Ep 57 - Next Level Series: Red Light. Green Light. Yellow Light.

In this episode of You Gotta Hear This!, we continue the Next Level Series—a set of conversations focused on what it really takes to grow as a creator. Not by doing more, but by thinking better. By developing the habits, awareness, and judgment that move your work forward. Every creative faces moments of decision. When to move. When to stop. And when to slow down and think.

Using the familiar rhythm of a traffic light—and the childhood game Red Light, Green Light—this episode explores how those same signals show up in creative work. Because not every moment is about pushing forward. Some moments require restraint. Others require discernment.

Green light moments are when the work has energy. When a story is unfolding naturally. When something real is happening and you need to move quickly to capture it. These are the moments where hesitation can cost you. Recognizing them—and acting on them—is what allows great work to come to life.

Red light moments are just as important. These are the times when the work starts to drift. When complexity creeps in. When style begins to overpower substance. Or when you find yourself chasing trends instead of telling the story.

In these moments, the most creative decision you can make is to stop, step back, and rethink the direction. But most creative decisions don’t happen in extremes. They happen in the middle. That’s where the yellow light comes in. Yellow represents uncertainty. A moment that could go either way. An idea with potential, but not yet clarity.

These are the moments that require discernment—the ability to evaluate, adjust, and decide whether to move forward or pull back. To help apply this concept, try a simple exercise. Take a look at the projects you’re currently working on and label each one: green, yellow, or red. This small act of reflection can sharpen your instincts and help you recognize patterns in your decision-making.

Over time, it builds the kind of judgment that separates good work from next-level work. Because next level creators don’t just move fast—they move wisely. They learn how to read the signals. And more importantly, they learn how to respond to them.

If this episode connected with you, consider subscribing and sharing it with another creative who’s working to grow. And if you want to go deeper into storytelling, check out You REALLY Gotta See This!—a practical look at how great stories are discovered, shaped, and crafted to connect with an audience. 

You can find the book here: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/you-really-gotta-see-this