3 Strategies for When You’re Experiencing “Writer’s Block”
We’ve all been there — staring at the screen, willing the words to come, feeling stuck in a cycle of frustration and self-doubt. Whether it’s a single paragraph or an entire chapter, writer’s block can make the PhD feel like an impossible mountain to climb.
But here’s the thing that turned it around for us: a lot of the time, writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike — it’s about finding ways to move forward, even when it feels difficult.
Here are three strategies to help you break through the block and get words on the page!
Embrace progress, not perfection
If getting started feels overwhelming, shrink the task down to something manageable. Instead of aiming for a ‘perfect’ draft, give yourself permission make a mess. Jot down bullet points. Try freewriting a stream-of-consciousness paragraph. Open a voice memo and talk through your ideas. Words on the page — any words — are progress, and that’s the thing that’s going to move your project forward.
2. Change How (or Where) You Write
Sometimes, a shift in your process can help unstick your thoughts. Try a different writing space, switch from typing to handwriting, swapping applications on our computer, or even changing the font on your word page. Experiment with writing in shorter bursts or setting a tiny, achievable goal (just 100 words!). Small changes can shake up creative blocks in big ways.
3. Remember Your ‘Why’
When writing feels impossible, take a moment to reconnect with why you’re doing this in the first place. What first drew you to this research? What impact do you hope it will have? Your PhD isn’t just about getting words down — it’s about the ideas that excite you, the questions that drive you, and the knowledge you’re creating. Writing will have its difficult days, but returning to your why can help you move through them with purpose.
Most importantly: Remember that you are not alone in this. Every writer struggles, and getting stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re doing the work.
✨ You’ve got this! ✨
Dr. Khalia Ii & Dr. Polly Hember
The PhDone Team