Wow, all the time! And thanks for bringing it up. Sometimes everything just won't flow and my body has other ideas, things I can do in my sleep got to pot...it can be really disheartening.
Sometimes its just an off day but usualky I reflect on the following when things don't work out. Am/was I...
-tired
-hungry
-dehydrated
-talking myself down (negative self talk)
-over thinking
-setting too high expectations
-carrying an injury
-not properly warmed up in all the right places
-otherwise stressed or pressured
-overly serious
-not having fun (and I skate for fun right?)
I find a good barometer is whether I laugh a fail off or get huffy with myself. The fun factor might seem trivial but for me, unless its there, I'm almost certain not to skate well and if it's not there over time, I'm going to give up. Course encouragement is always welcome on an off day, so thanks for sharing and for everyone pitching in with their stories and support!
I'll keep this thread handy!!!