even from 6 months ago—it’s new to someone!)
• Share a quote you love and add one sentence about why
• Use a trending sound to point to an old post
• Drop a voice note into your stories with zero filters
You don’t need to be “on” to be consistent. In fact, showing up as you are can strengthen your audience’s trust in you. When they see you posting without the bells and whistles, they start to understand that you’re here for the long game.
Try rating your daily energy level 1–5 before you post.
If it’s a 2, ask: “What kind of post feels possible today?” Then give yourself credit for honoring that.
5. Steal from yourself (with love)
You’ve already said smart, powerful, meaningful things. Why not use them again?
Try
- Turning a blog headline into a carousel
• Splitting one long post into three short ones
• Reposting a high-performing caption with a fresh image
• Pulling a juicy line from your About page and turning it into a post
Repurposing isn’t lazy. It’s brilliant. Your message deserves to be heard more than once, and not everyone is seeing it the first time you post anyway.
You might be surprised how many people say, “This is exactly what I needed today,” even when you feel like you’re just repeating yourself.
Pro tip
Keep a folder called “Greatest Hits” so you can grab a post when you need one in a pinch.
6. Be honest. Really honest.
If you’re feeling burned out, scattered, or uninspired—say so.
Chances are, someone else is too. And when you share it, you’re giving voice to something others might not have words for.
Try
- “This is what showing up looks like today.”
• “I didn’t feel like posting, but here’s one tiny thing I want to share.”
• “If you’re tired, here’s your permission slip to rest.”
• “Here’s something that’s been heavy on my mind lately.”
Your audience will feel seen—and you’ll feel more connected to your content.
Social media isn’t just about highlights. It’s also about holding space. You don’t need a shiny lesson every time. Sometimes, it’s enough to just be a human being showing up in real time.
Before you go… your “I’m too tired to post” plan:
Try this today
- Choose one simple format (list, quote, confession, mini-story)
- Set a 10-minute timer
- Post without overthinking
Bonus points
Start a “low-lift content bank” in your Notes app. Save unfinished thoughts, one-liners, and post ideas for future-you to use when the tank is empty. Bonus-bonus if you label it “Use me so you can post when you’re tired” for extra kindness.
You don’t have to be “on” to be effective. You just have to show up in a way that honors your capacity.
- Your imperfect posts still count.
- Your low-energy voice is still valuable.
- And your people? They’re still listening.
So yes, post, even when you’re tired. Even when you’re over it. Especially then.
