Writer’s Block
Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash
Since December of 2020, I have consistently published a blog post at least one time per month. Instead of creating a content calendar with potential topics, I simply let the idea come to me. Some months I surprise myself with more than one, which is always a treat!
This month, I got nothin’. Like, N-O-T-H-I-N-G.
It’s not that I have nothing going on. I actually have A LOT going on, and good stuff too! I’m almost wondering if it’s beginning to create a paradox though? All this great activity, including new clients, new coaching platforms, upcoming speaking engagements and interviews with amazing thought-leaders, has me busy doing the things I love doing, but it’s also hindering my quiet time for creativity.
I can’t block “creative time” on my calendar. It’s not something I can turn on or off. In fact, it’s hard sometimes to even consider myself creative, so by putting it on my calendar would seem like a mean joke – like forced fun.
Even waking up today, knowing that I needed to dedicate time to writing felt forced. Which of course makes sense because “need to” is a force. That said, today is Friday, February 25 and if I want to keep up my monthly posting streak, which I do, I have until Monday (damn you February for only having 28 days – why couldn’t it be a Leap Year?!). What’s really funny is earlier this month I considered if I wanted to start publishing a weekly blog post. I think I have my answer.
Getting back to “too much good stuff.” I think there’s something there. I’ve talked before about the “push vs. pull” theory. In short, if it’s a “push,” your intuition is saying no. If it’s a “pull,” it’s a yes. A quick reminder that “pull” doesn’t equate to “easy.” I’ve been pulled to do many challenging things. Brené Brown calls it “desired difficulty.”
As I coach myself through this, I think my next step is to review my calendar to ensure *most* items on there are “pulls” (which also means in direct alignment with my goals and values). I say *most* as there are requirements that I can’t say no to – like administrative work or doing laundry. And here’s the thing, while this post right now is challenging, it’s still a pull.
I want to challenge myself to write more.
I want to build my creative muscle.
I want to put content out that others can relate to (I can’t be the only person who has experienced writer’s block, right?!).
I’ll admit, this feels more like a journal entry than a blog post. It really helped me work through this block though. So, thank you! I’m looking forward to next month’s post – whatever that may be.
What’s currently got you blocked? How can you determine if you’re being “pushed” or “pulled”? And if the “push” is a requirement (like billing, doing the dishes, etc.), how can you plan your day so those items occur when you have the most energy?
