By Riyad A. Shahjahan
You have set aside time to write. You know what you plan to work on for the next 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or hour. You sit down to begin — or perhaps you are already writing — when suddenly an urge arises to do something else.
Maybe you feel compelled to check the laundry, browse the news, scroll through social media, make a quick phone call, or do a bit more reading before you start. Or perhaps, in the middle of writing, you find yourself wanting to check email, look up a reference, organize a file, or attend to some other task.
In short, you find yourself wanting to do almost anything except the writing you intended to do.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
Many writers experience moments of resistance, especially when working on challenging, meaningful, or uncertain tasks. Rather than viewing these moments as personal shortcomings, it can be helpful to recognize them as part of the writing process itself.
When resistance shows up, how can we gently return our attention to the writing at hand? Here are five practices that have helped me.
1. Create a writing ritual
A simple writing ritual can help signal to your mind and body that it is time to write.
For me, this might be two minutes of quiet breathing, a brief meditation, or simply pausing to settle before beginning. These small practices help calm the swirl of thoughts competing for attention and create a bridge into writing.
Over time, a writing ritual can cultivate patience, presence, and a greater ability to focus on what is in front of you right now.
2. Keep a writing journal
A writing journal can be a valuable companion when resistance appears.
Often, distractions become louder when I am feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or worried about whether my writing is “good enough.” At those moments, checking email or tackling another task can feel easier than staying with the discomfort.
Writing about these thoughts and feelings helps me step back and observe them rather than immediately react to them. It allows me to notice patterns, name fears, and approach myself with curiosity instead of judgment.
A writing journal reminds me that difficult emotions are not obstacles to writing — they are often part of the experience of doing meaningful work.
3. Develop concrete writing tasks
Vague goals often invite distraction.
For example, a goal such as “work on Section X” leaves many questions unanswered. What does “work on” actually mean? How will I know when I have made progress?
Specific tasks provide greater clarity. Instead of “work on Section X,” I might decide to:
- Draft two paragraphs
- Write an outline of three key points
- Revise one page
- Edit the introduction
Concrete tasks help transform an overwhelming project into a manageable next step. When we know exactly what we are aiming to do, it becomes easier to begin.
4. Use a timer
A timer can be a simple but powerful writing companion.
Rather than committing to an entire morning or afternoon, try focusing on a short block of time — perhaps 15 or 25 minutes.
Knowing that the writing session has a clear beginning and end can reduce pressure and make starting feel more accessible. A short session also encourages focus on a specific task rather than the entire project.
Often, once we begin, momentum develops naturally. And if it does not, we have still honored our commitment to show up for the allotted time.
5. Give yourself something to look forward to
Writing requires energy, attention, and care. It can be helpful to pair writing with something nourishing afterward.
This does not have to be extravagant. It might be:
- Taking a walk
- Enjoying a favorite cup of tea or coffee
- Spending time outdoors
- Reading for pleasure
- Connecting with a friend
- Watching a favorite show
Having something enjoyable to anticipate can make it easier to engage with challenging writing tasks and reminds us that writing is only one part of a full and meaningful life.
A final thought
As we navigate our writing lives, it helps to remember that resistance is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes it reflects fatigue. Sometimes uncertainty. Sometimes the natural vulnerability that comes with creating and sharing our ideas.
Rather than fighting ourselves, we can practice meeting these moments with gentleness and compassion.
When we do, writing becomes less about forcing productivity and more about developing a sustainable relationship with our work — one that honors both our goals and our wellbeing.
May your writing journey be filled with clarity, patience, and moments of ease.
Originally published on June 14, 2016, updated on June 22, 2026.
Image credit: Emad F. Shahjahan