How writing constraints can get you unstuck

8 ways to get writing using the power of constraints

Hello writing friends, welcome to your Wednesday read. It’s Chris here.

I don’t know about you but the start of 2025 has been a bit of a blur. News cycles are relentless, to-do lists are never-ending, and time always feels like it’s slipping away. Most of us are struggling to find enough time to write, but for some, having too much time can be just as paralysing.

Whether you're juggling responsibilities or staring at an open schedule, the challenge is the same: how do you make progress when time feels like your enemy?

The good news? Constraints - whether imposed by a packed schedule or an empty one - can actually work in your favour. It all comes down to focusing on what’s within your control and using those limits to unlock creativity and momentum.

Here are eight strategies to help you get unstuck, whether you're racing against the clock or swimming in free hours:

1. Write less
   It’s better to write regularly in small steps than to burn out on marathon sessions and come to a standstill. Set small goals - like a single paragraph or 500 words - and stop while you’re still excited to continue. This builds momentum and keeps you eager to return the next day.

2. Write faster
   Endless time can lead to endless editing loops. Try freewriting: write quickly, without judgment, and mark tricky sections to revisit later. This approach helps you bypass perfectionism and keeps you moving forward.

3. Set a timer
   The Pomodoro Method - 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break - can introduce urgency and structure into your day. These bite-sized writing sessions can make even daunting projects feel manageable.

4. Take a challenge
   Deadlines motivate. Join a writing challenge like NaNoWriMo, create your own sprint, or join one of ours: set a goal, write daily for a week, and track your progress. Challenges provide focus and momentum for unstructured days.

5. Audit your distractions
   The more time you have, the easier it is to get sidetracked. Identify your distractions - whether it’s social media or housework - and take steps to remove them. Write during the quietest parts of your day or find a dedicated space where you can focus.

6. Build a routine
   Unstructured time can feel overwhelming, but attaching writing to a daily habit can make it more automatic. Pair it with something you already do, like writing after a morning coffee, post-lunch or a walk.

7. Set boundaries
   Without clear limits, it’s easy to lose track of time. Define when you’ll write and when you won’t. Create rituals to start and end your writing sessions, signalling to yourself when it’s time to focus and when it’s time to stop.

8. Notice and adapt
   Pay attention to what blocks your writing and how it feels when you’re stuck. Only by recognising these patterns that you take steps to overcome them. Stuck? Step away from the desk and come back with a fresh head and a clear plan.

It might sound counter-intuitive, but reintroducing constraints can help you find freedom in your writing process. By putting limits on your time and energy, you can transform open-ended writing days into your most productive ones yet.

Keep writing,
Chris

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