To Those Who Want to Write, But Can't Get Started

"Here’s the simple, proven method to overcome your writing block and start today - No more excuses!"

It’s 4 a.m. and I’m sitting at my desk, staring at a blank screen. My fingers rest above the keyboard, but nothing happens. I want to write. I need to write. But the words won’t come.

The silence is overwhelming. The coffee machine hums softly, and I hear the first birds of the day singing outside. It’s quiet. Too quiet. There’s this pull, though—this feeling that I should be writing. But the longer I sit here, the harder it becomes to begin.

If you’ve ever been stuck, staring at a blank page, you know exactly what I mean. Perhaps you’ve heard advice like, “Just start,” or “Don’t overthink it,” but when you’re facing that empty space, it feels impossible to begin.

The truth is, starting is hard. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Let me share a few lessons I’ve learned that will help you start writing today. These are not quick fixes. These are simple steps to help you move from staring at a blank page to writing without procrastination.

1. Start Small, Really Small

When I first started writing regularly, I told myself I needed to write 800 words in one sitting. But that kind of thought only froze me. One helpful method to beat procrastination is to start small. Instead of thinking about writing an entire blog post or essay, focus on writing just one sentence. Don’t worry if it’s perfect—just get it out.

The hardest part of writing is often getting started, but once you push through that initial resistance, everything becomes easier. It’s not a flaw in your character; it’s simply the nature of writing—and much of life. That first sentence can feel like the toughest hurdle, but once it’s down, it’s like sliding down a hill—the momentum takes over, and you’re moving smoothly from there.

One simple method that works for me when I don’t feel like writing is to tell myself, I’ll just read over what I wrote yesterday. Or, I commit to writing just one sentence today. Once it’s on the page, the rest often follows naturally.

Starting small makes writing less intimidating. Once you’ve begun, it’s easier to keep going.

2. Build a Routine That Helps You Write

A successful writing day starts with a good morning routine. It’s not about doing something extravagant. It’s about setting the tone for the day.

For me, that means going for a walk as soon as I wake up. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and hit the street. No distractions—just me and my thoughts for an hour.

It may sound simple, but this walk clears my mind and prepares me for writing. By the time I return, I feel like I’ve already accomplished something. I’m focused, my mind is clearer, and I’m ready to write.

Try it. Get up, stretch your legs, and let your mind wander. It’s a great way to get into the writing mood.

3. Read to Write Better

Reading and writing go hand in hand. If you want to write well, you must read well. But don’t worry about reading only “important” books. Read what interests you.

When I started writing, I didn’t focus on reading the “best” books. I just read whatever grabbed my attention. It could be a blog post, a book on productivity, or even a magazine. The key is that I started reading.

Eventually, I began diving into subjects that truly interested me, which naturally helped improve my writing skills.

Naval Ravikant, whom I admire, talks about reading for curiosity. Don’t stress about reading the “right” books—just read what sparks your interest. The more you read, the more you’ll learn about how words work and how to write better.

4. Create a Swipe File

Here’s where the magic happens. A swipe file is a collection of things that catch your attention: great headlines, clever phrases, or any ideas that make you think. Save them.

When you come across something that resonates with you—whether it's a clever turn of phrase or a great marketing strategy—save it. Screenshot it or write it down. Over time, you’ll build a library of inspiration.

I learned this from Neville Medhora, a copywriter I admire. When you’re stuck, you can always look through your swipe file for fresh ideas. It’s like having a toolbox full of creative sparks waiting to ignite.

5. Keep Your Hand Moving

This is the most important tip I can offer: Keep your hand moving. Whether you’re writing by hand or typing, keep going. Don’t stop to correct mistakes. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Just write.

This idea comes from Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, where she compares writing to exercise. The more you write, the stronger your writing muscle gets. But if you stop, it weakens. So, write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Write whatever comes to mind—it doesn’t have to be good. It just has to be written.

The more you write, the easier it gets. You’ll find that the words flow, almost effortlessly. It’s like a snowball rolling downhill—once you start, the momentum builds.

The Bottom Line: Take the First Step

Writing is hard, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about building small, consistent habits that help you start. Set a simple routine. Read for curiosity. Create a swipe file. And, most importantly, keep your hand moving.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be amazed at how much you can write. Just start small. Take it one sentence at a time. By the end of the year, you’ll have written more than you ever imagined.

So, take that first step. The rest will fall into place.