Being a creative person is tough.
We want to make cool things, but then life hits us with insecurity, rejection, schedules, etc. How do we push past all the noise and make the things that light us up?
Welcome, Dear Listener, to a space where it's okay to ask questions and dive deep into the world of fear, creativity, and the roadblocks that get in the way of us busting forth with creativity energy. We're a couple of weirdos who want to talk about the hard things with you, so welcome to our living room--pull up a chair, cover up with a cozy blanket, and let's get started.
Honestly, Dear Listener is a weekly podcast hosted by Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer.
Being a creative person is tough.
We want to make cool things, but then life hits us with insecurity, rejection, schedules, etc. How do we push past all the noise and make the things that light us up?
Welcome, Dear Listener, to a space where it's okay to ask questions and dive deep into the world of fear, creativity, and the roadblocks that get in the way of us busting forth with creativity energy. We're a couple of weirdos who want to talk about the hard things with you, so welcome to our living room--pull up a chair, cover up with a cozy blanket, and let's get started.
Honestly, Dear Listener is a weekly podcast hosted by Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer.
If you’re an artist with big dreams and a limited amount of energy (hello, real life), this episode is for you. We’re joined by singer/songwriter, vocal coach, and goals-group-organizing wizard Allie Moss to talk about how to set meaningful creative goals without falling into hustle-culture burnout.
We dig into:
How to tell the difference between “I don’t want to do this” vs. “I’m scared to do this”
Why your inner critic needs a nap while you’re making things
The beauty of quantity over perfection
Gentle approaches to time management, including Allie’s streaks habit app and her color-coded calendar system
The power of community and accountability (without the shame)
Whether you’re writing songs, books, or to-do lists on the back of receipts, this one’s full of practical advice for showing up to your creative life with intention—and a little grace.
Where to Find Allie:
Website: www.alliemoss.com
Coaching Website: www.alliemosscoaching.com/
Instagram: @Allie Moss
Apple Music: Allie Moss
Spotify: Allie Moss
TikTok: Allie Moss
Thinking Outside the Blocks:
Website: www.thinkingoutsidetheblocks.com
Instagram: @thinkingoutsidetheblocks
References:
Quarterly Quests from Ali Abdaal’s free workshop - see his work here
The 12 Week Year - book by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones - book by James Clear
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
Streaks - habit-forming to-do list app
TIMECODES
0:00 - Intro
1:20 - Meet Allie Moss
10:52 - How to know what you actually want (vs. what you “should” do)
16:51 - Why quarterly goals work better than yearly resolutions
18:41 - How to chunk down
25:45 - Becoming the kind of person who does the thing (identity-based goals)
29:51 - How to hush your inner editor
35:19 - Calendar blocking, creative energy, and realistic planning
47:34 - Accountability that doesn’t suck (and the power of community)