The Dog Days Are Over

Brian Gets Unstuck: Practices That Spark Progress

Dec 03, 2024

Before You Proceed!

Before we dive into this story about Brian Griffin’s never-ending journey to publish his novel, do yourself a favor: watch “Brian Writes a Bestseller” here on YouTube or click on the video below!

Trust me, it’s worth it! You’ll see all of Brian’s perfectionist quirks, excuses, and the iconic moment where Stewie roasts him into oblivion over his inability to finish “Faster Than the Speed of Love.”

Okay, back? Perfect.

Let’s unpack how Brian could’ve used Designing Your Inner Star: Module 1 to get unstuck and finally publish his book.

Why Pop Culture Teaches Us Better Than Textbooks

Seeing our struggles through the lens of a favorite TV character is like sniffing chocolate as you try to eat your veggies —it’s easier to digest life lessons when you’re laughing (or cringing) at someone else’s drama.

Here’s how this approach helps:

Detachment Theory: Watching Brian grapple with his creative struggles gives us the emotional distance to identify similar patterns in ourselves—without spiraling into shame or defensiveness.
Patterns & Actions: It’s easier to recognize what’s holding us back when it’s happening to a talking dog who’s too proud to admit his novel needs work.
Inspiration: If Brian can crawl out of his rut, so can you (with fewer martinis, hopefully).

Pop culture mirrors our lives in exaggerated, hilarious, and often painfully accurate ways. And today, we’re diving into how Brian’s epic struggle with perfectionism can teach us a thing or two about pursuing our dreams.

Brian Griffin’s Big Problem (and Maybe Yours Too)

In “Brian Writes a Bestseller,” Brian wants to be the next literary great, but he’s completely stuck. His excuses? Iconic. His follow-through? Nonexistent. Here’s the classic Brian breakdown:

The Avoidance King: He spends more time talking about his book than writing it.
Excuse Generator 3000: “I need inspiration,” “The industry doesn’t understand me,” and “I’m waiting for the perfect time.”
Validation Addict: Brian cares more about people thinking he’s a writer than actually being one.

And then there’s Stewie, mercilessly dragging him:

Stewie: “How’s that novel coming along? Got a nice little story brewing there?”
Translation: GET IT TOGETHER, BRIAN.

This is the energy we’re bringing to Module 1: Rekindling the Spark—except with more compassion and actionable steps.

Brian Meets Module 1: Rekindling the Spark

Let’s imagine Brian gave Designing Your Inner Star a shot. 

Here’s how Stewie would guide him through the practices to confront his fears, get unstuck, and finally write his book.

Practice 1: Mood Boards – Name It to Tame It

Step 1: A Visual Therapy Session with Stewie
Stewie sits Brian down, hands him a stack of magazines, scissors, and a glue stick (because why not?).

Stewie: “Alright, buddy. We’re going to turn that mushy brain of yours into something coherent. Grab the glue stick—it’s time for art therapy.”

Brian creates two mood boards:

Current Mood Board – The Fear Zone
- Stewie prompts him: “What’s in that chaotic little head of yours right now? Let’s see it.”
- Brian picks images and phrases like:
  - Blank pages.
  - A clock ticking.
  - A dog under a heavy rain cloud.
  - Phrases like “Am I good enough?” and “What if it’s terrible?”
- Stewie nods knowingly. “So you’re stuck in Fear-Ville, population you. Good. We need to see it to dismantle it.”
Dream Mood Board – The Visionary Zone
- Stewie: “Now, let’s see that delusional optimism you always carry around. What does success look like, Brian?”
- Brian picks:
  - Himself signing books at Barnes & Noble.
  - Applause from an audience.
  - A dog sitting at a typewriter with a trophy.
  - The phrase: “A voice that matters.”
- Stewie: “Ah yes, the dream of a literary legacy. Shame that fear has you sitting on your tail instead of getting there.”

How This Method Helps
The side-by-side comparison reveals a few key insights:

Brian’s Fear of Judgment: His current mood board is full of imagery about failure and rejection, exposing his obsession with external validation.
His Underlying Desire: The dream mood board shows that Brian craves connection and recognition—not just fame, but being valued for his voice.
Unlocking the Block: With Stewie’s sarcasm keeping things light, Brian realizes his perfectionism isn’t protecting him—it’s just keeping him stuck.

