How to write when you don’t feel like writing…

Step 1: Write a headline that says: How to write when you don’t feel like writing…

In other words: Tackle the problem head on. It’s never bad to write what you’re feeling — so if you’re feeling like doing anything but writing, you can write about that and it just might be good. Or not. But that isn’t the point. This is to get the writing juices flowing again, not end up with something to post.

Step 2: Write a step two.

I mean, you might as well. It’s the logical next step after you’ve put Step 1, and now you’ve got multi-point momentum, carrying you on towards a full, and possibly useable article. Just don’t be a total prick and write ‘Step 3: write a step three.’

Step 3: Take a moment’s pride.

Not only did you avoid the prickish approach, but you put three whole points to paper (screen, obviously). You could end this whole thing here. 3-step how-to’s exist. You’ve paid the minimum price of admission. But ending it here will probably piss off your readers (even though you haven’t decided if you will have readers yet). Go on, give this ‘thang’ a little more substance.

Step 4: Decide that you will have readers.

Or at least, decide that you will post it and have the mathematical chance (if not the likelihood) of having readers. Now you’re responsible to a higher power. These words that had been put down first in frustration and then idle amusement, now have people to please. So you’d better find some inspiring/uplifting sentiment to add before you finish off.

Step 5: Ask yourself why you do like writing. And then why that.

‘Why?’ is always an excellent question. And if you ask it enough times, and you’re honest with the answer, you will often unveil important truth you were previously only subliminally aware of. Why do I want to write? Because it’s been too long and I don’t want to lose my momentum on Medium. Why? Because I want my writing to grow into something. Why? Because the daily work I’m doing isn’t proving super fulfilling or successful and I’m feeling like a failure. … Well, what a depressing exercise.

Step 6: Something actually inspiring, for crying out loud.

Alchemy. That’s what’s been done here. You took a lump of lifeless lead and fashioned into gold. Or more realistically: something outwardly shiny, but lacking in substantial value. It is an improvement though. You could have wasted your lack of inspiration like you’ve done a million times before. But you didn’t. You wrote. And even more importantly, you’re going to finish a piece of writing. Irrespective of scale, that is an achievement. This might even earn you a little guilt-free Googling/YouTubing.

Step 7: Find a passable image to slap on top and wrap this baby up.

The end.