Stop Putting Yourself in a Box: How Trusting Your Creativity Leads to Breakthroughs

"You weren’t made to fit into a box. Trust your instincts, embrace imperfection, and let your creativity lead the way."- Anacani Walters

Introduction:

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a box—whether it’s one you created or one society put you in? You’re not alone. Just recently, I found myself spiraling while trying to design a website for my business. I mean, this is what I do for others, and yet I couldn’t seem to get it right for myself.

I was forcing myself into a rigid framework that didn’t fit, and my creativity was suffocating. It wasn’t until I gave myself permission to let go of the "rules" and trust my instincts that I finally found my groove. Spoiler alert: it changed everything.

The Problem with Boxes

Boxes can feel safe. They come with templates, guidelines, and the comfort of knowing you’re doing what’s “expected.” But here’s the thing: not every box fits.

For me, the box was a website template that I was trying to customize. No matter what I did, the layout felt wrong. I started doubting my skills, questioning my decisions, and even considered scrapping my Black Friday plans altogether. Sound familiar?

It took a moment of reflection (and a well-timed pep talk from a friend) to realize the problem wasn’t the template—it was my mindset. I wasn’t broken, and my creativity wasn’t lacking. I was simply trying to force myself into something that didn’t align with me.

Breaking Free from the Box

Here's what worked for me:

1. Ditch the Rules: Instead of sticking to the template, I started from scratch. Blank pages, blank sections—just me and my creativity. It was messy and imperfect, but it felt authentic.

2. Focus on What Matters: I stopped obsessing over perfection and shifted my energy toward functionality. What do I want people to feel when they visit my website? That became my guiding question.

3. Trust the Process: Creativity isn’t linear, and breakthroughs rarely happen when we’re forcing them. Trust yourself. Take a step back if you need to, and let inspiration flow naturally.

Action Steps for Your Creative Breakthrough

If you’re feeling stuck, try these steps to break free:

• Audit Your Box: Ask yourself, “Does this framework align with who I am and what I’m trying to achieve?” If not, it’s time to pivot.

• Start Fresh: Sometimes, it’s easier to scrap what isn’t working and begin again with a blank slate.

• Lean on Your Community: Share your struggles with someone who can offer perspective or feedback. A quick Loom video to a trusted friend helped me see my work in a new light.

• Give Yourself Grace: Creativity ebbs and flows. Don’t beat yourself up if the process feels slow or imperfect.

The Big Takeaway

You weren’t made to fit into a box, beautiful. Trust your instincts, follow your creativity, and give yourself permission to color outside the lines. The results might surprise you—and they’ll definitely feel more aligned with who you truly are.

So, what’s one box you’re ready to break out of? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

Listen to the Full Story

If you’re ready for a deeper dive into how I broke free from the box and rediscovered my creativity, tune in to the Power Forward Podcast episode: Breaking Out of the Box: How to Redesign Your Life (and Website) with Intuition. I share the real struggles of designing my website, the lightbulb moments that helped me pivot, and how to trust your instincts when things feel stuck.

Empower Your Business with GHL
If you’re looking to level up your website or business, let me introduce you to GoHighLevel (GHL). It’s the platform I recommend for heart-led entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one solution for building websites, managing clients, and streamlining their systems.
👉 Learn more at EmpowerHER Wave

Budget-Friendly Tip
Not ready to invest in a full software suite? Canva is a fantastic tool for creating simple, beautiful websites on a budget. With its drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates, you can design something that’s uniquely yours—without breaking the bank.

If you enjoyed this blog...

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below or connect with me on Instagram at @‌Empowerherwave. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Power Forward Podcast for more episodes like these—filled with real talk, actionable advice, and inspiration for navigating life’s waves.

Creativity Breakthrough Checklist:

Here’s a quick guide to help you break free from the box and spark your creativity. Remember: progress beats perfection, so give yourself the grace to start messy and evolve.

• Audit Your Current Framework
  Ask yourself: Does this truly reflect me or my goals? If not, it’s time for a pivot.

• Start with a Blank Canvas
  Ditch templates that confine you. Begin with a fresh, open space to let your creativity flow.

• Define the Core Feeling
  What do you want people to feel when they interact with your work? Use this as your guiding star.

• Draft an Outline of Ideas
  Brainstorm messy and big. Organize later. Use tools like Answer the Public for inspiration.

• Experiment Boldly
  Add elements that resonate with your vision. Think outside the norm—colors, layouts, or messaging that feel like you.Pick a catchy title.

• Gather Feedback
  Share a preview with a trusted friend or community for fresh perspectives. A quick video or screenshot works wonders.

• Edit with Intention
  Give yourself 30 minutes to polish. Prioritize clarity over perfection.

• Trust the Process
  Creativity isn’t linear. Take breaks and let ideas simmer if needed.

• Embrace Imperfection
  Your unique voice and authenticity are what truly resonate. Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is.

• Celebrate Your Progress
  Every step forward is a win! Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come.

Now it’s your turn: What’s one thing you’re ready to create without the box? Go ahead and take the first step—your creativity is waiting!

Here’s to breaking free, trusting your instincts, and creating something uniquely you. Remember, the world doesn’t need more perfection—it needs your authenticity. Until next time, keep coloring outside the lines, gorgeous!

Anacani xo