The Shocking Truth About Why Your Writing Deserves Your Frustration—And How It Can Transform You

The Shocking Truth About Why Your Writing Deserves Your Frustration—And How It Can Transform You

Ever wondered why some writers, despite burning with passion for their craft, seem stuck in a loop of toddler-like scribbles while others soar? Meet Little Jimmy—he adored writing more than quirky antics like underwear hats and toilet flush triumphs. Yet, two decades later, his literary genius appears… well, let’s just say it’s still kindergarten-level charming. How does someone so infatuated with their own words never outgrow that phase? Here’s a hint: sometimes, loving your early work a bit too much can become your biggest creative roadblock. Curious to unravel the ‘love trap’ that can stunt even the most devoted writer’s growth? Let’s dive in and figure out why adoration for your own writing might just be the sneaky enemy holding you back.

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Oh So Clear

Or at least not love it…

Image by the author 🙂

Little Jimmy loves writing.

He loves it more than wearing underwear on his head. He loves it more than yelling “I DID IT!” after flushing the toilet. He loves it more than putting stickers on the cat. He loves it even more than his beloved crayons (purple is apparently quite delicious) And not only does Little Jimmy love writing, he also loves what he writes. He’s completely enamored with his masterpieces.

Here’s his latest:

I lov chocolet soooo much. So we mareed. Now I eet my waif. Haha.

“How cute!” says his mom. “Pure genius!” says his father. “He’s definitely going to be a great writer one day!” says his nana.

Fast forward 20 years. Let’s see what Little Jimmy is up to now… Oh, look at that! He is a writer! And what does he write? Let’s take a look. Here’s his latest piece:

I maree cupcake. She had soooo many sprinkles. I lov sprinkles. ​I got hungree. Now I’m single again. Haha.

Uh… Hmmm… Okay. Maybe we should look at another one he recently wrote:

I maree katchup. She red. We kiss soooo much. I’m red now too. And she emptee. Haha.

Okay, something seems to have clearly gone wrong. How is it possible that someone so passionate about writing has made zero progress. Why is Big Jimmothy still writing like a 5-year-old who likes to hump the pantry?

Well, easy. He started out liking his words too much. He thought his first pieces were so brilliant that Shakespeare would dig himself out of his grave just to ask for an autograph. And so he never felt the need to improve. The result? He didn’t improve.

The Love Trap

Imagine you’re slow-roasting a human for nine months. From the first ultrasound to the first kick, you count down the days until the oven goes ding! Then your baby finally arrives. You stay up countless sleepless nights and marvel at every tiny yawn and curling finger. You watch in awe as baby takes their first breaths, their first blinks, and even their first chaotic diaper explosion. You whisper promises to protect and love them forever, picturing a…

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