I’ve been writing professionally for almost 15 years — and I did plenty of writing for many years before that. Nine times out of ten, the reason I don’t get something written when I intend to — even now — is simply because I didn’t feel like writing it when I originally planned to sit down and do just that.
It’s a very common problem — so if you’re the “I don’t feel like it” kind of writer when it’s time to get your work done, you’re not alone. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself in these moments you know you should write, but just can’t get yourself to actually do it.
Are You Just Having a Hard Time Getting Started?
Starting is the hardest part for many people. There are still plenty of days where I look at my writing to-do list and my brain tries to tell me I don’t actually want to do any of it. But for me, once I sit down and actually start writing, it’s not so bad. Most of the time, I’m almost instantly reminded how much I enjoy it.
Writing is hard, and our brains generally don’t like it when we have to do hard things. On days you really don’t think you can do it, set a goal to just sit down and start. Even if you only get 50 words down, it’s better than zero! But more often than not, you’ll follow through with your whole writing session once your butt is actually in the chair and you’re doing the thing.
Why Are You REALLY Avoiding Your Writing Time?
The reality is, sometimes you just don’t feel like writing. It might not go much deeper than that, and if that’s the case, there are ways around that mental barrier. But there are also going to be times you’re actively avoiding sitting down to write for more complicated reasons.
Be honest with yourself in these moments. Use that time to sit yourself down and have a tough monologue. Why don’t you REALLY want to write? Are you afraid? Exhausted? Bored? Or are you dealing with something completely unrelated to writing that is depleting all the mental and physical energy you might normally dedicate to playing with words?
If that’s the case, this third question might be the most important one to ask.
Are You Due for a Writing Break?
Burnout is absolutely real, and could be the reason you’re struggling more than usual to get your writing done. Writing can be both mentally and physically draining, especially if you’re doing it a lot — that’s why it’s important to treat your writing sessions as the hard yet rewarding work they are! It’s okay if you need to take a break, even for just a day or two.
I’ve found that setting aside your writing for a set period of time — with a clear “return to writing” date on your calendar — can be freeing and refreshing. You’re not skipping out on writing your brain thinks you need to be doing, and ideally, you’re also not as likely to beat yourself up about stepping away. But you also know, in the back of your mind, that once it’s time to get back to work — it’s time to sit down and write again. Hopefully with much more clarity and drive than before your rest.
Meg Dowell Writes 