UNDERSTANDING CREATIVE BLOCKS!
Why We Get Stuck and What It Means.
I feel like we’ve all been there! Picture this: you’re staring down a blank page, a looming deadline, or that ambitious project you’ve been dreaming about for ages. Your imagination should be running wild, right? Instead, nothing’s there. It’s like your brain hit the pause button. The dreaded “creative block” kicks in! It’s not just about artists tussling with empty canvases—entrepreneurs, goal-setters, and anyone trying to build something new can hit this wall too. The first step to tackling any creative blocks is understanding them. In this blog, we’ll uncover what creative blocks actually are, why they show up and what their presence might be trying to tell us.
WHAT IS CREATIVE BLOCK?
I have no doubt that you all know or have experienced some form of creative block. When your usual flow of ideas, motivation, or problem-solving energy seems to vanish. You want to start or move forward, but it feels like your inspiration has dried up, and you feel lost. You’re not alone! This isn’t a niche problem—artists, writers, entrepreneurs, designers, and even personal goal-chasers can feel it. When you rely on fresh thinking, the occasional block is practically part of the gig.
SPOTTING THE SIGNS.
There are the obvious signs. A blank canvas or page, but do you ever find yourself overthinking every decision or just feeling like nothing you produce matches the vision in your head? Maybe you’re procrastinating or letting distractions run the show. Maybe outside pressures like tight deadlines or messy environments are weighing you down, while inside, fear of failure, perfectionism, or lingering self-doubt can quietly suffocate your best ideas. These are common signs you might be stuck and dealing with creative block. But what causes it?
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND PRESSURES.
I wish I could tell you! There’s no single cause behind a creative block. It might stem from emotional overload—stress, burnout, or anxiety—or those pesky inner voices telling you you’re not good enough. We’ve spoken about Imposter Syndrome before too. Sometimes, external demands or unclear objectives might be the things that throw you off track. Author Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, calls these forces “Resistance,” suggesting we all face invisible barriers whenever we try something bold. Think of it as the mind’s way of testing your resolve.
This is a great read for anyone with a goal they want to tackle that they may feel some resistance to. I highly recommend checking it out. Click the image below for more!
NOT JUST FOR ‘CREATIVES’!
Don’t let the term “creative block” fool you. As we have already discussed, this state doesn’t reserve a VIP seat just for artists, painters or poets. Entrepreneurs brainstorming their next product, professionals tackling big career goals, or anyone craving meaningful progress can fall into the same slump of a creative block. Recognising that everyone faces these hurdles, no matter their field can feel oddly comforting. After all, if it’s this common, maybe it’s not a personal failing—it’s just part of the journey. We’re all in it together!
REFRAME IT!
At its core, if you can reframe a creative block, it’s less about shutting you down than it is about guiding you forward. It’s a signal that something inside needs attention—maybe more clarity, maybe a break, or maybe just a reminder that no path to greatness is a straight line. Understanding these blocks helps you view them not as dead ends but as temporary detours. The next time you find yourself stuck, remember: this pause could be the first step toward your next big breakthrough.
It might feel overwhelming, but just remember that it’s a universal problem we all go through at some point or another. But it’s a problem that’s not impossible to solve, even though sometimes it may feel that way. We’ll address some more practical ways of overcoming creative blocks in a future blog that I hope will be helpful for you, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.
Thanks again for being a part of the Creative Nowhere Land journey and taking the time to read the blog. If you found any of this useful, then sign up for the newsletter for more, hopefully beneficial, information to help you achieve your goals. Also, to be the first to know when brand new podcasts are launched before anyone else.
So, until next time…