Top 4 Reasons for Writer's Block

Friday, 3:30 p.m. Kids are home from school. Schedule’s cleared of calls. Daily task list is nearly complete. The weekend seductively lurks around the corner...

Except I haven’t started my newsletter. Even though it was on my calendar throughout the week.?

So what gives??

Well, I can give the easy alibis that it’s been a busy week, and I’d been focusing on more pressing matters. That I was out of town last week facilitating at a conference, and have struggled to get back into a routine.??

And yes, both of those are true. But falling back on that is also the easy way out.?

I allowed those obstacles to become excuses. Obstacles are roadblocks that we can find a way around. Excuses are mental blocks that “excuse” us from finding a way around.?

When this occurs with our writing, many also call it Writer’s Block.?

Most people who have ever put pen to paper or words on the screen have experienced this at some point. Yes, even established, highly-regarded writers.?

But where does it come from? What is the cause??

Glad I?asked. Because I’ve decided to make that my Top 4 for this week:??

Top 4 Reasons for Writer’s Block:?

• Attempting to be perfect.?

How often do we set forth on a project we care deeply about, excited about the potential end result, only to find ourselves stuck in gridlock because we search in vain for the perfect topic with the perfect words that will inspire our audience??

It’s the primary reason why it took me years to write a second draft of a screenplay, yet foolishly wondered why I didn’t get any traction on getting it produced.?

The reality is this: There is no such thing as perfect. If you expect perfection, you should expect to be let down. Perfect is the enemy of good.?

Instead, give yourself permission to do something. It’s called a “draft” for a reason: you should breeze through it!?

• Fear of criticism.

Trying to be perfect makes us an inner critic. And if it’s not good enough for us, how can it be good enough for our audience??

But let me offer you some potentially life-altering advice: What people think of you is none of your business.?

First off, your perception of others’ perception of you is usually inaccurate. Secondly, even if it’s on point, so what? It gives you an opportunity to solicit feedback to improve, or to simply find a new audience that will appreciate what you have to offer.

There are nearly 8 billion people in the world, meaning that, by law of averages, there is inevitably a tribe of followers that exists for everyone.?

Finding them may be the challenge, but doing nothing guarantees that challenge will remain. It’s akin to tossing out a hook without the bait.??

• Overthinking the process.

Having too many ideas can be just as detrimental as having none. Like the old quote, “He who chases two rabbits catches neither.”?

Here’s what works for me: Create a Google doc with a running list of thoughts, topics, and ideas that you can speak expertly on. When you sit down to tackle your next project, pick one and start prewriting.?

This can be listing out buzz words related to the topic, a freewrite where you tap into your subconscious by continuous writing anything for a set amount of time, or even “interviewing” yourself on the subject matter.??

There’s a time to ideate, and then a time to get it done. Once the ideas are out there, it’s go time. Thinking then becomes a doer’s worst enemy.?

• Lacking consistency.?

Whether it’s exercise, meditating, or writing, if you want to get better at something, you need to make it a habit. And habits only get formed when you make it a regular routine.?

Clarity is essential, and it only comes with focus. Focus comes with allowing yourself dedicated time to do the thing.?

Notice I said “thing,” not “things.” Multitasking is overrated, especially if you’re looking for creative inspiration (and especially if you struggle with ADD or ADHD).?

Case in point: I’m now 55 minutes (and over 700 words) into putting together this draft on the fly. All because I allowed myself to set dedicated time aside, shelf any other tasks, obligations, and thoughts, and simply see what flowed from one central idea: Writer’s Block!?

And now I’m done! Because sometimes good enough is good enough, simply because we showed up!?

Until next time,?

JG