Daily Creative with Todd Henry

Why You Get Stuck (and What To Do About It)


Listen Later

In this episode, we dig deep into the experience of “stuckness” that every creative pro and leader faces when tackling hard problems. We challenge the typical advice of “just push through,” and instead reveal the true root causes behind creative block. Also, we explore why simply grinding it out doesn’t always work and how a more mindful approach can help us regain momentum.

We unpack three main reasons why we often get stuck: lack of definition, loss of motivation, and outdated systems. Through relatable examples and practical questions, we show how redefining the problem, reconnecting with our deeper why, and shaking up our routines can reignite progress.

Whether you’re leading a team, working solo, or just trying to unlock new ideas, this episode guides you to reflect, reset, and recharge your creative drive — so you can move forward with purpose.

Five Key Learnings from This Episode:

  1. Stuckness Is Normal: Getting stuck is an inevitable part of doing creative, challenging work — but it's not something we have to resign ourselves to.
  2. Define the Real Problem: We must continuously clarify not just the project, but the actual problem we're solving. This involves empathy, keen focus, and honest reassessment.
  3. Reconnect With Motivation: When we lose sight of why our work matters or get caught in “all what, no why,” motivation drops. Reconnecting tasks to a meaningful purpose is essential.
  4. Audit Your Systems: Outdated processes or a constant chase after new systems can drain energy. Refresh your workflow, build supportive relationships, and question limiting assumptions.
  5. Progress Over Perfection: Stuckness is often a choice. Diligent effort and a willingness to realign or rethink can break the cycle of stagnation and lead to better results.

Subscribe to articles like this at bravefocusedbrilliant.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Apply for Creative Leader Roundtable

 Leading creative people is rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. That's why I've started Creative Leader Roundtable, a private community where leaders like you connect monthly to get practical insights, honest feedback, and real encouragement. You'll leave every round table with fresh perspective and tactical ideas.

You can apply right away. So if you lead a team of talented people, go check us out at CreativeLeader.net, because creative work deserves brave leadership.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Daily Creative with Todd HenryBy Todd Henry

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

517 ratings


More shows like Daily Creative with Todd Henry

View all
Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,600 Listeners

The One You Feed by Eric Zimmer

The One You Feed

2,555 Listeners

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood by Antrese Wood

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

894 Listeners

Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza

Creative Pep Talk

2,011 Listeners

Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

Good Life Project

3,396 Listeners

On Being with Krista Tippett by On Being Studios

On Being with Krista Tippett

10,163 Listeners

How to Be Awesome at Your Job by How to be Awesome at Your Job

How to Be Awesome at Your Job

1,032 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,786 Listeners

The Science of Happiness by PRX and Greater Good Science Center

The Science of Happiness

1,913 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,142 Listeners

Life Kit by NPR

Life Kit

4,866 Listeners

The Happiness Lab by Pushkin Industries

The Happiness Lab

14,437 Listeners

A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism

2,215 Listeners

Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

1,342 Listeners

ReThinking by TED

ReThinking

621 Listeners