What’s stopping you from getting that project written?

Merriam-Webster defines writer’s block as:

A psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.

Dictionary.com’s definition is a little less intimidating:

A usually temporary condition in which a writer finds it impossible to proceed with the writing of a novel, play, or other work.

Every writer has had those days when the words either just won’t come or, if they do, they’re quickly deleted. But if you’re routinely blaming writer’s block for missing deadlines or other writing work not getting done (like that book you’ve been wanting to write for years), it might be time for a little self-examination.

When you’re trying to work on a project but all you’re doing is counting the number of times per minute your cursor blinks, stop. Close the file. Open up your email and write a note to your best friend. Or hop on your favorite social media platform and share a story about something that happened to you earlier. Or even grab a pen and paper and write a letter to your mom.

If you were able to do one of those things, you don’t have writer’s block. You have a block about the project you’re working on, and there’s a big difference.

Writer’s block is often caused by anxiety, stress, anger, apathy, and even insecurity. If you are genuinely suffering from writer’s block, figure out the underlying reason and take the appropriate steps to deal with it.

If you’re suffering from project block, do some similar analysis. What is it about the project that’s keeping you from writing? Is there something you can change or are you just going to have to soldier through it until you can get it done and move on to something you’ll enjoy?

I’ve never had writer’s block, but I’ve had project block. When that happens, I give myself a break if I can. Then I remind myself that, whether I’m writing for myself or a client, writing is my job. It’s my professional responsibility.

I put my rear end in the chair and my fingers on the keyboard, and I get it done. And no, it’s not easy, but it’s what I do.

When the project is done, I’ll figure out how to prevent that particular type of project block from happening again. I may need to reject similar projects in the future. I may need to revise the terms of my agreement with the client. Or I might even need to change something in my work environment.

True writer’s block is, in my opinion, rare. More likely, you have project block. Once you understand that, dealing with it is easier.