Meet I. C. Robledo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful I. C. Robledo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi I. C., so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

I’m glad you asked because my take might be different from what you’ve heard before.
To me, “writer’s block” is more of a myth than a reality. I don’t believe in it—not because I haven’t faced challenges, but because I see writing as something that flows intuitively, based on thoughts. And thoughts are infinite.
When someone says they’re blocked, I don’t doubt their struggle. But I often wonder—are you trying to make your writing perfect before it even exists? Writing isn’t about perfection on the first try; it’s about embracing the process.
If you’ve ever shared your dreams or opened up about your struggles, you’ve written in your mind already. No one talks about “talker’s block,” yet we can pour our hearts out in a conversation. Writing is the same—it’s about letting your thoughts flow, imperfect as they might be.
When I feel stuck, I remind myself that writing doesn’t need to start big or profound. It can begin with a simple question: “What’s in my heart today?” From there, I allow the words to flow, messy and raw, trusting that I can shape them later.
If you’re feeling blocked, my advice is this: let go of the pressure to create something extraordinary right away. Just as we walk one step at a time, we also write word by word, bit by bit. Focus on progress, not perfection—your words matter because they’re yours.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I write to inspire transformation. With over 15 books published, my journey has been about helping readers discover their potential, overcome self-imposed limits, and live with deeper meaning.
My work spans from The Secret Principles of Genius—a guide to unlocking intellectual potential—to 7 Thoughts to Live Your Life By—helping us with mental and emotional well-being—to Awaken the Starlight Within, which invites readers on a journey of personal and spiritual growth. These books are like a mirror for readers to see their true selves and step into their power.
But my mission isn’t just about writing; it’s about connection. I make it a point to reply to emails I get from readers, often guiding them through life’s trials like a pro-bono life coach. These conversations fuel my purpose—helping others rise, even in small ways.
Right now, I’m immersed in a project blending chess with self-development. It’s about seeing life’s challenges as opportunities to reach higher versions of ourselves, just like a pawn advancing across the board and graduating to become any piece it wants. If that resonates, I’d love to connect with you. Whether you’re drawn to chess, philosophy, or simply growing as a person, I want to know how my current work can help you with your hopes, goals, and dreams.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

When I think about the most essential qualities to develop, I don’t just consider individual success—I think about what could uplift humanity as a whole. If I could choose three, they’d be Connection, Creativity, and Belief.
Connection
I used to be more of a loner, but over time, I’ve learned that even the most independent among us need meaningful connections. Whether it’s a tribe of misfits or kindred spirits, together, we can achieve far more than we can alone.
My friend Jamie Soo’s story is a powerful reminder of this. After losing his parents, Jamie realized how vital human bonds are. Feeling the weight of loneliness, he set out to build new relationships and create a sense of family in his life. With this approach, he makes new connections all the time, making the world a bit more… connected!
At any stage of life, pursuing meaningful, authentic connections is always worthwhile. It just takes one new person (in life, business, or any relationship) to turn everything around! I’ve had the great fortune to make some dream-connections in my life with just the right people I needed at the right time – and I have no doubt you will too.
Creativity
Here’s a truth: everyone is creative. If you dream at night, you’re already creating worlds without effort. The problem is that we stop practicing creativity as we grow, trading it for logic and structure. But creativity is the spark that solves problems and reimagines the world.
Imagine if we redirected the energy spent complaining about life’s problems and situations, instead working on creating solutions. What would happen, then? Solutions would arise overnight. The world would begin to transform faster, better, and for the greater good in the blink of an eye.
Belief
Beliefs quietly shape our lives. For years, I underestimated their true power. But beliefs are a fundamental force impacting everything we do – it’s absolutely essential that we understand how they work in order to grow, thrive, and have a chance to fulfill our hopes and dreams.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
• Do I believe in myself?
• Is this belief helping me or holding me back?
• What would happen if I let this belief go?
• Can I choose new beliefs to elevate my life?
We could all benefit from the practice of believing more in ourselves and what we do, and of course taking daily actions, no matter how small, to turn those beliefs into a reality.
In Conclusion
Focus on cultivating Connection, Creativity, and Belief. When you nurture these qualities, you won’t just transform your life—you’ll inspire change on a grander scale. These are the foundations of progress for you, me, and all of us.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely. I’m always open to collaborating with people who share a passion for growth, meaningful connections, and creative or critical thinking.
I bring a multi-dimensional perspective to everything I do, blending deep thinking, practical problem-solving, and a heart for helping others. Whether you’re a fellow writer, a chess enthusiast, or someone with a unique vision, I’d love to explore how we can create something impactful together.
I’d like to add that my current project uses chess as a metaphor for personal growth. If that resonates with you—or if you’re just curious—reach out. Collaboration is where magic happens, and together, we can create something greater than what we’d achieve alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robledothoughts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icrobledo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ICRobledo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/icrobledo
• Twitter: https://x.com/ICRobledo

Image Credits

Radie Steiner with Steiner Studios
J-Ryze (AI Assisted)