How to Write When You Feel Like You’ve Got Nothing To Say
I feel you. Here are 5 practical tips.
Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels
When people sign up for my email list, they get a free guide.
And I encourage them to reach out:
Screenshot from my emails
Here’s a response I got this week:
Screenshot from my emails
“Procrastination and feeling like I don’t have anything truly important to say.”
This response came from a highly accomplished screenwriter.
(I stalked their LinkedIn.)
They’ve written a dozen screenplays and won countless awards. Frankly, I’m honoured they’d sign up for my newsletter!
Even successful writers feel this way?
It would seem so!
I emailed back with some tips.
You see, I can relate — I really can. These feelings come and go for me. Even just this morning, I spent 10 minutes staring at my laptop without typing a thing.
Here’s what I do when I feel like I’ve got nothing to say.
Tip #1: Document — Don’t Create
I used to worship Gary Vee.
“Document” was always his advice — but what does this mean?
Simple.
Instead of creating content, tell people about your journey, invite them along for the ride, and show them the behind-the-scenes.
For example, if you’re building a new digital product, you could document what it’s like building it. What’s your day-to-day like? What’s it like working with a developer? What are some of the mistakes you’ve made?
People LOVE this sort of content.
When I was building ScottBar, I did exactly this: I posted on Instagram for 365 days straight about building my protein bar business.
The steps, the mistakes, the learnings — all of it.
I visited factories, pitched to supermarkets, and brought my followers along for the ride.
Although the project didn’t work out, I made a bunch of friends who I’ve kept in touch with.
It’s a win-win!
Screenshot from my Instagram
But what if you feel like you’ve got nothing to document?
This is where the next tip comes in…
Tip #2: Write About Others
I write about other creators.
Here’s an article about a digital nomad who’s making at least $210K a month from his laptop.
Why do I write these articles?
There are five main reasons:
It’s fun — Honestly, this is the main reason!
I get to learn from interesting people — I go through their content and pick out key moments from their life, business, etc.
Writing forces me to consolidate what I’ve learned — It’s easy to trick yourself. You think you’re learning when really you’re just watching videos. Writing articles means I’m actually learning stuff.
It’s easy to write — Some stories are just begging to be written!
The articles give me an excuse to reach out to these creators — I have zero expectations. If people don’t respond, that’s totally cool. But when they do? Amazing things can happen.
What are these amazing things?
Here’s an article I wrote about one of my favourite content creators, Louise Henry.
After emailing Louise, she replied:
Screenshot from my emails
“We’ll be sharing it out a bunch!”
Over the next two weeks, she posted on Instagram, and her posts led to lots of inbound freelance opportunities for me.
(She has over 30K followers.)
Screenshot from Instagram
Tip #3: Open Up a Blank Google Doc
And type whatever pops into your head.
This is similar to Julie Cameron’s “Morning Pages” exercise.
By getting your thoughts onto a screen, you clear the gunk in your head. You also build your mind-muscle connection.
Get your fingers into the habit of typing.
You’re halfway there.
Tip #4: Build a Second Brain
I’m like a magpie.
I pick up ideas and store them in Notion. It’s my second brain.
So whenever I need inspiration, I scroll through my dashboard and see what jumps out.
How do I pick up ideas?
Let’s say I listen to a podcast on my lunchtime walk.
When something interesting pops up, I make a note on my phone. Then, after my walk, I email these notes to myself.
At the end of any given week, I have a bunch of emails from “Scott Stockdale”. (This guy is keen!)
I then go through my inbox every Sunday and transfer these ideas to Notion.
I currently have 81 different ideas on there:
Screenshot from my Notion dashboard
I can’t guarantee you’ll drop those feelings of not having anything to say.
But it’ll hopefully spark some ideas.
Tip #5: Build a “Wall of Love”
My “Wall of Love” is full of screenshots from emails, comments, and messages I’ve received over the last four years.
Now, when I’m in a low-energy state, I open it up. Scrolling through the screenshots is like getting a big, warm hug from hundreds of people.
See, you’re not such a bad guy, Scott!
Screenshot of my “Wall of Love”
Some days — no matter what I do — I just don’t feel it.
And that’s okay.
On these days, I step away from my laptop and do other things, like see friends or goof off in nature.
It’s amazing what productive distractions can do for you.
But don’t let distractions stop you from trying to write. You DO have interesting things to say. Everyone does. It’s your job to coax them out.
Here’s a quick summary of my tips to help you do this.
Tip #1: Document — don’t create. Share the behind-the-scenes of your life. People LOVE this sort of content, and it’s easier for you to do this. There’s less pressure.
Tip #2: Write about others. If you feel uncomfortable in the spotlight, shine it on those who like it. Amazing things can happen.
Tip #3: Open up a blank Google doc. And type whatever pops into your head. You’ll give your fingers something to do, and you might be surprised by what comes out.
Tip #4: Build a second brain. Notion is great for this. Pick up ideas and store them away. Then, when you need a little inspiration, you’ll have somewhere to turn!
Tip #5: Build a “Wall of Love”. Virtual hugs from strangers are always welcome :)
Want to ditch the 9–5? Get my free 19-page guide: Everything I Did to Quit My 9–5 Job & Transition Into Profitable, Sustainable Solopreneuring :)
