Why Your Creative Block Might Be a Closed Heart with Kelly Flanagan

Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a clinical psychologist whose writing and speaking have resulted in an appearance on the TODAY Show, as well as features in publications including Reader’s Digest  and Success Magazine. He’s no stranger to Follow Your Curiosity, having been on the show twice before to discuss his first book, Loveable, and his first novel, The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell. He chose to write his forthcoming non-fiction book with input from his online community, and the result is The Road Less Triggered: Turning Conflict into Connection with a Single Choice, which will be released on March 3. Kelly talks with me about how he chose to include others in his process and how it influenced the book, why we keep hearing so much about regulating the nervous system, what it means to be open hearted (and how to tell if your heart is closing), and more.   Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction. 04:41 Community input shaped the book’s content and direction. 09:35 Feedback engagement valued more than just positive or negative notes. 14:13 Embracing vulnerability and doubt as growth opportunities in writing. 19:22 Walking and voice recording spark creativity and problem-solving. 24:13 Conversation and real-life application deepened the book’s insights. 29:19 Open-heartedness means accepting reality fully, not being a doormat. 34:46 Noticing and reopening a closed heart is a daily practice. 39:46 Nervous system dysregulation is widespread and fueled by social media. 44:30 Catching body’s early warning signs helps stop defensive behavior. 49:59 We intuitively know open versus closed heart through bodily sensations. 54:38 Creativity requires reconnecting with body wisdom and staying open-hearted.   Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing. Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and join us for the Follow Your Curiosity Creativity Circle. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.