1. Perfectionism: Waiting for the Perfect Words
Many writers fall into the trap of striving for flawlessness right from the start, which often leads to frustration and writer’s block. The truth is, writing is a process, and your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect because, if you follow the process, readers will never see your first draft. Books and articles you read and love are probably the third or fourth draft of it.
Solution: Give yourself grace and go for excellence instead of perfection. Also give yourself permission to write a raggedy first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down, then revise and polish later. And always get an editor to check behind you.
2. Lack of Clarity or Direction
Sometimes, the reason you’re stuck is that you’re unclear about what you’re trying to say or where your writing is headed. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to get bogged down in details or lose sight of the bigger picture.
Solution: Take a step back and reassess your goals. Ask yourself: What am I trying to communicate? Who is my audience? If you’re writing a long-form project like a book or article, create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your piece. A clear roadmap will help you stay on track.
3. Overwhelmed by the Scope of the Project
Life can get overwhelming, and if that’s the case, it might help to start carving out just 30 minutes a day for writing. However, it could also be that it’s simply not the right time. I’ve worked with mothers of newborns and full-time caregivers of aging parents who’ve wondered why writing feels so difficult, and my response is always, “You have a lot on your plate right now.” If your time is limited, it might be more beneficial to prioritize rest in those rare moments of free time, rather than pushing yourself to write.
You could also be overwhelmed by the scope of the project. Writing, editing, publishing—it’s a lot. It’s easy to feel like the mountain you’re trying to climb is too steep, especially when the task ahead feels endless. The process can be daunting, from drafting the first sentence to perfecting the final edit. If the weight of it all is keeping you stuck, it may help to break things down into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of focusing on the entire project, set achievable milestones—writing one chapter or section at a time, for instance. This approach can make the process feel less overwhelming and help you build momentum.
Solution: Feeling overwhelmed by life? Try using a planner or simply jotting down your to-do list each day—include everything, from work and exercise to grocery shopping, cooking, self-care, family time, and appointments. This will help you identify pockets of time for writing or reveal if you’re stretched too thin. Overwhelmed by the size of your project? Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Set mini-goals and concentrate on completing one section at a time, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
4. Voices/Gazes
This is a very common challenge for people writing their life story: the fear of upsetting others, especially family members, friends, or even abusers. It’s natural to worry about how your truth will be received, whether it’s the fear of judgment or the emotional weight of revealing painful experiences. You may also feel torn about giving voice to others in your story—especially if their actions have hurt you, and you don’t want to seem “mean” or “vindictive.”
Solution: One way to navigate this is by setting clear boundaries in your writing. You don’t have to name names if you’re uncomfortable with it. You can use metaphor, alter identities, or write in a way that focuses on your personal experience rather than pointing fingers. Writing from a place of honesty doesn’t mean you need to be cruel or unnecessarily expose others—it means owning your truth. It may also help to focus on the healing and lessons you’ve gained from your experiences, which not only empowers you but allows readers to connect with your journey without feeling alienated by unnecessary details. If you’re worried about judgment, consider sharing your drafts with a trusted person or editor who can give you honest feedback in a safe, supportive way.
5. You Ain’t Done Learning the Lesson
This one’s tough, but sometimes it’s the truth, especially for those writing self-help books or memoirs. You’re eager to share your story, empower others, and offer wisdom from your experiences, but the words just aren’t flowing. It could be because you’re still in the middle of the lesson you’re trying to teach. The story you’re trying to tell isn’t finished yet, and until you’ve fully processed the experience, it can be hard to find the right words.
Solution: Embrace the fact that your story is still unfolding. If you’re feeling stuck, it may be a sign that there’s still some personal growth or understanding that needs to happen before you can write from a place of clarity. Take time to reflect and keep learning. Sometimes, the right words only come once the lesson has been fully learned. Allow yourself the space to grow, and trust that when you’re ready, the words will come naturally. If you feel like you’re stuck in a particular part of your story, give yourself permission to put the writing down for a while, knowing that when you come back to it, you’ll bring a new perspective. I’ve seen this happen countless times—one client circled back years later and told me, “You were right! This story absolutely needed the last two years of my life.” When the lesson is fully learned, your story will not only feel complete, but it will resonate with others in a way that wouldn’t have been possible before.