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In September 1976, the American rock band Boston released their single called “More Than a Feeling.” The song tells the story of a young man who is listening to the radio, and a song comes on that reminds him of a former love.

What he experiences is “more than a feeling.”

But in a way, this song could also describe writers who are doing the work day by day. How many times have you heard writers who talk about the need to feel “inspired,” or how they are waiting for the Muse to show up and give them the magic words?

The writers who consistently make a difference are the ones who know that the creative process is more than a feeling. They are also the ones who have more consistent success because they aren’t waiting for inspiration to strike.

Seth Godin talks about the need for consistent work in his book The Practice, which focuses on helping creative people ship their work. He says, “Your work is too important to be left to how you feel today. On the other hand, committing to an action can change how we feel. If we act as though we trust the process and do the work, then the feelings will follow. Waiting for a feeling is a luxury we don’t have time for.”

So you woke up feeling grumpy this morning. Or maybe you’re feeling discouraged, or you’re irritated at some situation with your family or a co-worker. Maybe you flat-out just don’t feeling like writing today!

Never mind all that. Those are feelings that ebb and flow like all emotions do. It’s time to put on your “big boy” or “big girl” writing pants, sit down in the chair, and get to work.

Your future self will thank you.