Brian’s Breakthrough: “I’ve been letting the fear of rejection stop me from even starting. Maybe it’s time to just write for myself.”

Practice 2: Dance Break – Shake Off the Stagnation

With Brian stuck in over-analysis, Stewie knows it’s time for some movement.

Stewie: “You, my dear canine companion, need to get out of your head and into your body. Cue the jams.”

He blasts “Uptown Funk” and forces Brian to join. At first, Brian resists.

Brian: “I’m a writer, not a backup dancer, Stewie.”
Stewie: “Exactly why we need this, Brian. You’ve been in your head so long, it’s probably covered in cobwebs. Now move those paws!”

What Happens

At first, Brian’s awkward, self-conscious, and muttering complaints.
But as the beat picks up, he relaxes. His tail wags, he starts grooving, and he even attempts a spin (with mixed success).

How this Method Helps:

Stress Release: Dancing reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and floods the brain with endorphins, creating an instant mood boost.
Emotional Reset: Movement helps Brian reconnect with his body, interrupting the mental loops of self-doubt and overanalysis.
Unlocking Creativity: Physical activity enhances cognitive flexibility, making it easier for Brian to think outside the box and approach writing with a fresh perspective.

Brian’s Breakthrough: “Okay, I actually feel…good. Maybe I don’t need to wait for inspiration—I can create it.”

How These Practices Unlock Brian’s Fear and Stagnation

Mood Boards: Name the Fear
- By visualizing his emotions, Brian sees his fear and desire laid out clearly for the first time.
- This detachment lets him analyze them without shame. He recognizes that his fear is not an insurmountable enemy but simply a part of the process.
Dancing: Feel the Freedom
- Movement shifts Brian from intellectual paralysis to emotional flow.
- It reminds him that creativity doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from play, experimentation, and showing up, no matter how imperfectly.

The Result:
Brian is no longer staring at a blank page, crippled by self-doubt. Instead, he feels energized and motivated. He grabs his laptop, opens “Faster Than the Speed of Love,” and types the first sentence without hesitation.

Stewie’s Final Word of Advice

As Brian gets to work, Stewie offers some parting wisdom (in his uniquely Stewie way):

Stewie: “See, Brian? You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to start. Who knows? Maybe this book won’t suck after all. And even if it does, at least you’ll have closure.”

Practical Steps for You

Creativity thrives when we lower the stakes and weave it into our everyday lives. Pairing creative tasks with daily routines you already love makes them feel like natural extensions of your day rather than additional burdens. Here are four practical practices to get you started:

One Sentence Daily Write + Morning Coffee: While enjoying your coffee, write one sentence—no pressure, just one thought to start your creative flow.
Creative Brain Dumps + Bedtime Wind-Down: Use the 5 minutes before sleep to unload your thoughts onto paper or a notes app, clearing mental clutter for fresh ideas.
Song-to-Scene Prompt + Commute Playlist: Choose a song during your drive or walk, and imagine a scene inspired by its mood—jot it down when you arrive.
Mood-Tracking with Memes + Social Media Scroll: Turn your scrolling into a reflective practice by saving a meme or GIF that captures your emotions for the day.

By pairing creative exercises with routines you already enjoy, you create joyful, manageable habits that nurture your creative spark.

Don’t End Up Like Brian

Let’s face it: we’ve all been Brian—stuck, overthinking, and letting perfectionism hold us back. But perfectionism doesn’t get the job done; starting does.

Key Takeaways:

Perfectionism is fear masquerading as a high standard. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it paralyze you.
Creativity flows when we embrace play and experimentation, not rigid expectations.
Small, daily actions—tied to moments you already enjoy—can help build momentum and confidence.

PSA: Don’t let fear or stagnation keep you from your masterpiece. Join the Inner Star Pilot today and get the tools to move from stuck to unstoppable.

Let’s get you creating, dancing, and finishing what you start. 🐾✨

‘til next time,

2mannythoughts