A creative block, or simply a block to self-expression and more satisfying achievement, is a symptom or a consequence of one or more unresolved psychological issues in one’s life.
The challenge is (1) to solve the mystery of whatever is blocking you, and (2) to have the will to move forward against the resistance you will feel in working through the issue or issues.
Even talented, successful people can bring their work and achievement to a new level by recognizing and dealing with subtle emotional issues that are at play in their psyche.
Breaking free of blocks to creativity requires that we uncover our psychological entanglement in unresolved negative emotions.
Here are some of the issues, all of which are interrelated, that produce blocks:
1. Fear of exposure, and issues with shame and humiliation.
2. Expectation of being rejected, as well as self-rejection and even self-hatred.
3. Feeling inadequate, flawed, and defective.
4. Issues of passivity, powerlessness, and helplessness.
5. Lingering effects of parental messages.
6. Self-doubt, self-criticism, and self-condemnation.
7. Perfectionism.
8. Negative exhibitionism and the claim-to-power defense.
9. Self-defeating use of the imagination.
10. Feeling drained by the effort required to succeed.
11. Fear of missing the boat. Being refused and deprived.
12. Unspecified guilt.
13. Negative inner voices.
14. Injustice collecting.
All of these issues are explained in detail in my books.
