Most writers have a problem. They rely too much on inspiration instead of action. So, instead of being honest with themselves about the actual truth, they tell themselves (and others) that they are not inspired and are trying to find the right “idea” to write about.
Not being able to write isn’t a problem of creativity. Instead, it’s a visibility problem. It means that writers are too vulnerable to show their true selves. They don’t want to be seen as someone who isn’t perfect. So, they hide behind the lie of “inspiration.”
The truth is, “You don’t have writer’s block; you have exposure anxiety.”
When you say you’re blocked, it feels safe. People think you are working on some great stuff. It’s just that you haven’t found the right way to execute it. But the truth is different. You are actually hiding from being exposed.
Saying you’re blocked protects your ego. It delays judgment and avoids vulnerability. So you keep using this idea to avoid producing any work.
In reality, you are afraid to hit publish. You have 10 articles in the draft, but you keep perfecting them. They never feel ready for you.
Let’s break down the common fears.
- Fear of judgement: “What will people think?” Your colleagues, friends, and family might see your work and judge you. They might misunderstand what your work represents.
- Fear of not being good enough: We’ve all experienced this at some point. It’s called impostor syndrome. You compare yourself to top creators and think you aren’t as good as them. So, you hide behind the idea of being blocked.
- Fear of success: Yes! It’s a thing. “What if it actually works?” It feels scary because more visibility means more responsibility. So, the pressure to keep producing seems terrifying.
- Fear of revealing yourself: You don’t want to put forward your opinions, stories, or truths. You believe that writing will expose you to the world.
How can you overcome these fears?
It’s easy; you shift your identity and mindset.
As a creator, it’s common to have these fears. I did. But I had to overcome them to become a better writer. And I did that by the much-needed mindset/identity shift.
Instead of asking, “What if they don’t like it?”, start asking, “What if this actually helps someone?”
Think service instead of ego. You are creating to help someone who is facing some difficulty in life. It can be personal or professional. If you have even a little information that can help this person, you must do it. Try to help a single person instead of thinking about a hundred or thousands of people. Shift your mindset from self-protection to contribution.
Next, you need to let go of perfection. I call “perfectionism” a disease that kills success. It stands in the way of your dreams. It keeps blocking possibilities that might actually change your life.
I tried to perfect every article I wrote. I would spend hours (even days) trying to write it perfectly. It only made things worse when I didn’t get the results I wanted. When I let go of perfectionism and started writing freely, it not only helped me produce more work (quicker) but also helped me build an audience that resonated with the topics I wrote about.
Here are some quick tips to help you move past your fears.
- Lower the stakes: Post something small first. Write shorter pieces, share your thoughts in a 100-word post instead of a 1,000-word essay.
- Expect discomfort: Feeling exposed is normal. Courage doesn’t feel confident at first. But when you move through discomfort, the world will become a different place.
- Detach from the outcome: Outcomes aren’t in your control, but effort is. So, focus on what you can control. Remember, not every piece needs to go viral. Focus on reps, not reactions.
- Build proof of bravery: Set a goal to publish daily or weekly. Make sure you don’t miss a post. Then, track your consistency, not applause.
If you feel blocked, remember that you are just being afraid of something. Ask yourself what it is. If you are trying to hide or avoid the truth, stop and act despite your fears.
Here’s something I want to leave you with:
You don’t need more inspiration. You don’t need more skills. You need more courage.
When you build the courage to show up and hit publish, your growth begins.
Hi, I’m Biliz.
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