The paradox of writer's block

Intellectual Banter: Episode #20

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Greetings, my friends!

Writer’s block sucks. But it’s also a myth, a figment of our overthinking lizard brains.

Here’s my attempt to get my mental machinery back into gear. You’ll see how below…

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On my mind

I've been meaning to resume writing full time, but it's been hard.

“Meaning to” is never a good sign.

Every day I pump myself up by saying - “I’ll write today!”. Then I clean my table, check my email 6 times and rearrange my pens (yes, I have multiple. Get over it).

“Well, now it’s time for lunch. Alright, tomorrow then.”

Then the cycle repeats the next day. I’ve kept some bare bones writing going, but it hasn’t been fun. Then I feel like crap and want to order a double pepperoni to feel better. Well, that noble swine isn’t gonna write my tweets for me.

So I’ve been doing what I typically do - think about it a lot and try to avoid it.

Here’s my epiphany: it doesn’t work.

No surprises there. It made me feel worse instead. Made my mind run in endless circular loops and build stories upon silly stories trying to “justify” why it’s alright to let my inner resistance win.

Shhhhhhhh. Enough out of you, brain.

Time for a change in strategy

I’m lounging on the couch skimming through the countless newsletters I’m subscribed to and come across an email from another “bigger” creator. He’s sharing that he's also in a “creative slump”.

Huh.

Some validation for feeling like a lump myself.

But wait a second, this guy’s writing about that. What’s his secret?

There is no secret.

We all go through phases. And that’s alright. What’s not alright is sitting on your ass, starting to whine and stuffing your face with pepperoni. (I’m flexible on that last one).

That’s all I used to do in my earlier life.

Not anymore.

So here are some things I’m trying to get out of my creative slump and jolt my mental machinery back into action.

1) Active consumption

If your problem is that you “don’t have ideas to write about”, then consume more. And better.

Consume with the intent to create. Not with your mouth half open and drooling.

And take notes of whatever you consume. Pay attention to the ideas that come alive in your head. 

Now create content on those ideas.

I’ve been reading a random assortment of books the past few weeks and taking notes. That newsletter I read inspired this email.

2) Setup your minimum viable system

Motivation is crap.

That’s why you need systems and rituals in its place. If you want to achieve something, that is. The couch is always a comfortable (read dangerous) alternative.

If you came to a complete halt like I did and are jump-starting your momentum, I feel you. It can be a massive pain in the ass.

Here’s what I’m trying:

1. I commit to one “writing session”. That’s an undisturbed block of 60-90 mins for me.

2. Sometimes, that also feels like a lot. So I tone it down to 30 mins.

3. Then I reduce the “lift” for each session. From 1000 words to a few tweets.

4. After each session, I express some fucking gratitude. (Cause, why not? It doesn’t hurt anyone. Come on, do it right now.)

5. And done! Repeat the next day and build up.

Your system is meant to help you overcome resistance for the day. Creating your “masterpiece” comes later.

3) The paradox of writer’s block

Writing is the ONLY mental laxative you need in order to write more (or better).

The more you write, the more ideas you’ll get. Overcoming that inner resistance is what’s required to write (or create anything).

Sticking with the practice during your shitty spells will define your outcome.

So it’s time to do some old-fashioned grinding.

Reminds me of Red Dead Redemption 2, when I used to “level grind” for days (damn, I’ll never get that time back).

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Un-chuckle worthy quote

“The magic of the creative process is that there is no magic.” - Seth Godin

It is the result of desire. Of intention, ritual and hard work. The satisfaction that comes from it is worth the squeeze though.

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Until next week

You’re reading this email (hopefully) because of me sitting down twice for 60 minutes during the week and staring my resistance dead in the eye.

Will you sit down to do your work?

Your “ranting while working his way out of a rut” friend,

Adi

PS: I love banter (duh), so ‌hit that reply button, comment on the website or book a call if you want to chat! I’d love to hear from you.