The “Get Unstuck” Framework: How Substack Creators Finally Launch Their Publication
The simple framework that moves creators from planning mode to publishing.
“Most creators aren’t stuck because they lack ideas. They’re stuck because they’re trying to solve every decision before starting.”
You might be stuck if you’ve done any of these things:
Opened Substack… then closed the tab.
Brainstormed five publication names, but chosen none.
Started writing your first post… then decided it wasn’t ready yet.
Most creators don’t stay stuck because they lack ideas.
They stay stuck because they’re trying to figure everything out before starting.
The niche.
The logo.
The tech.
The first article.
Everything begins to feel like it needs to be perfect before publishing.
However, something interesting happened recently that reminded me how quickly momentum can appear once you move.
The Moment I Got Unstuck
A few weeks ago, I was on a call with a mentor discussing the launch plan for another project I’ve been working on.
During the conversation she asked me a simple question:
“Why don’t you teach people how to build a Substack from scratch in one session?”
At first it felt like a spontaneous idea.
But the more we talked about it, the more obvious it became.
I had already built multiple Substack publications and spent a lot of time helping people think through how to structure their newsletters.
So instead of planning it for weeks, I decided to move quickly. (I don’t really like plans)
Within 48 hours, I launched a live workshop called From Unstuck to Published.
The goal was simple:
Help creators build their Substack publication from scratch in one focused session.
Two people signed up right away.
More people asked if I would run another one.
But the most interesting part wasn’t the signups.
It was what happened next.
The workshop itself helped me get unstuck.
Because once I built the workshop, the next step became obvious, so obvious.
I needed a place to share these ideas more consistently.
That’s how this publication, Unstuck to Published, was created!
The Real Reason Creators Stay Stuck
Most creators think they are stuck because they haven’t figured everything out yet.
However, the real reason people stay stuck is something I call decision mode.
Decision mode happens when creators try to solve every decision before starting.
Creators want to know:
The perfect name.
The perfect positioning.
The perfect logo.
The perfect first article.
But clarity almost never arrives before publishing. Clarity usually arrives after publishing.
Momentum creates clarity. Not the other way around.
The “Get Unstuck” Framework
After watching writers go through this process and experiencing it myself while launching the workshop and this publication, I’ve noticed that getting unstuck usually follows a simple sequence.
Step 1: Clarify The Outcome
Before choosing a name or designing anything, ask one question:
“What outcome will readers get from this publication?”
Examples might be:
Helping nurses and doctors understand the stock market.
Helping caregivers feel less alone.
Helping creators launch their Substack.
The outcome matters far more than the niche.
Step 2: Choose A Working Name
The key word here is working.
The name doesn’t have to be perfect. It only needs to be clear enough to begin.
Many successful newsletters refine their name and positioning over time.
Movement matters more than perfection.
Step 3: Build The Foundation
Once the outcome and working name exist, build the basic structure of the publication.
That includes:
A one-line description.
An about page.
A simple, clean logo.
The Welcome email to the free subscribers.
Your first article.
This foundation creates the structure your publication will grow from.
Step 4: Publish Before You Feel Ready
This is the step most creators delay.
Publishing feels vulnerable, but publishing is also the moment momentum begins.
Your first article isn’t the final version of your publication.
It’s simply the starting point.
Publishing creates feedback. Feedback creates clarity.
The Real Lesson
The workshop taught me something important.
Getting unstuck doesn’t happen when you finally figure everything out.
It happens when you decide to move before everything is figured out.
Once you start building, the next steps begin to reveal themselves.
If You’re Stuck Right Now
Most creators don’t fail because they lack ideas.
They stay stuck because they remain in planning mode too long.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is momentum.
Thank you for being here. I truly appreciate you.
— Jessica
Move first. Refine second. Publish with structure.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a Substack but haven’t launched yet, this framework is exactly what I use when helping creators move from planning mode to publishing.
Today’s article: The “Get Unstuck” Framework: how creators finally move from planning mode to publishing.
This is a good helpful article. I often say.
Ideas aren’t the problem…
and then follow it with whatever “issue” is.
Like deciding which one to do, or stopping procrastination (which is what my current post series - advice for the young at heart - is about. Hopefully #4 the final one will be published soon. If I can stop procrastinating 😂) or following a process / method / framework. Which to me is what your great post is about.
As a Change professional I’d say - The framework is good & I don’t disagree.
Mine is a little different- writing it up, is also on my todo list.
Yours is good.
What I do think is important though is that the key to getting stuff done isn’t the idea as you say. Or doing things perfectly like your creatives example.
It is about just doing it by following a method.
And why not follow yours.