Sometimes beginning feels harder than writing itself

When you sit down with the intention of writing, but nothing quite forms the way you expected, it can be frustrating. Writing doesn’t always come easily.

Here are three simple ways to help guide you through the process of getting started.

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1. Try writing for several minutes without stopping

Like a brain dump, this process gives you the opportunity to get your ideas out on paper.

To prevent overthinking, set a timer for five to fifteen minutes. Don’t try to organize your thoughts, use correct grammar, or pause during the writing.

Once everything is written down, go back and read through what you have. Highlight the things that stand out, then begin to organize and move forward.

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2. Sometimes a question helps us find the words we could not reach on our own

Prompts are a simple way to boost creativity and imagination. They can also help you navigate certain emotions by asking questions that allow you to process how you feel.

When you don’t know what to write, prompts provide an immediate starting point to help you move in the right direction.

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3. Start with one sentence

Writing doesn’t have to be complicated. There are days when you may only write a few words.

That’s ok.

Give yourself space to think. You can always come back later to add to what you’ve started.

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Writing doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

— J. Lashelle

If you need a simple place to begin, a clean page can make it easier to write without overthinking.

If this reflection spoke to you, there is more to explore.