Listen to this episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast:
“What If You’re Not Making Anything Right Now?” on:
What If You’re Not Making Anything Right Now?
Do you ever catch yourself staring at a blank page, an empty canvas, or the silent rehearsal room—and wonder: “What if I’m not making anything right now?”
If you’re a dancer, actor, singer, writer, or visual artist, the silence can feel crushing. But here’s the truth: you’re not broken, lazy, or less of an artist. You’re simply stuck in a creative rut.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- Why artists get stuck in creative block
- The hidden psychology of creative burnout recovery
- Practical steps to regain creative confidence and start again
Why Creative Block Hurts So Much
Not creating isn’t just about missed practice. It’s about the fear that your creativity is gone for good.
Many artists I work with carry a silent belief: “If I’m not making, maybe I’m not really an artist.”
That fear weighs heavier than the block itself.
👉 Whether you’re experiencing writer’s block, dancer burnout, singer confidence struggles, or an actor mindset crisis, the pain is universal: it’s not just that you aren’t creating—it’s that you feel disconnected from your artist identity.
Why Artists Stop Creating (The Psychology Behind It)
Research shows that when stress levels rise, your brain shifts into avoidance mode. Instead of curiosity and play, your nervous system prioritizes safety. That’s why it feels impossible to “just push through.”
Here are the most common reasons artists stop creating:
1. Perfectionism
“If it’s not amazing, it’s not worth doing.” This inner critic convinces you that starting small isn’t enough.
2. Burnout
You’ve poured so much energy into your craft that the thought of doing more feels exhausting.
3. Comparison
Scrolling and seeing others create makes you feel behind—so you avoid your own art.
4. Identity Crisis
You start to question, “Am I still an artist if I’m not producing anything?”
👉 The truth? Creative block isn’t failure—it’s feedback. It’s your mind and body telling you something needs to shift.
How to Reconnect With Your Creativity
You don’t need a giant breakthrough. You need small, doable steps that rebuild trust with your art. Here’s my 3-part framework for getting out of a creative rut:
1. Shift From Output to Process
Stop pressuring yourself to finish a novel, choreograph a full routine, or paint a masterpiece. Instead, ask:
- “What if I just write one messy line?”
- “What if I just move for five minutes?”
- “What if I just hum one chorus?”
2. Reframe Resistance as Data
When you feel stuck, don’t panic. Get curious. Ask yourself:
- “What am I really afraid of right now?”
- “Am I tired, overwhelmed, or comparing myself?”
Naming resistance removes its power.
3. Start With Micro-Actions
Small creative acts reset your nervous system and rebuild momentum. One brushstroke. One note. One sentence. Creativity is a muscle—strength grows with repetition.
Seasons of Artistry (You’re Not Broken)
Think about winter: the trees look bare, but life is still pulsing beneath the surface.
Your artistry works the same way. Even when you’re not producing, creativity is quietly storing energy.
👉 You’re not broken—you’re in a season. And seasons change.
🎯 Creative Spark Challenge
This week, do one creative thing you can finish in 10 minutes or less.
- Write a page.
- Sketch one doodle.
- Dance to one song.
No judgment, no pressure—just one honest act.
Ready to Break Out of Your Creative Rut?
Your Next Step
🎁 Grab your free guide
If you’re stuck in a creative rut, I made this for you:
→ Stuck in a Creative Rut ←
It’s a free guide with 3 simple, science-backed steps to help you reconnect with your creativity and start again.
And if you’re ready to go deeper…
🎉 My low-cost course Reignite Your Creativity in 7 Days is available anytime—just $37 and packed with support for artists like you.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Listen to this episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast:
“What If You’re Not Making Anything Right Now?” on:
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!