Feeling scattered, unfocused, or uninspired lately? It might not be a lack of motivation—it might be creative clutter.
Clutter isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s energetic. Mental. Emotional. Sometimes, it’s the sheer weight of “should” you’ve collected without realizing it.
Here are six subtle ways writers lose alignment—and what you can do to clear space and reconnect with what truly matters.
1. Saying Yes to Every Good Idea
Not every good idea is your idea.
When you chase every prompt, project, or opportunity that sounds promising, you risk scattering your energy. Writing becomes a game of catching up instead of tuning in.
Try this instead: Ask, “Does this align with the kind of writing life I want to build?” If not, let it go.
2. Holding Onto Projects You’ve Outgrown
Some writing projects are meant to stretch you. Others were meant to be steppingstones—not lifelong commitments.
If you’re clinging to something just because you’ve already invested time in it, it might be time to lovingly release it.
Try this instead: Create a “creative compost” folder. Retire projects there without guilt. They’ve served their purpose.
3. Trying to Write Like Someone Else
You follow the advice. You mimic the structure. You try to speak in their voice. But no matter what you do, it doesn’t feel quite right.
That’s your voice asking to come back.
Try this instead: Write one messy page in your most unfiltered, unpolished voice. See what comes up when no one’s watching.
4. Working Through Exhaustion
Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like showing up day after day, just slightly detached. You’re going through the motions, but the joy is gone.
Try this instead: Build in micro-pauses. Even one full day off per week—completely unplugged from writing—can create space for inspiration to return.
5. Comparing Instead of Connecting
Scrolling through what other writers are doing can inspire you—or it can drain you. If you leave social media feeling “behind,” your energy is out of sync.
Try this instead: Follow writers who make you feel grounded, not pressured. And stay off comparison platforms during your writing hours.
6. Forgetting Why You Started
When was the last time you asked yourself why you write? What’s your deeper why—beneath the metrics, goals, and deadlines?
When you forget the purpose, the process starts to wobble.
Try this instead: Write down 3 reasons you still write. Keep them visible. Let them be your compass on the hard days.
You Don’t Need a Total Reset
You just need to clear a little space.
Creative alignment doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from making room for what’s already within you—and removing what’s been blocking the signal.
So, take stock. Let go where you can. Recenter where you need to. Root back into your version of writing.
Then keep going.
And for more writing tips delivered to your emailbox every weekday morning, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge.
Suzanne Lieurance is an award-winning author with over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers.
Listen to her weekly podcast for writers on Youtube.
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