Why Your Projects Get Stuck (And How to Fix It)

Have you ever launched into a project full of energy — only to find yourself stalled, scattered, or wondering what you were even trying to accomplish in the first place?

In this conversation, I’m joined by Simon Montt, leadership and organizational development consultant, to explore what he calls the five-stage creation process — a circular map that mirrors how we naturally move through any creative or productive endeavor, whether we’re aware of it or not.

The five stages — intention, preparation, action, follow through, and integration — sound simple on the surface. But Simon walks us through why skipping or over-fixating on any one of them leads to the exact patterns so many entrepreneurs know well: the beautiful spreadsheet that never becomes action, the project that never quite feels finished, the constant doing that leaves you busy but not sure what you’ve actually built.

We talk about why integration — the stage most people skip entirely — is actually the secret to sustainable productivity and honest reflection. Without it, you’re caught in a loop of endless creation without ever landing, celebrating, or learning from what you’ve done.

We also get into what this looks like inside a team. When different people are naturally drawn to different stages, how do you bring that together intentionally rather than letting it create confusion? Simon’s answer is refreshingly practical: you simply name the stage you’re in — out loud, as a group — and let people show up where they’re strongest.

If you’ve ever wondered why smart, motivated people still get stuck, this episode offers a clear, calm framework for understanding it, and a genuinely useful map to help you move forward.