The Underlying Struggles of Creative Professionals and How to Overcome Them
Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash
In Daily Rituals, Mason Currey explores the routines of artists, writers, composers, and philosophers in the Western world. This captivating book provides insight into how many creatives approach their work. A recurring theme is that creativity is more about discipline than waiting for inspiration to strike.
Consider Wallace Stevens, a renowned 20th-century poet who also worked as an insurance lawyer. He once remarked, “I find that having a job is one of the best things in the world that could happen to me… It introduces discipline and regularity into one’s life.” Stevens maintained a structured routine: he read for two hours early each morning, worked his day job, and used his lunch breaks for writing.
Similarly, Toni Morrison, celebrated for novels such as The Bluest Eye and Beloved, juggled a career as an editor, teaching college courses, and being a single parent. Despite her demanding schedule, she found ways to write—whether in the evenings, on weekends, or in the early mornings. Morrison explained, “When I sit down to write, I never brood. I have so many other things to do, with my children and teaching, that I can’t afford it. I brood, thinking of ideas, in the automobile when I’m driving to work or in the subway or when I’m mowing the lawn. By the time I get to the paper, something’s there—I can produce.”
“When I sit down to write, I never brood...that I can't afford”
— Toni Morrison
These stories challenge a common misconception among creatives: the belief that conditions must be “just right” before starting work. Many of us tell ourselves we need to be in the perfect mindset, possess all the necessary tools, or feel confident in our abilities before we can begin. This perfectionist mindset often masks a deeper issue—our avoidance of uncomfortable emotions tied to our creative process. What we label as procrastination is frequently not laziness but a defense against painful, self-critical beliefs.
For creatives like Stevens and Morrison, the pressure of their external responsibilities left little room for self-doubt. They couldn’t afford to question whether they were “good enough”; they simply had to produce. So how can we cultivate this kind of discipline and routine in our own lives? How can we overcome the mental blocks that keep us stuck?
Research provides valuable insights. In the study Rational and Irrational Beliefs in Understanding Academic Procrastination, the authors state, “Procrastination begins with beliefs… It is not the activating events that cause emotional and behavioral consequences, rather, it is how an individual interprets these events and therefore forms a belief system that results in behaviors.” In other words, procrastination is rooted in our thought patterns, not in the act itself.
Procrastination becomes problematic when it stems from irrational beliefs. These beliefs often manifest as rigid, illogical, and extreme expectations. For example, you might feel paralyzed by the perceived difficulty of a task, fear of failure, or discomfort with negative emotions. This avoidance results in delaying tasks even when you’ve made a conscious decision to start.
If you find yourself procrastinating because the work feels overwhelming or you fear you’re not “good enough,” the problem lies in these underlying beliefs. To overcome this, you must first recognize and confront them. Here’s how:
Steps to Overcome Procrastination
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Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions that arise when you sit down to create. Are you telling yourself, “I’m not talented enough,” or “This has to be perfect”?
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Once you’re aware of these beliefs, question their validity. Are they rational, or are they based on fear? Replace self-critical thoughts with affirmations grounded in truth, such as, “Progress is more important than perfection.”
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Creativity is a vulnerable process. Treat yourself with kindness, especially when facing setbacks. Recognize that discomfort is part of growth, not a reflection of your worth.
Creativity thrives on discipline, not perfection. By addressing the beliefs that hold you back, you can break free from the cycle of procrastination and unlock your full creative potential. Take inspiration from Stevens and Morrison—start where you are, with what you have, and trust the process. Here are a few creative prompts for reflection on your beliefs:
Draw or describe a visual representation of the irrational belief (e.g., a monster, a shadow)
Write a dialogue between your inner critic and your compassionate self
Describe your life a year from now, free from the constraints of this belief.
Helping creative professionals work through the underlying beliefs that keep them blocked is my passion and specialty as a therapist. If you’re ready to uncover what’s holding you back and take meaningful steps forward in your creative journey, I’d love to work with you.
Resources:
Currey, M. (2013). Daily rituals: How artists work. Knopf.
Li, X., Zhou, M., & Zhang, X. (2022). Rational and irrational beliefs in understanding academic procrastination. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 183(1), 23–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221325.2021.1997895
