For the last few days, I’ve been in a funk. Like a seriously funky funk. And if I’m to be perfectly honest, it has everything to do with this blog. I’ve been thinking about taking it in a new direction and it’s been causing me a lot of stress. Over the course of a few days, I went from confident, happy, cup-half-full blogger to petrified, cranky, cup-half-empty nay-sayer with writer’s block.
So, imagine my reaction earlier today when I came across an email from Melyssa Griffin that opened with these three questions:
Heck, yes, heck, yes, and heck, yes.
And how the heck did Melyssa Griffin know about my writer’s block?
For the most part, I’m a believer that there are no coincidences in life, so I took Melyssa’s email on board and did what she was calling me to do. I listened to her podcast, “Why fear, anxiety, and negativity are necessary for a positive life.” In this episode, she interviews Mark Manson. Mark is the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. While Melissa had me hooked at the opening question, I was all the more keen to follow-through as I happen to have read his book and believe him to be a giver of pretty sound advice.
While the entire podcast was a worthwhile listen, my most valuable takeaway came from the dialogue that followed this comment:
It’s easier to be an artist that no one’s heard of versus an artist that nobody likes.
As Mark explains, if you’re walking around with a great business idea in your head, you’re tapped into the potential of something exciting in the future, and that feels good — all the time. The minute you start to execute it, however, it’s no longer in your head. You’re no longer in control, and you’re no longer the only critic. You may succeed. You may fail.
What are you longing to do but afraid to try, just in case you fail?
Running a marathon, speaking in public, starting a book club, opening a bakery — trying anything you’ve never done before is scary stuff. And being scared leaves you vulnerable, whatever the fear.
Right now, I’m scared. For years I’ve ‘joked’ that there’s nothing I’m particularly passionate about. In the last few months, however, I’ve discovered a true passion for writing. Not the kind of writing my clients have been paying me to write for the past 20 years, but the kind of writing that comes straight from my heart (versus a creative brief). The kind of writing that earns me zero dollars in compensation, thereby qualifying me to be a legitimate creative writer. I love it and I want it. Wanting it feels good. Going for it feels scary and that’s where I am today.
How long will this writer’s block last?
Who knows, but truth be told, I’m feeling pretty encouraged right now. You see, in this podcast, Mark referenced a novelist’s strategy for overcoming writer’s block. He believed that if he forced himself to write just 200 crappy words a day, he’d be inspired and end up doing way better. I thought I’d give it ago. That’s what prompted me to sit down and write this post, without self-judgment. And here I am, 556 not-so-crappy words later.
Viv for today xo
This blog has been a real learning experience for me, and subsequently a valuable source of content ideas. Another blog-related blog post: How to overcome your fear of asking for help.
Oh, and if you like what you’ve just read, scroll up to the GET MY NEWSLETTER button and subscribe. I’ll deliver all future posts straight to your inbox.
Great advice – just keep writing! I needed this today. Thanks!
Go forth and conquer, Lori!
Writing block is something we come across almost every other day… I refer to my own experiences as a parent to deal with the same
Well then there’s definitely no shortage of content for you, Dinesh!
I have that book in my Amazon wishlist right now! Looks like I’ll have to pick it up.
Definitely. It’s a great read.
Thanks for sharing. It was like a pat on the back and a push coming across your article today. Truly gave me strength.
I’m so pleased. One step at a time : )
Mark Manson is one of my favorites too. I have to agree it’s difficult being creative all the time. You put out the struggles of creative writing very well here. Looking forward to hearing more from you?
Thanks so much. I hope you’ll hear more from me, too, as that’ll mean I’ve overcome my writer’s block ; )
Just what I needed to read as I am in a similar state of mind. Thanks for the insightful post!
I feel your pain, sista! Glad you found it valuable.
Great read, thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Erica!
Very inspirational! Writers block always comes at the most annoying times for me!
Is there ever really a convenient time for writer’s block?!
I get this writing block every now and then and ideas become dry. I loved reading your post. Thanks for sharing.
Give the ‘200 crappy words’ a try. It might work!
I need such posts so many times, it’s so motivational to us being bloggers and writers.
Yep. Writer’s block comes with the territory unfortunately.
Great read and nice to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way sometimes 🙂
Goodness, no. You’re not alone!
This is really motivating, thanks for sharing. I can relate to anxiety. But the best was that the moment your idea is being executed, it is no longer in your control.
I know. That’s such an important thing to recognize.
Such great advice!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Seemed to work for me!
Melyssa’s emails always get me thinking!
Yep. So glad I subscribed!
I am just coming out of a ‘blogging block’ where I just had no desire to write anything. It feels good to come out of it but i’m feeling extra exhausted too lol.
I can imagine. Just keep thinking “200 crappy words… just 200 crappy words”!
Very insightful post. I have writer’s block out of nowhere some days. I hate when it happens and I’m happy when it’s over.
I just sat down to write. Got nothing!
This was great. I’ve had writers block once or twice and really struggled to overcome it.
Only once or twice? I’d count yourself lucky!
Sometimes you just have to push through and write. Never know when you’ll find gold within all the rocks, pebbles and dirt.
So true, Lidy.
Great post. I try to do something different. Work on writing a blog, a short story, revisions, editing. Even if I just get a little big done, as long as I’m doing something. Even if it’s only 10 or 15 minutes. Or I just take a break for my ideas to percolate.
Glad you mention this, Jan. I’m not very good at just getting up and taking a break as needed, and I’m sure I waste a lot of staring at my screen waiting for inspiration to strike when it would be far more likely to happen while walking the dog or taking a shower!