Writer's block is a myth - Part 3 & 4
Overcoming Resistance in Creativity
Hi! Welcome to Parts 3 and 4 of "Writer’s Block is a Myth" where I decode some mindsets and thought patterns that prevent us from creating or writing. Most of these stem from my own experiences with writing and creativity, while others I have borrowed from my mentors. This is the final newsletter of the four-part series. I hope it proves useful to you! (For Part 1 and 2)
On Resistance (the real enemy):
Steven Pressfield’s legendary book on creativity, The War of Art, talks in depth about this invisible, invincible, implacable, impersonal, and infallible thing called Resistance. It is hard to pinpoint, blame, or make sense of, but it is always there, coming to get you whenever you decide to pursue something worthwhile. Like for me, it has been working on my book.
Resistance is internal:
When I first read The War of Art, it hardly made sense to me. I couldn’t fully place what he meant by this "resistance" he kept mentioning. Honestly, it felt like some spiritual bypassing. "Oh, you’re the perfect creative person. It’s just that the spiritual powers of the cosmos are not with you." Later, when I genuinely struggled to write something or felt stuck while shooting photographs on my walks, I felt almost handicapped by this feeling of being held back by something. The same feeling I used to experience when I wanted to go for a run but felt stuck. I realized what an interesting occurrence this was. We all want to be fit, eat healthily, wake up on time, or perhaps have our own nice routines and not waste time on social media, yet we find ourselves being held back by a certain force that pushes us toward easier tasks instead of helping us achieve what we actually want.
If it’s my brain and my self that wish to write, what part of my brain or self stops it from doing so? Are there two of me? Perhaps this is what Steven Pressfield meant by resistance. I wanted to break down resistance to make sense of it further. There are three things that I could think of: inner doubts, fears, and procrastination.
It’s universal:
The best and worst part about resistance is that it doesn’t strike me alone—it strikes everyone, even the most accomplished artists. It’s an evolutionary instinct to save energy, go for instant gratification, and not have a long-term vision of the benefits of everyday habits or routines. Centuries of evolution have designed us to favour pleasure over everything else. If you’re not able to create for any reason or feel the weight of resistance, be rest assured that it happens to everyone. Be empathetic with yourself and actively try to overcome it. Talk to your resistance and try to make sense of it. Which of the following does it hold the most? Inner doubts, fears, or procrastination? Or is it something entirely different?
Resistance feeds on fear:
Over the past few months, I have tried multiple times to get back to working on my book. It would take my entire bucket of energy to get to the point of being okay working on it, and then soon enough, I would see my fears creep in. Who would read 200 pages of my journey? Which publisher would be interested in a book like mine? If I self-publish, will I be seen as not a good enough writer?
It so happened that a single thought of fear would catapult into all my fears coming alive, leaving me with resistance on my back all over again. I feel even resistance is not an evil force. It is also evolutionarily built to navigate our goals in life in line with our fears, self-esteem issues, and struggles with image. Perhaps resistance holds us back as a means of saving us from failure, trauma, or just any kind of setback in general.
As creatives, we have to empathize with our resistance and allow it to exist parallel to our creative aspirations. Tell it—"It’s okay if I fail, let me try this still. I just want to write/create/paint/journal/make, etc."
On the Creative Journey:
Fear is a compass:
I’ve always been skeptical of this idea—the notion that fear signals the exact path we should take. After all, not every fear is meant to be conquered. Some fears are simply warnings, evolutionary alarms meant to keep us safe. But in creativity, fear often appears not as a sign to run away, but as an indication that something truly matters.
I’ve seen this in my own life. The projects I’ve hesitated to begin, the ones that made me feel small and unqualified, have often turned out to be the most meaningful. Fear, in this case, isn’t a stop sign—it’s a guidepost. If the thought of writing a book, sharing your artwork, or putting your voice into the world terrifies you, it likely means that deep down, you care about it. Instead of avoiding it, acknowledge the fear and let it pull you forward.
A question to ask yourself: Am I avoiding this because it doesn’t interest me, or because I’m scared I won’t be good enough? If it’s the latter, that’s your compass pointing the way.
Resistance never goes away:
It’s easy to assume that with enough practice, enough success, or enough validation, the resistance will one day disappear. That once we publish the book, create the body of work, or get the recognition we seek, we’ll no longer battle self-doubt or creative paralysis. But every seasoned writer, artist, or creator will tell you the opposite—resistance never leaves. It just changes form.
The difference between those who create and those who don’t isn’t the absence of resistance; it’s the willingness to work despite it. Writers still stare at blank pages. Artists still second-guess their brushstrokes. Musicians still wrestle with imposter syndrome. The only difference is they’ve learned to dance with resistance instead of letting it control them. Maybe the goal isn’t to fight resistance but to make peace with it. To recognize it as a sign that we’re stepping into something meaningful. To say, "I see you, I hear you, but I’m creating anyway."
Creative Writing Laboratory Workshops
Last week’s Zine-making workshop was one of my most memorable workshops. The highlight was a young kid in 5th standard who joined the workshop. It felt so nice to have him there. He made his zine and also took an active part in discussions and activities.
On Sunday, 9th Feb, at 11:00 AM IST, I am hosting a 90-minute workshop on Newsletter Writing.
In the past 10 months of writing my newsletter, I’ve realized what a powerful and intimate medium it is to write, create, form connections, and express yourself. Through this workshop, I want to share whatever little I know about writing newsletters and the platform Substack.
If this interests you, consider joining the facilitated space by Creative Writing Laboratory - Newsletter Writing 101.
Other workshops for February: Writing + Reading Space.
I am excited to see a few of you tomorrow! PS: I have priced the call at 200. For any reason, if you’re unable to afford it, please write back to me, and I will share the link with you for free—no questions asked. :)
I invite you to reflect and write on the following prompt:
Write about a time when resistance almost stopped you from creating—but you did it anyway. What pushed you forward? How did it feel before, during, and after?
As a feature of all my newsletters, I share one song, one book, one plant-based meal, one film/video that inspired me, and some photographic updates from my life.
Song: Maand by Bayaan and Hasan Raheem (the music video is also quite nice)
Book/Newsletter: Enjoyed reading this fresh perspective on self-care
Meal: Forgot to take a photograph but having tandoori paratha at a local dhaba was the best meal of the week.
Film/Video: I finally watched this masterpiece by Mani Ratnam Sir. What a brilliant film! Every frame was worthy of framing, and the songs are exceptional.
Photograph(s): I didn’t get a chance to shoot anything this week so sharing a photograph very close to my heart. (10th September 2022 - Chandrataal Lake)
Read my other newsletters :
The story of moving to the mountains
Compilation of all recommendations :
Video recommendations by Creative Writing Laboratory
Music recommendations by Creative Writing Laboratory
Books read by Creative Writing LaboratoryFree Journaling eBook:
Last year, I compiled a journaling ebook for myself for times when I feel I have nothing to write. I am offering it to you for free. Whether you’re starting your journaling journey or feeling stuck in a creative block, this guide will help you find your way.
Download your journaling eBook here.Thank you for reading my work
Rishabh Khaneja
Creative Writing LaboratoryInstagram | Substack | LinkedIn | Creative writing workshops
