Opposite Action for Creative Blocks – Doing the Thing Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Hey Bestie, happy Monday!
Throughout my time studying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I’ve been practicing using the opposite action skill in my day to day. On days when I just don’t have the mental capacity to check everything off my list that needs to get done.
When you’re stuck in a creative block, your first instinct is usually to retreat — close the laptop, avoid the studio, scroll for “inspiration” that turns into an hour of TikTok. That’s normal, it’s your brain is trying to avoid discomfort.
Opposite Action — one of DBT’s core skills — is about not letting that instinct run the show. It means noticing the urge to pull back… and doing the exact opposite.
The idea isn’t to force yourself to feel inspired. It’s to take the action that aligns with your long-term goals, not your short-term feelings.
How It Works in Real Life
Here’s how artists can actually use Opposite Action without turning it into a toxic “just push harder” mindset:
1. You feel the urge to skip the studio.
Opposite Action: Go, but drop the pressure to make something “good.” Doodle nonsense. Re-string your guitar. Clean your paintbrushes. The act of showing up keeps your creative muscle from atrophying.
2. You’re avoiding a scary project because you “don’t know where to start.”
Opposite Action: Open the project file and set a timer for 10 minutes. That’s it. Most of the time, momentum will kick in after you’ve started — but even if it doesn’t, you’ve kept the habit alive.
3. You want to ghost a collaborator because you feel embarrassed about your progress.
Opposite Action: Send them a quick update, even if it’s “I’m still stuck on this part, but I’m working through it.” That honesty keeps the connection intact and stops the shame spiral.
Why It Works
Your emotions aren’t always lying to you, but they’re not always telling the truth either. Creative resistance usually isn’t about not wanting to create — it’s about wanting to avoid feeling like you’re failing.
Opposite Action lets you sidestep that trap. You’re not waiting for the perfect mood. You’re taking the step that makes it more likely the mood will come.
Try This Challenge
Next time you hit that “ugh, not today” wall, stop and ask:
What’s the urge? (Avoid, quit, scroll, procrastinate)
What’s the opposite? (Show up, start, send the email)
Then do the smallest version of that opposite action.
It’s not a simple task, to just do the opposite, the key is doing opposite “all the way”. Don’t give up half way, push through, and future you will be so thankful you did.
Let me know if you try this skill yourself!
Stay Focused Bestie,
Lulu 🩷
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