Writer’s block, procrastination, and perfectionism are struggles I’ve faced more times than I can count. They’re like these sneaky little monsters that show up when I’m ready to pour my heart out on the page. Over the years, though, I’ve learned a few tricks to tame them. I’m sharing them with you in case you’re stuck, too.
When Writer’s Block Hits
Let’s start with writer’s block. It’s the worst, right? Sitting in front of a blank page, willing words to come but feeling like your brain is on strike. What helps me most is to take the pressure off. I tell myself, “Just write anything.” Even if it’s something as simple as, “I have no idea what to write right now.” Once I’ve written something—anything—the words start flowing.
Another trick is to change scenery. Sometimes, just moving to a different spot, like a cozy corner or even outside, can wake up my creativity. And if that doesn’t work, I turn to prompts. They don’t have to be fancy—a quick “What if…” scenario can get the wheels turning.
Procrastination’s Pull
Procrastination loves to lure me in with promises of just one more scroll through social media or a quick episode of my favorite show. To fight it, I’ve started setting timers. I’ll tell myself, “Write for just 10 minutes.” Ten minutes feels doable, and often, once I start, I’ll keep going.
Another thing that helps is breaking tasks into tiny steps. Instead of thinking, “I have to write a whole chapter today,” I’ll focus on a single paragraph. Finishing small chunks makes the whole project feel less overwhelming.
The Perfectionism Trap
Perfectionism might be the hardest one for me. I want every sentence to be perfect, but that’s not how writing works. First drafts are supposed to be messy. I remind myself that I can’t fix what’s not written. It’s better to get the words down and worry about polishing them later.
Sometimes, I even make a game of writing badly on purpose. I’ll challenge myself to write the most awkward or over-the-top sentence just to loosen up. It’s funny how freeing it can be to let go of expectations.
Life and Mental Health Matter
One thing I’ve realized is that writing and creativity are deeply tied to how I’m feeling overall. If I’m stressed, exhausted, or not taking care of myself, it’s so much harder to focus. That’s why I try to prioritize my mental health and well-being. Taking breaks, eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all make a huge difference.
Sometimes, the best thing I can do for my writing is to step away and recharge. Going for a walk, meditating, or spending time with loved ones can help me come back to the page with a clearer mind. It’s important to remember that life and health come first. Writing will always be there, but you need to be in a good place to do your best work.
Giving Yourself Grace
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be kind to myself. Beating myself up for not writing perfectly or quickly enough doesn’t help—it just makes things harder. Writing is a process, and it’s okay to take breaks, experiment, and stumble along the way. Progress is what matters, not perfection.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, I hope you’ll try some of these tips. And remember, you’re not alone. We all face those sneaky monsters—but we’ve also got what it takes to beat them. You’ve got this.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 