Where is Your Writer’s Block Coming From?
Blink.
The cursor mocks you.
Blink. Blink.
You’ve been staring at this blank page for ten minutes wondering how to start.
Blink. Blink. Blink.
This has never been a problem before…
Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink.
You can’t write. Now what?
The first thing you should know is that writers block is NOT a creative problem. No matter how many days you’ve written in a row, there is always more to write. Ideas, that is, the combination of things which already exist, are infinite.
The second thing you should know is that generally, you can get started simply by starting.
The third thing you should know is that your output on any given day does not ostracize you from being a Creative.
It’s likely you’re sitting here afraid for one of these reasons:
1. You are afraid.
I’m haven’t tested every human being in the planet, but my guess is that Creatives are among the most fearful. Probably because back in early humanity, it was difficult to fend off a lion with a paintbrush.
2. You think other authors are way better than you.
Remember – you only see the end product of other authors’ work. Odds are the first draft is worse than you could imagine.
3. You are tired.
Give yourself some grace. Humans need to inhale in order to exhale. Creatives need to experience in order to give. Creatives cannot live a 24-7 work life. The quality of our output is just as important as the quantity. Take it easy already.
4. You don’t have any ideas.
News flash – ideas don’t come from looking at a screen. Ideation and Creation are separate. If you’re expecting yourself to come up with ideas WHILE writing them, you’re going to have a tough time.
5. You are trying to write about something you don’t care about.
Why?
6. You have no self-discipline.
Let me be the tough guy for a second – any dream, wish, hope, or goal you have for this life demands some attention and effort in your part. If you have no self-discipline, you need to learn some. The good news is that people aren’t born with self-discipline. Actually, most of us just trick ourselves into it. I know I do.
That cursor is probably still blinking behind the window filling this article.
It’s time to go stop it.
