It happens to the best of us. You're on a good roll. The words are flowing. You're five, ten, maybe even fifteen thousand words into a first draft and then it all grinds to a halt. No matter what you do, no matter how much you bang your head on the keyboard, nothing can get the words to come out again. The dreaded writer's block. I know, I've been there. But fear not, today we'll explore how the Stoic philosophy of perseverance can help you overcome writer's block when it strikes.
One of the philosophies I have studied over the last few years is Stoicism. Developed by the philosopher Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BC, this school of thought emphasizes rationality, self-control, and a focus on the present moment rather than the past or future. Stoics believed that virtue is the highest good, and that one can achieve happiness and inner peace by living in accordance with nature and using reason to control emotions. Stoicism has had a significant influence on Western philosophy, and its principles continue to be applied in modern times, including in fields such as psychology, business, and personal development. It has helped me stay grounded in the present moment, especially when confronted by struggles and obstacles in my writing journey — like writer's block.
Seneca once said, "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it." This quote emphasizes the importance of time and how we should not let it slip away. When it comes to writing, time is an essential factor. Sometimes, we may feel like we're wasting time because we're struggling to put words on paper. However, we must remember that writing is a process, and it takes time to produce something worthwhile. Rather than focusing on how much time we've wasted, we should focus on the time we have left to create something meaningful.
Marcus Aurelius believed that "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." This quote reminds us that obstacles are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth. When writer's block stands in our way, it forces us to evaluate our writing and find new ways to approach it. Instead of letting writer's block stop you from writing, use it as an opportunity to become a better writer. Revisit your ideas, revise your drafts, and explore new writing techniques. The obstacle of writer's block can lead to new insights and fresh ideas.
Another Stoic philosophy that can help us persevere through writer's block is the idea of living in the present moment. As writers, we tend to worry about the future, such as deadlines and the reception of our work. We also tend to dwell on the past, such as the mistakes we've made or the words we wish we could take back. However, the Stoics believed that we should focus on the present moment, as it is the only moment that truly matters. When we live in the present moment, we're able to focus on the task at hand and put all our energy into it. By doing so, we're more likely to overcome writer's block and produce our best work.
Writer's block is a common obstacle that writers face. However, by adopting the Stoic philosophy of perseverance, we can learn to overcome it. Remember that time is precious, obstacles can lead to growth, and the present moment is all that matters. By applying these principles, you'll be able to persevere through writer's block and become a more accomplished writer.
- Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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