Feeling uninspired behind the drums?

Here are 7 simple ways to reconnect with your playing:

1️⃣ Change the “why,” not the chops
Stop practicing to improve. Start playing to feel something.
Put on a song you loved before you cared about technique and play along — no metronome, no correcting, no judging.

2️⃣ Play smaller on purpose
Limit your setup: hands only, kick and snare, or even a practice pad.
Constraints create focus, and focus brings creativity back.

3️⃣ Borrow inspiration from non-drummers
Watch a singer phrase a melody, a bassist lock into time, or a dancer move to the groove.
Then ask: How would I play that feeling on drums?

4️⃣ Play emotions, not exercises
Instead of thinking in rudiments, choose a feeling:
Calm. Confident. Playful. Grounded. Powerful.
Set a 5-minute timer and only play grooves that match the emotion.

5️⃣ Teach it to an imaginary beginner
Ask yourself: How would I explain this groove to someone brand new to drumming?
Clarity improves feel. Feel restores inspiration.

6️⃣ Borrow someone else’s fire
Watch one short clip of a drummer with great time, pocket, or joy.
Then immediately sit down and play — no scrolling, no comparison.

7️⃣ Schedule “no-outcome” sessions
Create space to play with no goal:
No recording. No posting. No improving.
Just play. Inspiration often shows up after the boredom.

Sometimes the fastest way forward is simply remembering why you started.

Thanks,
Steve