Getting Unstuck Part 2: Try On Some Strategies...

This might make me sound a little crazy but when I'm stuck it almost feels like there are a bunch of external voices shouting over my creative thoughts. Sometimes one is louder than the others and I've gotten to know these voices well. There's the Perfectionist, the Procrastinator, the Inner Critic, the People-Pleaser, the Imposter, the Overthinker, the Achiever, the Exhausted One and I'm sure more but these are my loudest talkers.

At the time of writing this article I'm actually currently stuck. There are a lot of other factors, like I just threw my back out for the first time in my life (omg, old much), so maybe it's more that I'm injured than stuck but an injury can trigger stuckness and I feel that happening now. Usually when I feel stuck it's because one of these voices starts to act up and right now I think it's the Achiever (who treats time like money and doesn't believe in getting sick/injured) and the Exhausted One (self-explanatory). I'm feeling impatient but also very tired.

Anyways, I have a roster of strategies that I fall back on when I'm feeling stuck, especially when I have a DEADLINE looming.

I've organized it into a cute little questionnaire that you can use when you are trying to get unstuck:

1. Noticing the Voices

Read each voice and place a check mark beside any that feel familiar right now.

The Perfectionist

“If it isn’t amazing, don’t start.”

☐ Shows up strongly ☐ Shows up sometimes ☐ Not present

The Procrastinator

“I’ll begin when I feel more ready.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Inner Critic

“This isn’t good enough. Others are better.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The People-Pleaser

“Will others like this?”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Imposter

“I’m not a real artist.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Overthinker

“What style? What meaning? What’s the right choice?”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Achiever

“This should be useful, productive, or profitable.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Avoider

“If I don’t try, I can’t fail.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Exhausted One

“I don’t have energy for this.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

The Protector

“Don’t share too much—you might get hurt.”

☐ Strongly ☐ Sometimes ☐ Not present

Reflection

1. Which two voices are loudest right now?

2. When do they usually appear?

3. What might they be trying to protect you from?

2. Gentle Strategies for Each Voice

Choose the section that matches your loudest voice.

If the Perfectionist Is Loud...

Truth: Creativity needs movement more than excellence.

Try this:

• Set a 10-minute timer and stop when it ends.

• Use your non-dominant hand or messy materials.

• Call the piece “practice,” not art.

If the Procrastinator Is Loud...

Truth: Starting creates motivation—not the other way around.

Try this:

• Do the smallest possible action (one line, one colour).

• Work for just 2 minutes.

• Stop early on purpose to build trust with yourself.

  
  

If the Inner Critic Is Loud...

Truth: Criticism is often fear wearing a serious voice.

Try this:

• Write the critic’s exact words on paper.

• Respond with a kind, realistic sentence.

• Continue creating while the critic talks.

If the People-Pleaser Is Loud...

Truth: Art grows strongest in privacy first.

Try this:

• Make one piece no one will ever see.

• Choose colours or themes only you like.

• Delay sharing, or don't share at all!

If the Imposter Is Loud...

Truth: Making art is the only requirement for being an artist.

Try this:

• List 10 pieces you’ve already created.

• Notice the time and care you’ve given art.

• Create something small but finished today.

If the Overthinker Is Loud...

Truth: Clarity often comes after creating.

Try this:

• Limit yourself to two colours or one tool.

• Follow the first idea, not the best one.

• Create before interpreting meaning.

If the Achiever Is Loud...

Truth: Play is productive for creativity.

Try this:

• Make something useless and fun.

• Track time enjoyed, not results.

• Schedule unproductive art time.

If the Avoider Is Loud...

Truth: Avoidance protects you from disappointment—but also from joy.

Try this:

• Choose a project so small it cannot fail.

• Finish something in one sitting.

• Celebrate completion, not quality.

If the Exhausted One Is Loud...

Truth: Rest is sometimes the most creative action.

Try this first:

• Drink water, stretch, or step outside.

• Take a true break without guilt.

• Return with a 5-minute creative task only.

If the Protector Is Loud...

Truth: Vulnerability can be gradual.

Try this:

• Share with one safe person only.

• Share process, not finished work.

• Keep some art completely private.

3. Letting a New Voice Lead

There is another voice in you: The Curious Creator

“Let’s just see what happens.”

Sit quietly for a moment and imagine this voice speaking.

Write what it says to you today.

4. Your Tiny Next Step

Choose the smallest creative action you’re willing to take in the next 24 hours.

☐ Open sketchbook

☐ Make one mark

☐ Mix one colour

☐ Work for 2 minutes

☐ Something else: ____________

When will you do it? Good luck!