Why Creatives Avoid Help (And Why I Did Too)

I Thought I Had to Figure It Out Alone

Me, mid-struggle, 2010. Photo: Barbara Lowing.

I used to think that if I was stuck creatively, it meant I just wasn’t trying hard enough.

So I’d double down, isolate, and try to grind my way through.

That was probably the first ten or so years of my career. Whenever I looked on social media or hung out with colleagues, I presumed everyone was doing better than me. In fact, I figured they were doing brilliant and I was stuffing everything up. The only solution? Work harder.

But eventually, I realised: creative block isn't about laziness. It’s about overload, fear, and silence.

In the last few months, I’ve started working as a coach for other creative people — writers, performers, educators, and freelancers — and I keep seeing the same pattern:

They wait.
They suffer through it.
They assume it’s just them.
But it’s not just them.

Everyone—even the artist you think is nailing it right now—is struggling with something. And many are afraid to ask for help.

Creative people are incredible at offering help, wisdom, and insight to others, but what about receiving help?

Coaching has reminded me — and them — that a little structured reflection and encouragement can unlock so much.

I’ve got a few spots open for coaching in May. They’re going fast.
I offer free 15-minute intro chats — no pressure, just a conversation.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change or finding some clarity, I’d love to talk.

I’ll keep sharing what I’m learning. We don’t have to figure it all out alone.

P.S. If this resonated, feel free to pass it on to a creative friend who might need it today. 💬