Anyone who has ever picked up a creativity or self-help guide has likely been advised to keep to a daily schedule, daily pages, or other everyday ritual.

But "just do it" usually just doesn't work. Long-time creativity coach and therapist Eric Maisel has found an approach that does work: giving clients, and now readers, a clear understanding of what makes them personally blocked or stuck and unable to start or finish.

Not enough time, resources, or talent? Fear of success, guilt about being "selfish," and variations on the theme of "what's the point?" Maisel has spent 30 years: helping people overcome these kinds of blocks with skills including anxiety management, positive self-talk. cognitive behavioral therapy, and even "sleep thinking."

The tools Maisel offers are a potent alternative to waiting for the spirit to move or the muse to inspire: a sustainable, self-directed path to success.

ERIC MAISEL, PhD, is the author of more than 50 books on creativity and personal growth. Widely regarded as creativity coach, he is a retired family therapist and a noted leader in the movement known as critical psychology. He writes the Rethinking Metal Heal blog for Psychology Today and facilitates creativity and deep writing workshops around the world.