+ categories

Devotions

CREATIVE ROADBLOCKS

I'm Erika Ward

Beyond the Blueprint is a curated journal where legacy, lifestyle, and intentional design converge.

Here, I share stories from the heart of my home and the homes I create—faith-filled reflections, family rhythms, wellness practices, and design inspiration rooted in grace and purpose.


welcome

Gimme that

Get valuable insights into your next renovation project.

CONNECT WITH US

Healthy Home

Live well, mind body, and spirit

See what inspires my mantra of sanctuary living.

See what's on my desk and what inspires our designs.

TOp categories

“Perhaps I’m just not cut out for this job.”

As a decorator, or in any profession, we’ve all experienced creative roadblocks at some point in our career. If you haven’t then hang around a little while longer. 

It’s sure to happen.

As if the empty idea bank wasn’t enough, self defeating thoughts come to mind as well. Some may include:

  • “I’m wasting my time.”
  • “I’m not tech savvy enough to keep up with my competitors.”
  • “No one will want to hire someone like me anyway.”
  • “I need more staff to get things done the right way.”
  • “I’m never going to find an assistant that truly gets it.”

I’m sure there are more negative thoughts you can add to this list.

“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” — Joseph Chilton Pierce

If you’re not careful, these negative ideas turn into excuses. And when you’re armed with a laundry list of excuses, you then turn them into “valid reasons” to quit.

One way to dig yourself out of this rut is recount a past victory. Close your eyes and take yourself back to the last time you felt this way. What did you do to overcome your creative roadblocks? Did you start over, step away, take a nap, get a cup of coffee, take a walk, or call a friend for help?

Remembering how you made it though the last time will give you hope for pressing through a dry spell.

As perfectly stated by Erich Fromm:

[We] shall become master[s] in this art only after a great deal of practice.

Practice makes perfection. Don’t give up.

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

  1. Candice D says:

    Thank you Erika! I always look forward to your post.

  2. Design Chic says:

    Great tips, Erika and I love the quotes!

DESIGN OBSESSED, ATLANTA GO-TO GIRL, STYLE CHAMELEON, BEACH LOVER. 

HI,
I'M ERIKA.

Beyond the Blueprint is a curated journal where legacy, lifestyle, and intentional design converge.

Here, I share stories from the heart of my home and the homes I create—faith-filled reflections, family rhythms, wellness practices, and design inspiration rooted in grace and purpose.

From motherhood and marriage to the sidelines of Friday night lights, each entry offers a glimpse into the layered life I live—and the brands, spaces, and values that support it.

Whether you're here to be inspired, encouraged, or aligned, welcome. This is life beyond the blueprint

Learn more