The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Episode Title: Intuition, Journaling, And Overcoming Fear. The Creative Cure With Jacob Nordby
Host: Joanna Penn
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Introduction
In episode #798 of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, host Joanna Penn engages in a profound conversation with Jacob Nordby, an entrepreneur and author renowned for his work on creativity and personal transformation. The episode delves deep into the realms of intuition, journaling, overcoming fear, and maintaining creativity amidst the ever-changing landscape of modern life.
Guest Background: Jacob Nordby
Jacob Nordby begins by sharing his personal journey into the world of creativity and writing. From a young age, Jacob was enamored with books, declaring his aspiration to be a writer at just ten years old. However, like many, he ventured into the entrepreneurial world, seeking the American dream. It wasn't until his mid-thirties, after experiencing profound personal upheavals and relocating to Austin, Texas, that Jacob reconnected with his passion for writing. Influenced by Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, Jacob reignited his creative spark, leading to the creation of his acclaimed book, The Creative Cure.
Understanding Creativity and Its Blocks
The Concept of the "Creative Cure"
Jacob introduces the concept of the "Creative Cure," emphasizing that creativity is an inherent human trait essential for personal fulfillment and expression. Contrary to the notion that creativity can be "cured" from a state of block, Jacob argues that the essence of our creative spirit remains unbroken. Instead, societal pressures and the fast-paced modern world create a disconnect between our authentic selves and our creative expressions.
"The cure isn't curing the essence of who we are as humans or creatives. It is curing that connection."
— Jacob Nordby [21:42]
Indicators of Creative Block
Jacob discusses how constant change and overwhelming information can lead to feelings of being harried and out of sync, which inevitably reflect in our creative outputs. Recognizing these blocks is the first step toward addressing them.
Practical Strategies to Foster Creativity
1. Establishing Rituals
Jacob emphasizes the importance of rituals in shifting one's state of awareness to foster creativity. Whether it's the simple act of making coffee with intention or lighting a candle before writing, these rituals help create a mental space conducive to creative thinking.
"The real keys here are the attention and intention that I bring."
— Jacob Nordby [24:33]
2. Journaling Practices
Journaling serves as a powerful tool for emotional and creative expression. Jacob introduces a structured approach with three pivotal questions:
- How do I feel right now?
- What do I need right now?
- What would I love to create right now?
This method helps individuals acknowledge their emotions, prioritize their needs, and channel their creative energies effectively.
"By asking these questions and really grounding them, really coming into the moment, how do I feel right now? Oh, I feel grouchy and tired. I feel uninspired or I feel great."
— Jacob Nordby [26:42]
3. Grounding Through Physical Activity
Physical activities like walking, lifting, or simple breathing exercises anchor individuals to the present moment, reducing anxiety and fostering a clearer mindset for creativity.
"Walking can often help us process deeply and open things up. I can't tell you the number of times I've taken a long walk and come back with the solution to some challenge I was having in my writing."
— Jacob Nordby [28:43]
Overcoming Fear and Trusting Intuition
The Role of Fear in Creativity
Fear, especially fear of failure, is a primal emotion that can severely hinder creative expression. Jacob discusses how societal conditioning often predisposes individuals to focus on negative outcomes, stifling their creative potential.
"Fear holds people back always. I don't know if there's one other factor that holds us back more than simple fear."
— Jacob Nordby [40:08]
Embracing Intuition
Intuition is portrayed not as a mystical concept but as a grounded, everyday sense that guides creative decisions. Jacob encourages writers to trust their gut feelings, whether it's choosing a writing path or making personal life decisions.
"Our tunnel vision begins to fade and we become aware of the answers and the ideas that are all around us."
— Jacob Nordby [35:36]
Learning from Mistakes
Jacob shares his own experiences with failure, highlighting how setbacks can lead to significant personal and professional growth. From overstocking print books that sat unsold to financial struggles during the meltdown, each mistake propelled Jacob toward discovering his true creative path.
"That mistake in print publishing ... led me into so much ... I started the Creative Penn podcast to learn about book marketing."
— Jacob Nordby [43:57]
Maintaining Creativity and Avoiding Stagnation
Continuous Growth and Adaptation
Joanna and Jacob discuss the importance of not becoming stagnant in one's creative journey. Embracing change, taking risks, and continuously exploring new avenues are essential for sustained creativity.
"How do we keep pivoting, changing, moving forwards when we have a career that we love, when we do something we love but we know we can't get stagnant?"
— Joanna Penn [53:29]
Diversifying Creative Output
Jacob emphasizes the value of diversifying one's creative endeavors to prevent routine and foster innovation. Whether it's writing screenplays, participating in competitions, or engaging in different forms of creative expression, variety keeps the creative spirit alive.
"Taking risks where we both started, we took risks to unwind one career and start another."
— Jacob Nordby [55:51]
Listener Engagement and Community Feedback
Throughout the episode, listener feedback highlights the impact of Joanna's podcast on their creative journeys. Comments range from gratitude for insightful conversations to anecdotes about personal growth inspired by previous episodes. This interactive segment underscores the podcast's role in fostering a supportive creative community.
Conclusion
Joanna Penn wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of spring cleaning not just in a physical sense but also in one's creative and professional life. She encourages listeners to engage with the podcast community, share their experiences, and continue nurturing their creative passions.
"Spring means hope. It means change. It means growth. ... Let's make the most of it."
— Joanna Penn
Upcoming episodes promise further exploration into using writing as a tool for processing grief and navigating change, ensuring that listeners continue to find valuable insights and inspiration.
Resources and Further Listening
- Jacob Nordby's Website: jacobnordby.com
- Death Valley Book Trailer: Available on Joanna’s YouTube channel, JF PEN Author
- Footprints Podcast: Episode 38, featuring Joanna’s interview
- Patreon Community: patreon.com/TheCreativePen
This episode of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers offers invaluable insights into the intricate dance between creativity, intuition, and fear. Jacob Nordby's experiences and strategies provide a roadmap for writers seeking to deepen their creative practices and overcome the challenges that impede their artistic expression.