“Creative constipation…Thats the best I can describe this feeling of having this idea stuck in my head for this long…” That what my last client on said to me earlier this week… and her words are humorously still ringing in my mind.
She made me think about a series of conversations I’ve had with a few other incredibly talented creatives, each expressing frustration about their personal projects…
These people are absolute monsters at work—never missing deadlines and often burning the midnight oil for their jobs. But when it comes to their own passion projects, it’s a different story.
The chats made me reflect on the common struggles many makers face when trying to bring their own ideas to life… And I think I have identified a few types of ways people feel stuck and I’m sure there are more, but here’s what I’ve gleaned so far:
1. Too Many Ideas
This person is overflowing with ideas but can’t focus on one. They feel lost, overwhelmed by possibilities, and unsure where to start.
2. The Big Idea Thats Stuck in Your Head
This person has a big idea that’s been living rent-free in their head for years. It’s eating them up inside, but they can’t figure out how to move forward.
3. Mid-Project Paralysis
This person has started something meaningful but feels stagnant. They’ve hit a wall and don’t know what the next step is.
4. Easy to Start Hard to Finish
This person starts multiple ideas but never finishes them. They lose momentum partway through because the next shiny idea always seems more exciting.
5. No Gas
This person has the idea but can’t find the motivation to begin. They’re stuck in a cycle of procrastination, unable to take that critical first step.
6. Paranoia will destroy ya.
This person over analyzes everything, questioning every move and getting caught up in the need for perfection, which makes it impossible to move forward.
7. I Need XYZ to Make It Happen
This person believes they’re missing something—whether it’s resources, connections, or permission from others—that’s preventing them from making progress.
It might be easier typed than done, but the path forward is surprisingly simple. The solution starts with reducing complexity and focusing on the smallest actionable step that can move you from where you are to the next phase. Here’s how each type of person can get unstuck:
1. For the Person With Too Many Ideas
If you’re drowning in ideas but can’t settle on one, start by finding the common thread among them. What are the recurring themes or values? Journaling, voice notes, or reflective walks can help you simplify and focus on the shared core of your ideas. The path forward is likely hiding there.
2. For the Person With One Big Idea
If your big idea has been in your head forever, it’s time to get it out on paper. Commit a weekend to write down everything about it. Once it’s out of your mind, you’ll feel relief.
Trust me.
3. For the Person Who Feels Overwhelmed on Where to Start
If you’re paralyzed by where to begin, take a step back. Do an inventory of what’s working and seek mentorship. Find someone who has been in a similar situation and ask for guidance. An outside perspective can help you take that first step.
4. For the Person Stuck in the Middle of a Project
If you’re stuck mid-project, ask yourself if this is still the right thing for you. Have you made the project too big? Scale it back. Revisit your initial vision, and see if simplifying it can reignite your momentum.
5. For the Person Who Can’t Find Motivation to Start
If motivation is your struggle, the trick is to remove the pressure. Break the project down into the smallest possible step—even if it’s just writing a sentence or outlining a concept. Small progress creates momentum.
6. For the Overthinker
If overthinking is keeping you stuck, the key is to trust the process and give yourself permission to be imperfect. No project starts flawless. The journey is about learning and refining as you go, not getting everything perfect upfront.
7. For the Person Who Needs Something to Make It Happen
If you feel like you need something external to move forward, challenge that belief. Often, we have more than we realize. Start with what you have, and you’ll likely find that momentum brings what you need along the way.
Wherever you are on this journey of actualizing your ideas, know that it’s all possible. Take a breath, reduce the complexity, and look at your challenge from a different angle. Sometimes, the smallest action can unlock a whole new phase of progress.
Which type of creative blockage resonates with you?
Let’s chat about how to get you unstuck.