Why It’s Perfectly Fine to Experience ‘Off’ Days
lisatarkingtonHave you ever had a day where everything feels just a little… off? Maybe your energy is low, your focus is scattered, or you just feel like you’re not performing at your best. If you’ve been there—and let’s face it, we all have—you’re not alone. In fact, those “off” days might be more important than you think!
Welcome back to The Confident Podcast, where we dive deep into confidence, leadership, and self-growth. In today’s blog, I want to talk about why it’s okay to have off days, how they can teach us valuable lessons, and most importantly, how we can move forward with grace and resilience.
Continue on for insights to on why having ‘off’ days is ok
Off Days Are Part of Being Human
Let’s start with the obvious: nobody is perfect. We live in a world where social media and professional expectations can make it seem like everyone else is “on” 24/7. But the truth is, even the most successful people—whether it’s athletes, CEOs, or your favorite influencers—have off days.
Take athletes, for example. I’m a big fan of sports, and I’ve seen even the best players, like Caitlin Clark or Jared Goff, struggle publicly. When they have an off game, the whole world watches and critiques. Yet, these moments don’t define their careers. They learn, adjust, and come back stronger.
For many of us, off days can feel like failures. If you’re a recovering perfectionist like me, it’s hard not to let those days spiral into self-doubt. I’ve had moments where I’ve given a less-than-stellar keynote or webinar and spent days beating myself up over it. Sound familiar?
The truth is, we’re often our own worst critics. We expect ourselves to perform perfectly all the time, but here’s the thing: nobody remembers your off day as much as you do. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, we can shift our mindset to focus on what we can learn.
Every off day is an opportunity for growth. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Self-Compassion Is Key
It’s easy to criticize ourselves when we fall short, but what if we treated ourselves like we would a friend? Would you tell a friend they’re a failure for having an off day? Of course not. Show yourself that same kindness.
2. Rest and Recharge Matter
Sometimes, off days are our body’s way of saying, “Hey, slow down!” It’s okay to take a break, step back, and recharge. Remember, rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential for long-term success.
3. Perfectionism Is a Trap
Off days often highlight our perfectionist tendencies. Learning to let go of the need to be perfect can free us to take risks, make mistakes, and ultimately grow.
4. Reflection Fuels Improvement
Use off days as a time to reflect. What went wrong? What could you do differently next time? Writing your thoughts down or talking them out with someone you trust can help you turn a bad day into a valuable learning experience.
Once you’ve identified those burnout feelings, here are some strategies that can really help:
- Self-Awareness: Start by acknowledging your feelings. Reflect on those questions I shared to see if you’re approaching burnout.
- Set Boundaries: Ask yourself: Am I available 24/7? What boundaries do I need to establish? For me, blocking off time for family and self-care is a must, and I turn off work notifications after hours.
- Mindset Work: Engaging in mindset practices is essential. Journaling can help you reflect on your thoughts and feelings. And sometimes, all you really need is a good night’s sleep.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Remember, self-care looks different for everyone. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time or a longer break, find what recharges you. Trust me; rest is key to productivity and can spark creativity and motivation!
- Learn to Say No: Over the years, I’ve learned how vital it is to delegate and set priorities. It’s okay to decline activities that drain your energy or don’t align with your goals.
- Visualize Your Goals: Regularly check in with yourself. Picture how you feel now versus how you want to feel in the future. This can help clarify your priorities and guide your choices.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether that’s friends, family, or professional support.
So, what do you do when you’ve had a rough day? Here are some actionable steps:
Give Yourself Time: It’s okay to feel disappointed. Allow yourself 24 hours to process your emotions, but don’t stay stuck there.
Refocus Your Energy: Shift your attention to something you enjoy or can control, like reading a good book or tackling a small project.
Set Boundaries: Off days often happen when we’re overextended. Learn to say no to things that drain your energy.
Celebrate Small Wins: Instead of focusing on what went wrong, acknowledge what went right, no matter how small.
Believe it or not, off days are critical for long-term success. They push us to reflect, adjust, and grow. Every “bad” day I’ve had has taught me something valuable, whether it’s how to prepare better, set boundaries, or simply give myself grace.
Even high achievers like professional athletes experience setbacks. The difference is in how they respond. They don’t let one bad game define them, and neither should you.
If you’re having an off day today, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that this is just one moment in a much bigger journey. Use it as an opportunity to grow, and know that you’re not alone. We’re all figuring this out together.
Remember: it’s not about avoiding off days—it’s about how you bounce back. So the next time you feel “off,” lean into it, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
Keep showing up, keep striving, and keep believing in your potential. I’m cheering you on, and I’ll see you next time.
I’d love to hear how you navigate your off days. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram at @LisaTarkingtonOfficial or check out the Lead Within platform for more tools and insights to support your journey. And as always, don’t forget to spread kindness—to others and especially to yourself.
Lead Within, the newly launched online membership platform, is designed to empower individuals in personal and professional growth. With a wealth of content and interactive resources, it provides continuous support for those navigating their confidence journey.
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