46 | Jen Louden: How To Start When You’re Totally Blocked or Afraid

Create Out Loud With Jennifer Louden

Have you ever had a grand idea for a creative project, only to never actually start it? You get excited about your big (or small) project, but you can’t wrap your head around how to start it. In your mind it’s perfect, so how can it ever be as good in reality? Why do you feel fear and dread when you think about starting? Starting a new project can be one of the hardest parts of the creative process. Some of the greatest writers of our generation have talked about the fear of writer's block. Nobel prize winners like Toni Morrison believed every writer faces it. Emotions of dread and uncertainty at starting a new project can get in your way, and experiencing a creative block before you even start can often nip a project in the bud before it has the chance to come to fruition. Even in the depths of doubt and overwhelm, there are ALWAYS strategies to get back into it, and figure out how to start making progress on what you desire. In this solo episode, Jen talks about why starting a project can be scary, and how to implement small strategies to help you get started today. Listen to the episode to learn: Why the plunge into the unknown feels so scary – it’s science! How to create an emotionally safe environment for you to start Why working in itty bitty containers at a time helps keep the momentum going in your project How to acknowledge progress, instead of chasing perfection Why you don’t always have to start at the beginning How to get honest with yourself about your schedule A reminder that you’re not married to every project you want Visit jenniferlouden.com/podcastkit to get instant access to a collection of audios that will help you with some of the most common struggles we creatives have to manage, including: The fear of choosing Falling into compare and despair, managing the inner critic(s) Feeling too exposed and vulnerable when you put yourself or your work into the world