7 Reasons for Writer’s Block & How to Fix the Root Cause

Writer’s block can be incredibly frustrating. The words don’t flow, the ideas feel elusive, and everything becomes harder than it should. It can leave you questioning yourself, comparing your progress to others, and even wondering if you’re really a writer.

The truth is, you are a writer. (If you weren’t a writer, you wouldn’t be having writer’s block.) You’re also not a failure, you’re simply moving through a period of struggle with your writing. But, there is a way through. You can dissolve your writer’s block by identifying what’s getting in your way.

Writer’s block always has a root cause, and once you uncover it, you can address it directly and start writing with more ease and confidence. Writing flows so much better when you’re not unknowingly wrestling with inner resistance.

When you become aware of what’s blocking you, take care of your creative energy, and shift your perspective, writing becomes easier and a lot more enjoyable.

So let’s look at 7 common reasons for writer’s block, and more importantly, how to fix the root cause behind each one so you can get back to writing with flow and inspiration.

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7 Common Reasons for Writer’s Block

1. You lack confidence

It’s easy to talk yourself out of writing by thinking you’re not good enough or that you don’t have what it takes. But let me stop you right there, because it’s just an excuse. Anyone who wants to write can learn to write well, and anyone who writes consistently improves over time.

Solution: Ignore the negative self-talk and keep writing. I know this seems obvious, but you must write regardless of your emotions or judgments toward yourself and embrace the learning curve.

All you really need to be a writer is to write. That’s it. You don’t have to write “well.”

Of course, it’s great to want to improve and be your best. So, keep writing with grace for your imperfections and a willingness to improve. Confidence grows with experience, so don’t give up before your confidence has a chance to bloom.

2. You’re not being yourself

When you’re trying too hard to sound like someone else, your writing can feel stiff, forced, or inauthentic. And deep down, you know it. But being yourself is your superpower. There is no competition since we all have a unique voice and energy that we create through.

Solution: To find your voice, try journaling and brainstorming freely. Ask yourself what message you want to share and, importantly, what topics truly light you up. Do you like fiction, non-fiction, technical writing, or something else?

Write what comes naturally and what you genuinely care about. Also, don’t be afraid to write in drastically different ways and in totally different niches. I do this for this blog, and it keeps me having so much fun!

3. You’re not sitting down to write

Are you procrastinating and not taking action? Thinking about being a writer more than actually being one? I don’t care how poorly you write. If you write, you’re a writer. Claim it, be it, do it.

Solution: As author Steven Pressfield says in The War of Art, “Get your a** in the chair.” And he’s right. You have to physically sit down and start. Push through the resistance and begin. The hardest part is starting, but once you do, momentum will build.

4. You’re afraid to be a bad writer

Please stop being afraid to suck. It really is okay to be imperfect. It’s way better than not writing!

If you feel afraid deep inside that you’re not good enough or you’ll be judged, you have to clear that up within yourself. And when it comes to the opinions of others, keep in mind how easy it is to be a critic. Those critics are rarely taking any action themselves. Don’t listen to haters.

Solution: Let yourself write a messily, “badly” or however you need to. Stop judging yourself, have some fun, and just get the ideas out of your head and onto the page without editing. If you would like help with writing freely, check out my writing course, Messy Journal Magic.

5. You’re drained or tired

Writing takes energy. Naturally, when you’re exhausted, it can be hard to be creative or focused. So, if you’re dealing with a lot in your life, give yourself grace.

Solution: Take care of your body and mind first. Get rest, nourish yourself, and make space to recharge. Write when you have the time, and importantly, manage your energy so you can have fun writing when you do have time. Make writing fun in whatever ways inspire you, and you’ll naturally have the energy.

6. You’re being inflexible or rigid

Sometimes you write something and fall in love with it, but then it doesn’t quite fit. Still, you keep trying to force it. Or maybe you think you have to write a certain way. You worry about your image or fitting into a certain niche.

Solution: Expand your comfort zone, or be willing to pivot. Try new angles or formats. Allow yourself to write in ways that didn’t seem cool to you at first.

For example, I write some super sappy, some would say cringeworthy love quote articles on this blog. Why? Because it’s fun, easy, SEO oriented, and allows me to be creative. I really don’t care if it’s sappy. Furthermore, as a blog writer, I don’t stay within a tight niche. (Maybe I should listen to the blogging experts, but I would have way less fun.)

I believe it helps to ask yourself why you’re holding on so tightly to your image, style, niche, or whatever. Growth happens when you loosen your grip and try something new.

7. You have too much clogging your creative channel

Writing from a clear, focused place is hard when your mind is full of worry, unresolved problems, stress, drama, or mental clutter. Even if you’re not consciously thinking about something, it may still be draining your energy in the background.

Solution: Clear your mind. Try journaling, list-making, meditation, exercise, affirmations, prayer, or whatever helps you feel mentally clearer. And allow new ideas to be expressed in your writing.

One thing I do with stress is channel it into articles I think might benefit other people, such as How to Trust Everything Will Work Out & Just Relax. I watched a YouTube video that recommended that anything the devil throws your way, you can flip the script by helping other people with it. I thought that was a pretty cool take.

Related: How to Alchemize Pain into Strength & Problems into Assets.

Concluding Thoughts

If you’ve been staring at a blank page, stuck in writer’s block, take a step back and consider what’s really going on. Often, the solution is about clearing what’s standing in the way of you taking action.

Writing gets easier over time, and like any skill, you will improve with practice. You will also become faster and probably more prolific. The key is to stay inspired and have fun.

I hope you enjoyed this article and that it helps you break free from any writing barriers you may have. Be patient, be persistent, and know that your unique voice is worth sharing.

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