How To Stop Resisting Your Writing

At times, there is nothing quite as strange as being a writer. This is true for many reasons, but one that particularly stands out is the ongoing battle that we have with ourselves to do the one thing that we want to do, i.e. write.

Writing makes us feel whole; it is a release, a passion, something that we care deeply about - we have to write.

Yet it is also something that scares us, that overwhelms us, that backs us into a corner of self-doubt and misery, and then, suddenly - we can’t write.

Resistance to writing is a powerful thing, and can be very dangerous to the writer if left to manifest itself. The feeling of resisting your writing can come in many forms, but the result is always the same - you don’t do it.

A lot of writers resist their writing by putting it to the back of their to-do list. They tidy the house, write emails, go to the gym, do the weekly shop - any other activity that they can deem important enough to push writing down the priority pile with the vague promise to themselves that they will get to it later.

The problem is that until we sit down and try, we are not likely to feel very inspired. It is a vicious circle - the less you write, the less you’ll feel like writing. The only way of changing this is by forcing yourself to do it, and do it regularly enough that you get into a proper routine.

So how do you move past resistance?

The first thing to do is view it positively. If you are resisting your writing it doesn’t mean your body is trying to tell you-you shouldn’t be a writer, more that you are doing something that you care about, that pushes you; that takes you out of your comfort zone, and therefore is worthwhile.

Create a great writing routine and stick to it. Your writing needs to become a habit because habits are hard to break. The first few weeks might be tough, but if you can get into a regular writing routine, soon it will become second nature, and you’ll look forward to your writing sessions, and, perhaps most importantly, prioritise these over other tasks.

Catch it early. If you can feel yourself starting to make excuses not to write, then stand up to yourself. Force yourself to write as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be.

Overcome resistance step by step. Setting achievable goals is key. Anything you can do to reduce your resistance will make it easier. At first just tell yourself to sit down and write for 10 minutes, then build up from there. If you make life easy for yourself, you’ll relieve any pressure and slowly get back into the habit of writing once more.

Resisting your writing is natural, and every writer feels this way at one point or another. Don’t let resistance take over, and don’t believe that resistance means you are not cut out to be a writer - try these simple techniques and you’ll soon get back on track.

How do you cope when struggling with resistance? Let us know!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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