Let’s write about writing, and why it’s so hard to gain momentum at it. This is a reflection post as much as it is an advice post.
📍 You Are Here
So, you’ve taken the time to carve out your own little slice of the internet. You have everything organized the way you like it, and you have what amounts to a blank digital canvas before you. You have something you want to say, but when the time comes to put hands on keyboard, you freeze. Well, buddy… I’m right there with you.
Population: 2. Me and You.
Exploring the Blocks
Let’s begin populating a list of popular excuses as to why we choose to freeze rather than keep those characters flowing. I’m choosing this language intentionally. When we frame our reasoning this way, we take ownership and it gives us freedom of intent to reshape our blocks into useful tools for productivity.
“I don’t have anything important to say.”
For that excuse, I have two questions:
- Who says?
- So what?
If something is meaningful enough to write about earnestly and with feeling, that is enough to justify writing it. The world is vast, and full. Someone is going to value what you have to say, regardless of context.
“Where is the time?”
I resonate with this one, and it’s my favorite excuse to use. I have 3 young children and I work overtime every week. There is still time to write. You just have to remind yourself that that time exists. When I reflexively open up Hacker News, I try to tell myself that I could be producing in that moment, rather than consuming. Using dictation software is also an awesome resource if you don’t have the time or energy to put hands on keyboard.
“I just don’t think I’m very good…”
Again, I ask “So what?”. Perfect is the enemy of good. You don’t have to be a talented writer to start writing. Writers don’t become talented writers without practice. Write about the things you like. Read about the things you like. Over time, the style and quality of your writing will take shape.
Breaking Through
You don’t need permission to write. You don’t need a viral idea or a polished first draft or a guarantee that thousands will read it. You just need to show up and put words on the page… imperfect, unfiltered, authentically yours.
That blank canvas is still there. It’s waiting. And the best part? Every word you write makes the next one easier. Every post you publish chips away at the freeze, reminds you that you do have something worth saying.