What to Write When You Don’t Know What to Write

In my last blog post, I talked about how to start a blog (or book). Sounds easy enough, but sometimes we all suffer from Blank Page Syndrome. So let’s get one thing out of the way:

If you don’t know what to write, it doesn’t mean you’re out of ideas.
It means you’re trying to write the right thing instead of the next thing.

Blank-page panic is normal—especially when you care about what you’re creating. The good news? You don’t need inspiration. You need a starting point.

Here are simple, reliable ways to get words flowing again—no muse required.

Write About What’s Annoying You Right Now

Frustration is creative fuel.
When something bothers you, your brain is already trying to solve a problem—and that problem-solving energy is exactly what makes great content.

Ask yourself:

• What’s confusing me?

• What’s not working?

• What advice do I keep repeating?

That irritation you’re brushing off is content. It’s a signal pointing directly to something that needs explaining, simplifying, or saying out loud.

If something feels hard, unclear, or inefficient for you, it’s almost guaranteed someone else is struggling with the same thing—and they’d love to hear how you’re thinking through it.

Answer One Question (Just One)

You don’t need a big topic. You need one question.

Try:

• “Why do people struggle with ___?”

• “What I wish I’d known about ___ sooner”

• “The biggest mistake beginners make with ___”

Answer it like you’re replying to an email from a real person.
No intro needed. No conclusion required. Just clarity.

Document Instead of Creating

You don’t always need to invent something new.

Write about:

• What you’re learning

• What you’re testing

• What changed your mind recently

• What you’re currently figuring out

Progress-in-public builds trust—and it takes the pressure off being an “expert.”

Write the Post You’d Google Yourself

This is one of my favorite tricks.

Ask:

“If I were stuck, what would I search for?”

Then write that post.

Not the polished version.
The honest one.
The one that would’ve helped you six months ago.

Use the “Three Things” Rule

When your brain feels scattered, simplify.

Write:

• Three mistakes

• Three lessons

• Three tips

• Three truths

• Three myths

Our brains love patterns. Three is manageable, clear, and reader-friendly—and it turns vague thoughts into structured content fast.

Start in the Middle

You don’t have to begin at the beginning.

Skip the headline. Skip the intro.

Start with:

• The example

• The story

• The bullet point you’re most excited about

Once the body exists, the rest becomes easy.

Lower the Stakes on Purpose

Tell yourself:

• “This is just a draft.”

• “No one has to see this.”

• “This is practice, not performance.”

Ironically, the moment you stop trying to write something good is usually when you do.

One Final Reframe

You don’t need more ideas.
You need fewer expectations.

Writing isn’t about having something brilliant to say—it’s about being willing to say something and see where it leads.

So if you don’t know what to write today:

• Write what’s on your mind

• Write what you’re stuck on

• Write what you wish existed

That’s where almost all meaningful content starts.

For more thoughts on how to break up your writer's block and get back to creating, check out my FREE Creative Block-Breaking Action Checklist.