Remember to:

1. Identify the real issue (you can use the Five Whys to do this);

2. Determine ways to resolve it and overcome the block;

3. Be compassionate with your character (blocks are tricky!);

4. Use your creativity! (Divergent thinking, brainstorming, brainswarming...);

5. Share what you learn;

6. Have fun with this exercise.

"Jim Nasium is a choreographer who struggles with working with others. It's not that Jim isn't social - it's just that he knows that the easiest way to get things done to the highest standards is by doing them himself.

The problem is that Jim has been offered an incredible opportunity to choreograph a show..working with another, less experienced choreographer. The payout is big and Jim needs the money, but Jim knows doesn't know how he'll be able to handle it."

1. Perfectionist, Control Issues, Insecurity, Fear of Scrutiny

2. Discuss each others strengths and weaknesses

   Take the lead

   Brainstorm

   Share each other’s past work and incorporate best elements

   Hire a mediator

3. It's very hard to try new things when the stakes are high, especially with a large payout!

Connor Carey

Here is my solutions:

This anxiety she feels suppressing her mentally can be overcome beautifully by showing herself she can present in front of other people and being able to be judged, knowing that her work is her best work.

Here are some things she should focus on:

• No its not better safe than sorry, it is always important to start of somewhere 

• accepting yourself and knowing that your best effort is always appreciated will take her father than she will ever know

• Focus on progression not perfection

• Its her first film, feedback is crucial to advance and better her art 

• Remember the journey and why you started 

Issue: Owning the restaurant gives Pippa and Poppy lots of meaning. They will lack purpose if it doesn't exist.

Problem-Solving: There is not much Pippa and Poppy can do to save the physical restaurant. I've never met a zombie before, but my assumption is they do not stand a chance of keeping the restaurant alive. They should try to identify what it is about the restaurant that gives them meaning. Is it that they are being ecological? Is it cooking? Do they like hosting people? Having their own business? Once they identify what it is that is giving them meaning, they could try to do that in the new zombie world. For example, if what they really like it owning a business maybe after the apocalypse there will be a need for zombie-proof equipment and they can open a store for that.

1. Wei is experiencing a bit of imposter syndrome and guilt after his film was chosen to premiere.

2. Wei should focus more on himself and give himself credit for developing a great film.

3. When he becomes even more connected to the film industry, he can help out his friends by mentioning their names or showing others their films.

1. The real issue is that Phil is afraid of judgement from his brother, and is afraid to share his new ideas. He wants to share but is insecure and that is causing a big block

2. He can reach outside of his brother to other people or even talk to other carpet makers. He can get family therapy and see why his brother is judgemental, maybe he’s just jealous. He can invite his brother to a brainstorm session or ask him to come up with some ideas first. He could also open his own carpet business with supportive people but that would be a shady to the family business.

The real issue:

• Karl is an overthinker; karl thinks so much because he is anxious, he’s curious about things, and he spends a lot of time alone.

• Karl was not super popular growing up so he has self esteem issues 

• He’s a perfectionist because he thrived off of academic validation over social validation in his early life

Ways to overcome

• He could do some divergent thinking where he comes up with ideas without thinking about if they are good or bad.

• He could go to therapy to work through the deeper issues rooted in his childhood

• He could socialize more by joining groups that relate to his hobbies so he can feel more relatable and connected 

• Trust his education + intelligence

• Do practice run for a friend 

• He wouldnt have the job if he didnt deserve it

• Pay people in room to cheer for him 

• Medication 

I think the issue here is that he is scared of failure, and he needs to get over that and make a prototype, even if it's his only good idea. It is better to see if it works rather than spending 18 years wondering if it doesn't. Worst case, it does not work and he learns from his mistakes and comes up with an even better idea.

Why? Because it is not as good as the one's she saw on Pinterest.

Why? Because it is crooked.

Why? Because she is a beginner

Why? Because she just started

Why? Because she has had fun and is looking for a new hobby.

How can I help: I think Eileen needs to try some simpler projects, that will boost her confidence. She definitely struggles with comparing herself to others and has a high set of expectations for herself. I think she should also take pride in her crooked piece, it has its own personality. Picasso's pieces were often crooked; he took on his own style. I think she should also look at how other's started and see that their pieces were not perfect, but they pushed through in order to improve. With all these methods, she will see her confidence improve and will understand that it is impossible to be perfect as a beginner. The important part is that she enjoyed making her piece - that genuine sense of contentment will allow her to go further than anything else.

• Sam has deep rooted anxiety and insecurity based on trauma from her childhood. Her parents enrolled her in every sport and activity–ballet, soccer, piano, basketball, violin, drawing classes, debate club–but nothing she did lived up to their expectations.

• Sam did not love all of her classes at school and was an average student. She enjoyed her computer science classes, but did not have the overall GPA to get into a good computer science program.

• She has been searching for a purpose in life and come up with creative ideas but is scared to share them with the outside world.

• I think that Sam needs to go to therapy to help fix her deep rooted insecurities.

• She should go forward with the idea for her app because it is better to have tried and failed than be left wondering.

-Ashley

1. The Real Issue: she doesn't have anything to do with her time. She misses her kids. She is scared to try new things because she doesn't want to be embarrassed.

2. Join an improv group to get casual exposure to acting, and when you build up your confidence, try out for the play! This is a very normal feeling, and it takes a lot of courage to step out of your comfort zone; but, by doing so, you'll participate in an activity you enjoy, meet new people, and fulfill your childhood dreams!