Courage on the tip of the pen: Break through the fear of writing and find your original intention of creation
Try to imagine that you are sitting in front of your computer, ready to start writing. However, when you look at the blank Word editing screen, your mind suddenly goes blank, and you don’t know how to move your fingers. You may start to worry that you won’t be able to write, or that others won’t like your work. This feeling is like an invisible wall stopping you from moving forward. This is called “writing phobia” and it makes writing difficult and even scary to start.
“Writer’s block” (Writer’s block (opens in a new tab)), also known as “Writer’s block (opens in a new tab)”, refers to the psychological obstacles that writers encounter in the writing process, which is manifested as stagnation in the creative process. The concept began to gain traction in the early 20th century, when psychologists and writers began exploring barriers to creativity. By the mid-20th century, developments in psychology and creativity research led to a better understanding of graphophobia as a psychological state involving self-doubt, perfectionism, anxiety, and overcriticism of one’s own work.
Well, if you also have “writing phobia”, don’t worry! Please refer to the following methods to overcome it!
Ways to overcome writing phobia
1. Set small goals
Break down large writing projects into small, manageable tasks. Set a small goal every day, such as writing 200 words, to reduce stress and make writing more doable.
2. Fixed writing time
Choose the time of day when you feel most comfortable to write, and try to maintain a fixed writing habit (opens in a new tab) during this time period. This practice can help you establish a daily rhythm for writing.
3. Change the environment
Sometimes a change of scenery can spark creativity and reduce writing stress. It is recommended that you get out of your study or office and try writing in different places such as a coffee shop, library or park.
4. Free writing
Set a timer, say 10 minutes, and start writing whatever comes to mind, and don’t worry about grammatical or spelling mistakes. This approach helps bypass the inner critic and allows thoughts to flow freely. In fact, this is the so-called “Free Writing (opens in a new tab)”.
5. Communicate with others
Share your writing experience with others and seek support (opens in a new tab) or feedback. Sometimes, communicating with other writing enthusiasts can inspire you and provide you with fresh perspectives.
Next, let me share with you some real-life examples of writers:
Well-known American writer Stephen. King (opens in a new tab) in his book “Stephen. Jin talks about writing (opens in a new tab)” mentioned that he overcomes writing obstacles through a fixed daily writing habit and setting achievable goals (such as writing a certain number of words every day).
In addition, J.K. Rowling (opens in a new tab) is writing “Harry Potter (opens in a new tab)” series, I once faced severe writing block. Later, by changing her writing environment and moving her working place from home to a coffee shop, she successfully stimulated her creativity and regained her motivation to write.
“Phobia of writing (opens in a new tab)” is a problem that many people encounter, but it is important not to let it stop you from writing. By taking a step-by-step approach and slowly building up your confidence, you can overcome this fear and regain the joy of writing. Remember, writing is a process, enjoy the process and believe you can do it!
When you pick up the pen and start writing (opens in a new tab), your life will start to change!
Please keep in mind that everyone’s writing process is often unique, and the most important thing is to find the methods and strategies that suit you. With continued practice and patience, I believe you will be able to break through writing barriers and your creative path will become smoother!
★ Want to improve yourself in the new year? Welcome to join “Vista Book Club”!
★ Want to embrace the AI era? Welcome to read “ChatGPT Questioning Course, Become an Efficient Worker Who Understands AI (opens in a new tab)”!
★ To comprehensively improve your writing skills, welcome to sign up for the “Vista Writing Companion Program (opens in a new tab)”.
Further reading
- Freewriting: Write your first word and unlock your creativity
- Draw materials from daily life and enjoy the fun of writing
- Freewriting: Unlock your creative journey
Next step
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Vista Cheng speaks and runs workshops on AI workflows, writing and content systems for companies, schools and public agencies.
