How to Use the STEPPA Model to Get Out of Your Feelings and Into Action
Creativity is emotional work. You’re juggling hopes, fears, self-doubt, perfectionism, excitement, and about ten other feelings that show up uninvited every time you try to finish something.
And if you’re like most creatives I coach, you don’t need more ideas or inspiration, you need a way to navigate that emotional rollercoaster so you can actually finish the damn thing.
That’s where the STEPPA model comes in.
Developed by Dr. Angus McLeod, STEPPA is a practical coaching framework that helps you use your emotions instead of being ruled by them. It’s like a creative GPS that gets you from “stuck and spiraling” to “focused and finishing.”
Let’s break it down.
S = Subject: What’s Actually Going On?
You have to start by naming the situation (subject). You can’t fix what you won’t name. What project are we talking about? What’s the actual thing that’s stuck?
Example: “I’ve been sitting on this short film script for six months and can’t seem to finish it.”
Keep it simple, and clear. No drama (yet).
T = Target: What’s the Goal?
Now, set a real target. “I want to feel inspired again” isn’t good enough. What’s the concrete outcome?
Use SMART goals here: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Read my article about SMART goals here.
Example: “I want to finish the script draft by October 15.”
If your goal is vague, your emotions will eat it for breakfast. Be precise. Get granular.
E = Emotion: What’s the Feeling?
This is the part most creatives skip. Check in with your emotions. Ask yourself:
What am I feeling about this goal?
Are those feelings helping me move forward or holding me back?
Just because you’re afraid, that doesn’t mean you should stop. It’s just a signal.
Example: “I’m anxious because I’m scared it won’t be good enough.”
These emotions are data. They’re trying to tell you something. So listen to what they’re saying. Use them.
P = Perception: Zoom Out
Now, get some perspective. You need to understand where this goal fits into the bigger picture of your creative life. Ask yourself:
Why does this project matter to me?
What’s the cost of not finishing it?
Seeing the bigger picture can remind you why you started in the first place. It usually explains the context for your emotions.
P = Plan & Pace: Break It Down
Big goals need small steps. This is when you decide what actions you’ll take and how fast you’ll move. Some examples might be:
Outline Act 2 this week.
Write three scenes by the end of next week.
Send draft to a friend by Oct 15.
Set a pace that’s challenging but realistic. Almost all projects take longer than you expect them to. Don’t sprint a marathon.
A = Action & Amend: Move, Then Adjust
Now it’s time to act. Do the thing. Write the pages. Paint the piece. Submit the grant. After you act, take time to reflect.
What worked?
What didn’t?
Adjust as needed.
This is where it all comes together, and progress happens. Not in endless planning, not in emotional analysis, but in movement.
The Takeaway
Creativity isn’t just about having a solid plan, or even the talent and discipline necessary to achieve it. A lot of times it’s about emotional navigation. The STEPPA model gives you a way to turn messy, overwhelming feelings into fuel.
Don’t wait around until you feel confident or inspired. Use this process to move forward with your emotions, not in spite of them.
So if you’re stuck, open a notebook and run your current project through STEPPA. You might be surprised at how clear things become when you stop fighting your feelings and start working with them.
Ready to Finish Your Projects?
If you want support applying this model (and getting unstuck in real time), book a free sample session with me. We’ll use STEPPA — or whatever tool you need — to help you get your project across the finish line.
