The challenges we face in life can sometimes feel insurmountable, leading to feelings of being stuck. This can manifest in different ways, such as writer's block, hitting a plateau in sports or art, or experiencing a midlife crisis. Psychologist Adam Alter has researched why people get stuck and how to break free, and he shares his findings in a conversation. Alter's research explores why the beginning and end of a project are often more manageable than the middle. He also discusses techniques for getting through the plateau phase of a project or goal, including breaking down daunting tasks into smaller pieces. Additionally, Alter talks about the destructive nature of perfectionism and how it can hinder creativity. The conversation also touches on the relationship between being prolific and being successful, and why it's hard to recognize when others are stuck. The episode is part of the Hidden Brain series, which is hosted by Simplecast and features expert conversations on various topics. The Hidden Brain team is also going on tour in 2026, with stops in Philadelphia and New York City, and more dates to be announced later. The episode is available for listening, and more information about the tour and the podcast can be found on the Hidden Brain website.