The Secret Powers of Reluctance in Creative Work (And Why Its Tension Provides the Sparks We May Need)
Box Cutter Co. Free Issue No. 78
We crave certainty. It’s wired into us—biologically, emotionally, intellectually, societally.
Certainty feels safe, sure, predictable. It gives us structure and a sense of control. We feel “ready,” prepared, good to go.
It’s schooled into most of us. Things are either ✅ or ❌. Certainly.
But certainty rarely creates anything new or innovative.
Then there’s curiosity—a restless pull, usually into the unknown or at least deeper into some uncertainty.
Going back a few centuries, the word related to an eagerness to know, inquisitiveness, a desire to see.
I find it fascinating certainty, at its roots, actually means to sieve, discern, and distinguish—ultimately, to make a decision or choice.
Conversely, curiosity comes from root words meaning “to care for” — it’s related to cure.
These two words and practices bounce off of and feed each other. They exist in tension.
And that’s where creativity lives—not in certainty, not entirely in curiosity, but in the tensions between them.
But they’re not alone.
In-Between Readiness and Reluctance
Also in the gap are tensions between readiness and reluctance.
Reluctance is the hesitation you feel at the edge of certainty. It’s the pause before the leap, the weight of doubt mixed with possibility.
Unlike resistance, which digs in, reluctance stretches you—just enough to make movement toward something unfamiliar.
It’s uncomfortable, yes, but it’s also where sparks fly.
The image above captures this dynamic. Certainty pulls one way, curiosity the other. Between them lies readiness on one side—confidence in what you already know—and reluctance on the other, a struggle with stepping into unknowns (uncertainties).
Creativity doesn’t exist on one or the other. It doesn’t choose a side. It thrives in the tensions. The in-between.
Reluctance Is Not Resistance
Reluctance isn’t the same as resistance. Resistance can result in shutting things down. It says no, not this time.
Reluctance, however, at its roots is active. At its roots, it means “to struggle”.
It’s comprised of the Latin re- "back, against, in opposition" plus luctari "to struggle, wrestle.”
It’s easy to misinterpret reluctance as a barrier to creativity, but in actuality, it’s a sign you’re in the struggle. Maybe even standing on the edge of something meaningful, maybe even life-changing.
Reluctance means you’re in the stretch, in the tension between what you know and what you don’t yet understand.
Thus, curiosity can drive this further.
Creativity Lives in the Tensions
Creativity often doesn’t arrive fully formed. It can show up in shards, fragments, contradictions, fleeting moments or images. This is not ‘certainty.’
It’s where certainty often falters, doubt sets in, and a feeling of ‘not being ready,’ ‘not being good enough,’ or ‘not being prepared enough’ arises. For some, this never leaves, and status quo prevails.
This is where curiosity can assist in taking hesitant steps forward.
Here’s where you might find it:
In the pause between one idea and the next, when your mind is still sorting through possibilities. (Don’t let it get hung up on seeking certainties)
In the messy overlap of structure and chaos, where no clear path exists. (Keep in mind, ‘certain’ and ‘crisis’ come from the same ancient roots. *krei- "to sieve.")
In the quiet resistance to the familiar, pushing you to try something different. Get curious.
In the questions you’re afraid to ask because you might not like the answers. (They might induce uncertainty. But, then, get curious).
Reluctance isn’t a block — it’s a signal. A flicker of tension that says, this matters.
I find it’s often an ignition spark simply needing some wind, oxygen, and fuel to flare up. Ignite.
How to Leverage Reluctance in Creative Work
Reluctance, when noticed and acted on, can be a very productive force in your creative process. Leverage it. Here are some ways I lean into it:
1. Question the Hesitation
When you feel reluctant, pause and ask (and write these out):
What am I resisting here?
What’s pulling me back?
Then, What could pull me forward?
Often, our reluctance highlights a tension worth exploring. Worth getting curious about.
Where might this resistance be coming from? Internal to me, or external, or both?
Am I worried about what others might think? What is this based on?
2. Step into the Pull
Don’t wait for certainty. Start where you are. If you feel the pull of curiosity—even reluctantly—let it guide you toward some small steps forward, however imperfect, unknown, or uncertain.
For example, for many things I feel reluctant about, I’ll say to myself, “Why not just try it for 5 minutes and see where it goes…”
This can be applied to exercise, writing, taxes, having a difficult conversation, etc.
3. Work in Fragments
Creativity rarely arrives as a whole.
Start with shards and pieces: a thought, a question, a draft. Let tensions between certainty and curiosity instigate the assembly of something bigger, or simply different.
At its ancient roots, “create” means ‘to grow.’ Lean into reluctance to wrestle with this. It’s meant to be active.
4. Reframe Reluctance as Action and Momentum
Reluctance isn’t a sign to stop—it’s an active word. There is no stillness in wrestling and grappling.
Reluctance is a signal that you’re on the edge of something. Treat it as an early stage of creative movement, not a reason to turn back, stop, or seek certainty before doing anything.
Wrestle with it. Actively.
5. Notice the Uncomfortable Sparks
Keep track of the ideas, questions, or projects that feel both intriguing and uncomfortable. (I feel this regularly in things I post and publish).
Some of your best work will come from that mix of tension and curiosity.
Certainty, Curiosity, and the Power of Tensions In-Between
Creativity doesn’t demand clarity — rarely does it.
I regularly find Box Cutter Co. issues and even social media posts will finish differently than I initially sat down to write.
Creativity doesn’t wait for confidence and certainty. It actively grows and wrestles with the tensions of intention and possibility.
The messy middles where doubt and possibility jump about like actively popping popcorn.
Reluctance isn’t something to overcome—it’s something to notice, question, and follow with curiosity.
The next time you feel hesitant, pay attention. Your reluctance might just be the exact tension sparking your next creative project.
How about you?
Where might your reluctance be pulling you right now?
What are you wrestling and wrangling with?
What small step can you take right now?
I'm at this point now, considering a new obligation that is both daunting and exciting, and I find this article helpful, thanks!