Overcoming resistance to writing

Resistance is a force that arrives whenever we set a goal. At least it does for me!

I decide that I want THE THING and quite soon after, a rush of emotion arrives.

For me, this feels like wanting to hide away. I want to tell people to leave me alone.

To overcome resistance, we need to look at what is really going on. Because there is a lot playing out under the surface.

Say we want to write a book. We want to shape the world, record something or connect with others. We get excited, write a few pages and then BAM. The wall of resistance.

Personally, I shy away from writing for a few reasons:

• Shame that I've had the audacity of even saying that I want to achieve something 
• Isolation – without collaboration, community or accountability, it is very easy to slink away
• A loud inner critic that tells me it will be no good anyway
• A fear of overwhelm, of exhaustion
• A fear that to write well I have to write authentically, and that could trigger the hell out of people

It’s so important to notice these feelings and make a note of them. These road-blocks come up for healing and are fuel for the affirmations we need to continue our work. 

For example:

• I have nothing to be ashamed of; I am allowed to achieve and be successful – it is my birthright
• It is safe to collaborate with others; I attract people into my life that reflect my own compassion and understanding
• My inner critic needs soothing, not scolding. I can adapt my self-talk to be nurturing: I love and accept myself, no matter how I feel
• I know how to breathe to self-soothe. I know when to rest. I also know that fear and excitement can feel similar. I know that grounding brings me back into my body so that I can continue
• I know, with all that I am, that my authenticity is what sets me free. I know that I can be authentic and considerate of others at the same time. I know that I am responsible for my own emotions, not the emotions of others. I don't have to people please

Once we have voiced our resistance and come home to the reality that all is well and we are SAFE to write, we can take the small steps needed to get back on track by:

1. Backing ourselves. You have this book idea for a reason! It is here to be birthed and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Creativity is a pathway to joy and fulfilment – give yourself permission to feel good! You CAN do this.

2. Being incredibly discerning of who you let into our inner creative circle. Anyone, anyone that drains you, isn't allowed close to your dream. These people represent the part of you that can and likely will sabotauge your plans. You need radiators, not drains right now. This means you have to consciously choose who you talk to about your book. And if you tell someone about your vision and they give feedback remember to consider whether any criticism is a) informed and b) constructive. If not, bin it. 

I have written dozens of books over the last few years and have felt this cycle, many times and now have a wonderful formula for success that I utilise for each of my projects. 

I would love to hear if you resonate with any of the above – and if you need help birthing your book, take a look at my course here.