Creativity : Working With Resistance
Working with Resistance
Diving into a creative project can seem deceptively difficult. Sometimes, the energy required to start feels greater than the project itself. A blank page, an empty canvas, or untouched materials can evoke a sensation within us that resembles a wall. Over the years, as an artist, I have learned something that has transformed how I emotionally, mentally, and psychologically connect with my creative process.
Resistance isn’t the enemy—it’s part of the process.
It may sound counterintuitive, but resistance has value. It offers us insight into our inner landscape—our fears, hesitations, hopes, and expectations. It reveals something about where we stand in relation to the creative work ahead. The key is to stay with it, to engage rather than avoid.
Getting Curious with Resistance
Culturally, many of us have been conditioned to see resistance as either a warning sign or an obstacle to overcome. Therefore, when we encounter friction, we either push through or back off. Neither of these options acknowledges the value of resistance within the process itself. But what if we thought about resistance differently?
What if we approached resistance like a new acquaintance—curious and open?
Ask it:
Why are you here?
What are you trying to show me?
What do you need me to understand?
When we allow resistance a seat at the table, it becomes part of the creative process rather than an obstacle to avoid or fight. It can guide us, pointing toward areas we may need to address. Resistance may also act like a herald trumpet—announcing the queen’s entrance with fanfare—declaring that something powerful wants to move through us. Call it inspiration, muse, divine creativity, or collective consciousness. Personally, resistance often tells me that I’m being asked to set my ego aside and tap into an energy that is beyond myself. For me, it is the preparatory process I need to undergo in order to be ready to receive.
Resistance possesses its own wisdom. However, to access that wisdom, we must remain engaged with our process, even (especially) when it’s uncomfortable.
Avoidance Breeds Shame—Engagement Breeds Growth
Sustaining creative momentum demands presence. It involves regularly checking in with yourself and staying attuned to your creative rhythm. For those just starting out—or returning to their practice after time away—here are a few practical strategies:
Establish a consistent practice.
Even 20 to 30 minutes a day can shift your relationship with resistance and enhance your intuitive experience in the creative process. Keep your materials set up and accessible, allowing you to sit down and begin without the barriers of setup.Begin with something manageable.
There’s power in completion. Whether it’s a few lines on a page or a quick study on a scrap of watercolor paper, small, consistent efforts build confidence and momentum over time.Suspend judgment.
Criticism—especially premature self-criticism—stifles creativity. Think of yourself as a conduit. To allow ideas and expression to flow through you, you must keep the internal channel clear. Judgment clogs that channel. Creation requires space, not scrutiny.
These three strategies, when completed together, have a deep psychological impact. I’ll dive into that more in the following posts in this series. But, in the meantime, let me leave you with one more thought:
A Creative Approach Applies Beyond Art
While this framework centers on creative work, the mindset it fosters—curiosity, consistent practice, and compassionate engagement with resistance—extends far beyond the studio or sketchbook. Whether you’re navigating a transition, building something new in your career, or tending to personal growth, the principles of the creative process can support your process.
At its core, creativity isn’t about producing something beautiful—it’s about learning to stay with a process, even when the outcome is unclear. It’s about remaining open, allowing something new to emerge, and being willing to find meaning in the most unexpected places. It is a way of being that invites all of us—regardless of field or background—to move through life with curiosity, patience, and a willingness to be shaped by the process. In this way, creativity is less about the product and more about how we meet the unknown.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
In my private therapy practice, I meet you exactly where you are—with compassion, curiosity, and an open mind. Together, we explore patterns, uncover new perspectives, and practice tools that support clearer communication, self-advocacy, authentic connection, and the pursuit of a life rooted in meaning, purpose, and vitality.
In addition to my clinical work, I’m also a professional artist, continually following my creativity into new forms of emotional and psychological exploration. Each discipline enriches the other, both grounded in a deep commitment to growth and expression.
Contact me to set up a free 30-minute intro call.
Email: katie@katiehathorjones.com
Website: www.katiehathorjones.com/therapy-coaching
