The Art of Releasing Creative Work

4 Signs, 3 Mindset Shifts, and a Roadmap to Completion

Releasing your creative work can feel daunting, sometimes.

I think we’ve all been there.

The script that’s been reworked 30 times.
The pitch deck that’s “just one more round of polish” away.
The painting that’s almost ready, but maybe that shade of blue could be a little deeper?

It’s that sneaky compulsion to over-edit. The lingering feeling that maybe — just maybe — our work isn’t quite ready yet.

But what if it actually is?

In this Episode, You’ll Learn

• The real reasons creatives struggle to let go of their work
• 3 signs you’re caught in the over-editing spiral
• 4 clear indicators your project is ready to release
• How to create a “closure container” to finish with confidence
• How to define “enough” before you start your next project
• Bonus mindset shifts that’ll help you trust your creative voice again

The Creative Loop We Can’t Escape (Until We Do)

Recently, I found myself in that exact loop. I was working on a screenplay I’d been developing on and off for months. I finally finished the first draft, but then came the never-ending edits.

Every time I opened the file, I convinced myself I was refining. Polishing. Strengthening. But deep down? I was stalling — and honestly, nervous for my part in the writing process to be done.

If you’ve ever felt the same, know this: you’re not alone.

Brené Brown, Ph.D. once said:

“Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us, when in fact it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from being seen.”

Let that sink in.
Perfectionism doesn’t necessarily make your work better — but it can most definitely keep you stuck.

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go of a Creative Project?

Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s not rushing.
It’s about facing some very real internal fears — ones that creatives deal with all the time.

1. You’re Tying Your Worth to the Work

When a project feels personal, releasing it can feel like putting yourself up for critique. If it’s not perfect, what does that say about you?
Here’s the truth: Your worth is not on trial. Your project doesn’t define you. Letting go of the work is an act of self-trust.

2. You’ve Entered the Fear Spiral

What if it’s not good enough? What if no one likes it — or worse, no one notices it at all?
That kind of anxiety makes the final step feel terrifying. So we rework, re-edit, and stall. But guess what? That fear is often dressed up as productivity.

3. You’re Addicted to ‘In Progress‘

Being in the middle of a project is oddly comfortable. You’re doing something. You’re in flow. You don’t have to risk the vulnerability of sharing yet.
But results don’t come from “almost done.” They come from releasing. From letting your project live outside of your mind.

How to Know When It’s Done

Here are 4 clear signs it’s time to let go:

1. You’re Making Micro-Edits With No Payoff

Changing a word here… shifting a sentence there… but the meaning doesn’t change. You’re not improving the work — you’re massaging it to ease your anxiety.

2. You’ve Gotten Feedback and Applied It

If two or more trusted people have given thoughtful feedback — and you’ve taken action on it — it’s time to trust the process. Don’t fall into the endless loop of “just one more opinion.”

3. You Feel More Drained Than Excited

Creative exhaustion is a sign. When you feel more depleted than energized by a project, that often means it’s complete. Listen to that signal.

4. You’ve Learned What You Needed To

Not every project is meant to be your masterpiece. Some are stepping stones, opportunities to grow, experiment, or practice. If you’ve gotten what you came for, it’s time to move on.

Letting Go: The How-To Guide

You’ve realized it’s time. Now how do you actually let go?

Set a ‘Done Date‘

Put it on the calendar. Make it public. Tell your accountability buddy. “I’ll hit publish on Thursday at 5pm.” Deadlines create freedom — and momentum.

Allow One Final Pass, Then Walk Away

Do one last review. Fix only what’s urgent. Then… close the tab.

Redefine What Success Means

Perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is.

Ask: Does this say what I meant to say? 

If yes, that’s success. That parts done. On to the next!

Celebrate & Release

You did it! Now honor the moment. Treat yourself to tacos (or your fave fun meal)! Start a new idea. Go out on a coffee date! Take yourself out on a solo ‘artist date’ (more on this later) and walk around like a person who finishes things.

You started something, created it, stayed in alignment and finished it! Celebrate that!

3 Mindset Shifts to Release Without Regret

If you need a deeper mental reset, here are three game-changing shifts:

1. Done is Better Than Perfect

It’s not a cop-out — it’s leadership. Done means your idea gets to live, grow, and breathe. Perfect never arrives. Done moves you forward.

2. Create a ‘Closure Container‘

Set a boundary to emotionally mark the end of the project. Tell a friend: “I’m sending this draft no matter what on Friday.” That accountability gives you the safety to let go.

3. Define ‘Enough’ From the Start

Before you begin a project, ask: What’s the purpose? Who is this for? What does success look like?
Write that down and refer back to it often. When you hit those marks, you’re done.

Bonus Micro-Shifts to Keep In Mind:

• Instead of “Is this perfect?” → Ask: Does this resonate?
• Instead of “Will they like it?” → Ask: Did I say what I meant?
• Instead of “One more tweak” → Try: One real share.

You are not your work.

Letting go of your creative work is not an ending, it’s a transition.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

Your creativity isn’t meant to stay hidden in drafts and folders.
It’s meant to be seen. Felt. Experienced. Shared.

This is your invitation to finish.

You were brave enough to start.
Now be brave enough to finish — and let it go.

This Week’s Creative Challenge

Find out this week’s creative challenge, on the podcast! Listen for the challenge at the end!

Journal Prompt Mentioned in the Show

• What fear is hiding behind my desire to perfect (or keep editing) a specific project? And what might become possible if I released it today?
• Take 10 minutes. Reflect on this.

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Your support helps keep this show going, and helps more creatives do the brave work of finishing!

Links:

• Resources
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• Shop Every Book Mentioned
• Visit The Happy Kind to find out how we can help you on your next creative project!

See you next week!

— Jess