When You’re Too Close to See Clearly
You’ve been staring at the same draft, deck, or idea for hours.
You tweak. You tighten. You second-guess.
But instead of making progress, you feel like you’re drifting.
You get lost in the details and start to question whether any of it still works.
This is one of the most common patterns I see with the creatives I work with.
When we work in isolation, it becomes harder to recognize what’s resonating, what’s off track, or where real creative opportunity lives. We get so close to our own work that our internal compass starts to misfire.
That’s where community can help. Not just as a support system, but as a creative navigation tool.
When you share your thinking and process with others who understand your values, your process, your goals, and are willing to engage with you, your work starts to shift.
You regain your bearings. You recognize what matters (and what doesn't). You start to see opportunities for improvement and iteration that didn't seem to exist before.
This week, we’re exploring how community can become a compass. A source of orientation that helps you move forward with confidence.
Let’s look at how to start building that kind of guidance into your practice.
Don’t Just Look for Feedback. Look for Resonance.
Not all feedback is helpful. In fact, the wrong kind can do more harm than good.
What you really need is input from people who understand the kind of work you’re trying to make, and the kind of creative intentions you’re trying to pursue.
This type of resonance isn’t just someone saying ‘this is good’ or "I don't like this."
It’s when someone is able to authentically recognize what you are workin on and then reflects back something you couldn’t quite see yourself.
This type of connection and resonance isn't always easy to find, but it is worth the effort.
Start by shifting your attention to the spaces where aligned conversations are already happening.
Where to Seek Connection and Resonance
- Free webinars about a topic you are dedicated to can be unexpectedly rich. Watch the chat. When someone asks a thoughtful question or shares something that clicks with you, reach out afterward. Find them online and mention that you were both participants at the webinar and what you liked about their question or comment. A quick, sincere follow-up can go a long way.
- Comment sections are often where the best conversations start. On platforms like LinkedIn, newsletters, or even YouTube, look beyond the original post. If someone’s comment resonates, reply or message them directly.
- Courses and cohort-based learning spaces offer a more structured way to connect. When designed with interaction in mind, they can become strong containers for peer growth and shared accountability.
- Dedicated communities of practice are built specifically for this kind of exchange. Look for spaces that align with your values and intentions and that contain people who are interested in authentic conversation rather than just networking or promotion.
Antifragile Creative is a great example of one designed for creatives looking to help on another build viable, balanced, creative lives.
How to Engage with the Right People Once You've Found Them
Once you find a promising space, don’t lead with “Can I get your feedback?” Instead, lead with generosity and curiosity. Look for moments of shared interest where you can help others first and build trust from there.
- Notice who keeps showing up. Someone who responds regularly or echoes your thinking might be the creative peer you’ve been missing. Start a low-pressure dialogue. Trade reflections. Build momentum together.
- Share the thinking behind your work, not just the output. Talk about what you’re exploring, what feels unclear, or what you’re trying to learn. When you make your creative process visible, you attract others doing the same.
- Ask specific questions focused on what you are struggling with. Go beyond “What do you think?” and try “I am struggling with [XYZ]. How might you approach this if this were your project?”
- Share experiences over advice. When trying to help others, avoid leading with “You should.” Instead, try “Here’s something I tried and what I learned from it.” This invites a richer conversation and leaves space for others to share their own perspective.
You don’t need to build a full network overnight. Start small and seek quality over quantity.
One or two aligned peers can shift your trajectory in powerful ways that a giant Facebook group of 1000 random people just cant compete with.
The goal isn’t to collect people or unsolicited opinions, it’s to find the voices that help you see your work and your direction more clearly..
Compass Check
Finding clarity isn’t just about refining your internal systems.
Sometimes, it’s about hearing your ideas reflected back by someone who understands what you’re working toward.
Whether you’re deep in a project or navigating a transition, the right conversation at the right time can help you regain your footing.
Connection and community act as powerful systems not just for support, but for creative orientation.
Until next week,
Jeff
P.S. Hit reply and let me know where you’ve found creative resonance lately, or where you’re still looking for it.
I read and respond to everyone, and your experiences help me focus on what matters most to our community.
A Quick Announcement Looking Forward
Speaking of finding direction and feedback through community, we’re going to experiment with aligning Flux & Flow and the Antifragile Creative community around monthly themes starting in August.
Each theme will guide our newsletter content, community conversations, and learning experiences, bringing more cohesion and clarity to your creative path.
Here’s what’s coming up next:
August: Clarity by Design – Resetting direction, revisiting values, designing intention
September: Make It Move – Starting with action, imperfect progress, aligned motivation
October: Creative Systems That Stick – Building sustainable workflows and practices
These themes are here to support you in designing sustainable creative practices that evolve with your life and work.
If one stands out or if you want to see the entire list for the year, hit Reply and let me know.
Share the Compass
If this issue made you think of a fellow creative who’s navigating something similar, consider forwarding it their way.
A single shared insight can spark the kind of clarity that’s been missing.
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