🎧 Listen to this episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast:
“When to Quit or Pivot a Creative Project” on:
You started with excitement.
Now? You’re dragging yourself through it—and wondering if you’re just being lazy, or if it’s actually time to let go.
This blog post and podcast epsidoe is here to help you figure that out. Whether you’re a dancer, actor, writer, singer, or visual artist, knowing when to quit or pivot a creative project is part of the process—and part of your growth.
Is it quitting—or is it clarity?
Artists often get stuck in a mindset that says:
“Real artists never give up.”
But here’s the truth:
Sometimes quitting is the most focused, wise move you can make.
And sometimes pivoting opens doors you never would’ve seen if you stayed locked into a single path.
Let’s explore the difference—so you can make your next decision with clarity instead of guilt.
4 Signs It Might Be Time to Quit or Pivot
🧱 1. You’re pushing through, but the resistance feels pointless
Yes—resistance is part of the process.
But if it’s been months and the project only drains you, that’s not resistance… that’s burnout.
Ask yourself:
Is this hard in a good way—or is it simply not aligned anymore?
🎯 2. The project no longer reflects who you are now
Sometimes the idea made sense when you started—but you’ve grown.
You’ve changed.
And the project hasn’t.
That’s not failure. That’s evolution.
Let yourself shift.
🔄 3. You’re only continuing because of what you’ve already invested
Sunk cost bias hits artists hard.
We tell ourselves:
“I’ve come this far—I have to finish.”
But if you wouldn’t say yes to starting it now, why force yourself to keep going?
🚪 4. You’re staying because pivoting feels scary
Sometimes we don’t stick with something because it’s right—we stick with it because we’re afraid to start over.
But fear of the unknown isn’t the same as a reason to stay.
If you let go… what might open up?
🎨 Creative Spark: A decision check-in
Choose one project or idea that feels stuck.
Ask yourself:
- Why did I start this?
- Is that reason still true?
- If I let this go, what would I make room for?
Even if you don’t make a big decision today, clarity comes from reflection.
🎧 Listen to this episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast:
“When to Quit or Pivot a Creative Project” on:
🎁 Feeling unsure about what’s next for your creativity?
Download my free guide: Stuck in a Creative RUT?
It’ll help you get clear, reconnect, and make progress again.
👉 www.larabiancapilcher.com
– Lara Bianca Pilcher
Life & Creativity Coach | Author | Fellow Artist
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!