In this enlightening Kelly Wilde Miller podcast on Just Keep Learning, Justin connects with a multifaceted creator, entrepreneur, and coach. Kelly specializes in creativity and personal transformation. 

She shares her journey from traditional work to embracing the creative, unconventional path that allows her to live authentically. Through actionable insights and deeply personal stories, Kelly opens up about the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a creative life while staying true to oneself.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or someone exploring the first steps of your creative journey, this episode offers invaluable lessons on overcoming blocks, building sustainable projects, and staying aligned with your core values.

A Universal Course: Embodied Creativity

When asked what she would teach if every young person in the world could take one course, Kelly’s answer was clear: Embodied Creativity. She describes this as learning to channel creativity through a mind-body-spirit connection, allowing students to experience the full process of bringing ideas into tangible form.

• Project-Based Learning: The course would guide students through developing a creative project from idea to completion, culminating in a showcase where they present their work.
• Creative Cycles: Kelly envisions structuring the course around the four seasons, teaching students to embrace phases of experimentation, execution, refinement, and reflection.
• Empowerment: By experiencing the process of creation, students build confidence, self-belief, and a lifelong understanding of their creative potential.

Overcoming Blocks: Manifestation and Action

Kelly redefines “manifestation” in practical terms—as the act of bringing ideas into form. She emphasizes breaking creative projects into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm and build momentum.

• Start Small: Avoid the trap of trying to create perfection from the outset.
• Iterate: Embrace the concept of version one (V1) as a starting point, refining and improving as you go.
• Crowdsource Support: Kelly shares how she used feedback from her audience to design the cover of her first book, highlighting the power of community in the creative process.

Lessons from Entrepreneurship

Kelly’s entrepreneurial journey is filled with valuable takeaways for aspiring creators:

• Nurture Safety: Ensure your basic needs are met before taking big risks. Kelly learned this the hard way during her first entrepreneurial venture, which led to financial strain and burnout.
• Seek Mentorship: Having guidance and support can help you navigate challenges and accelerate your growth.
• Align with Values: Whether in traditional employment or as an entrepreneur, aligning work with your values ensures fulfillment and sustainability.
• Experiment Freely: Embrace the mindset of learning through doing, even if it means failing along the way.

Creative Dysregulation: Understanding and Overcoming It

Kelly introduces the concept of creative dysregulation, a state where resistance, fear, or overwhelm blocks progress. She shares strategies to overcome these blocks:

• Find Safety: Reconnect with your body and calm your nervous system.
• Reframe the Project: Break tasks into smaller, achievable steps.
• Balance Skills and Growth: Aim for an 80/20 ratio of tasks that you’re skilled at versus new challenges.
• Celebrate Progress: Each step forward is a victory worth acknowledging.

Insights on Building in Public

Kelly advocates for the “build in public” approach to creating, which fosters accountability, community support, and iterative progress. Sharing your process openly not only helps you improve but also invites others to celebrate and support your journey.

Memorable Quotes

“It’s safe to be myself out in the world.”
“We manifest every day, whether it’s finishing an assignment, making a meal, or creating a project.”
“Something that’s averagely good can still help people. You don’t need to wait for perfection.”
“The only person who can give you permission to pursue your dreams is you.”

Advice for Aspiring Creators

1. Start Small and Build Momentum: Launch a mini version of your project to gain clarity and confidence.
2. Find Your Through Line: Identify the common themes that connect your passions and projects.
3. Experiment with Creative Containers: Whether it’s a book, podcast, or newsletter, start with a clear goal and timeline to test the waters.
4. Focus on Connection: Creativity is as much about human connection as it is about individual expression.

Guest Bio

Kelly Wilde Miller is a creative ​embodiment coach helping ​people bring their visions to life ​with inspired sustainability.

She works with creators, entrepreneurs, and founders to ​help them align their vision with their inner wisdom and ​natural rhythms, so they can create with purpose, ​power, and precision

As a creativity coach, entrepreneur, and writer she is dedicated to helping others unlock their creative potential. She is passionate about empowering people to overcome their blocks, manifest their ideas, and live authentically. Kelly’s workshops, coaching, and challenges inspire creators to take action and build a life aligned with their values and dreams. She does this with a focus on three main things.

The Project as the Container: Your project becomes the space where we focus your energy, ​creativity, and intention. It’s a living expression of your vision and purpose, giving us something ​concrete to shape together and learn through.

Embodied Creativity: Alongside strategy and planning, we incorporate embodiment practices ​to keep you grounded, regulated and connected. This ensures you’re not just making progress ​but doing it in a way that feels aligned with your body’s wisdom and your values; replacing ​fear-based or stress-based action with inspired enthusiasm.Transformation Through Action: As you move through the process of creation, you’ll face ​challenges, breakthroughs, and moments of doubt. These are all opportunities for inner ​transformation. By engaging with the project, you’ll grow personally and creatively — with the ​project itself as proof of your evolution.

Follow Kelly

X:@kellycwilde
LinkedIn:@kellywildemiller
Website:https://kellywildemiller.com/