Principlev1
Decode creative blocks by articulating both the feared
Decode creative blocks by articulating both the feared version you would produce if forced and the desired version without constraints, then use the gap between them to diagnose the misalignment.
Why This Is a Principle
Derives from Illusion of Explanatory Depth (self-assessment is unreliable until forced to articulate), Externalization Exposes Hidden Structure (externalization exposes gaps and assumptions), and Emotions function as evaluative signals that provide (emotions as evaluative signals). The principle prescribes a specific protocol for converting an opaque block into actionable information about creative direction.