Stop Grinding, Start Breathing: The Counterintuitive Path to Creative Solutions
Ever have one of those days where nothing goes right? You’re fighting with technology, your creative energy is blocked, and frustration is mounting by the minute?
I just experienced this exact scenario—and did something that I normally don’t do.
Yesterday was brutal. I was filming content for an upcoming project, and everything seemed to be working against me. Poor lighting, audio issues, forgetting my lines—you name it, it went wrong. After hours of frustration and minimal usable footage, I made a decision that went against my “push through” instinct:
I decided to stop completely and regroup for the next day.
I wasn’t giving up—I was being strategic. Instead of forcing a solution through sheer willpower (which rarely works), I chose to hit the reset button.
Breath Work
In preparation for filming, yesterday evening I spent 20 minutes practicing resonance breathing and for the last 5 minutes of the session l visualized today’s session going smoothly. I also did this practice this morning. With each breath (4 seconds in, 6 seconds out), I deliberately replaced pessimistic thoughts (“This is going to be another disaster”) with optimistic ones (“I’m prepared, capable, and will work through any challenges calmly”).
This wasn’t just positive thinking—it was actively training my nervous system not to trigger the stress response when facing creative challenges.
This was the right call!
Today’s session was incredible. Beyond the breathing technique, I approached the entire process differently:
I changed my physiology: I did a strength training workout before my filming session which got me into a good mood.
I created a visual roadmap: I developed a shot list based on the script and even color-coded the two main A-Roll compositions I needed. This simple organization made the entire process less stressful.
I tested before committing: I ran through test shots and improved my lighting technique. I also checked audio multiple times before recording the final takes.
But here’s what really made the difference:
When inevitable hangups occurred (because they always do), I didn’t spiral into frustration. The breathing practice had primed my nervous system to stay calm. I worked through problems methodically and—most importantly—gave myself grace throughout the process.
The result was a smooth session and confidence that I have everything needed for a simpler editing process ahead.
Why This Works: The Science Behind It
This approach combines two powerful techniques:
The incubation effect: When we step away from a problem, our subconscious continues processing it while our conscious mind resets. Solutions often appear after we’ve stopped actively thinking about the problem.
HRV training: Resonance breathing (4 seconds in, 6 seconds out) helps synchronize your heart rate with your breath, activating your parasympathetic nervous system. When combined with visualization, you’re rewiring your brain’s reaction to challenges.
🎯 Challenge for the Week
Try this two-step approach next time you hit a creative wall:
Take a strategic pause: If you’ve been struggling with the same problem for more than 30 minutes, step away completely. This might be a 15-minute walk, or sleeping on it and returning fresh the next day.
Practice breathing visualization: Before returning to the challenge, spend 5-10 minutes doing resonance breathing while visualizing yourself calmly solving similar problems.
The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. No expensive equipment or complex techniques—just a strategic break and intentional breathing. Yet the impact on your creative output can be profound.
I’d love to hear how these techniques work for you. Reply to this email with your experience!
🧠 Quote of the week
“The pause is as important as the note.” — Truman Fisher
I love this quote because it reminds me that in music—as in life—the spaces between are just as crucial as the sounds themselves. Sometimes, the most creative thing we can do is nothing at all, just for a moment.
