Why you are screwing up your writing — and how to annihilate those limits

Ah, the dreaded Writer’s Block.

What an experience.

Nothing was coming through. No idea stood out. No productivity hack was unleashing my brainpower.

I tried working with music, then without it. Then I thought hunger may be playing tricks on my mind, only to find myself dozing after another heavy meal. Then I took a long walk, because that’s where ideas are generated.

Yes, I was lost. No, it wasn’t fun.

However, from this experience, I’ve been able to gather several possible reasons for my Writer’s Block:

#1 Too Much Varied Content

If you are interested in a wide spectrum of categories, great! Curiosity precedes great discovery. The problem comes when you consume so much varied content, you fail to express it meaningfully. There is no discernable intent in the things you read or watch. The writing feels vague and ambiguous, instead of sharp and pointed, and the message is lost on the reader. This leads on to the next point:

#2 Practice

Or a lack, thereof. Why does your writing lack clarity and look cluttered? Having come from a two year hiatus, I will admit that not exercising that writing muscle for a while will result in skill deterioration. No shit.

#3 Imposter Syndrome

Amazing what a lie can do to your mojo. Most of the things your mind tells you for your Imposter Syndrome is fake — underqualified, unknowledgeable, untrainable. Most of our limitations are self — created, and Imposter Syndrome is the greatest bottleneck, not only in a writer’s journey, but anyone’s life experience.

So here we have it. In a nutshell:

1. Be intentional and clear about your content consumption. It’s the fuel behind your writing.
2. Practice. Or in other words…don’t do what I did.
3. Nothing is impossible. Your Imposter Syndrome could only be an indication of your need to level up. Courage is is found when fears are faced.

CHEERIO!

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