A simple writing practice to get unstuck

Sometimes when I’m feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I search for guidance by writing to someone I respect. In many cases I never send the message. It’s simply an exercise to help clarify things for myself.

I write to past mentors, coaches and therapists.

I write to authors, philosophers and other famous people I’ve never met.

When I write, I focus on explaining myself as honestly and straightforwardly as I can. I realize that if someone I respect were to read this, they would be offering valuable time and attention to me.

So I aim for the heart of my issue and write with intention.

Mustering the energy to get started can be difficult. Being stuck or overwhelmed, I likely already feel depleted and doubtful.

But past breakthroughs using this practice remind me that it’s worth working through the initial resistance.

For example, I wrote to my former therapist a couple years ago, seeking more clarity on the path forward for my newly-formed business.

Unexpectedly, I found myself articulating my mission more clearly than ever before. This insight was exactly what I needed to get unstuck at that moment:

What I believe I am trying to do with this company is help create new means for…