The fear of the blank page is something you may encounter during your creative journaling process. Staring at that empty space can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to stop your creative flow.
The blank page is not the enemy—think of it like a playground just waiting for your ideas, thoughts, and dreams to frolic freely.
Below are four practical strategies to help you conquer that initial resistance, overcome the fear of the blank page, and turn your blank page into a canvas of inspiration.
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Before you go through the following exercises, consider asking yourself why you're journaling in the first place.
Often times, one of the biggest paralysis reasons I have heard from others, when it comes to journaling, is that there is no clarity on what they aim to achieve when journaling.
Are you trying to destress/decompress?
Are you trying to be more creative or artistic?
Do you want to improve your handwriting?
There are so many reasons why people journal creatively! I wrote this article to help you put that puzzle together yourself.
1. Start with a Simple Word or Prompt
One of the easiest ways to break through the paralysis of a blank page is to start small.
Instead of trying to write a full paragraph, create a complex artwork, or use your supplies just to "use" them - begin with a single word, quote, or journaling prompt that resonates with you.
Think of it as planting a seed. I like to use questions as prompts and pretend that I'm having a conversation with God.
This can even be something as simple as "Today I feel..." or "What do I need most right now?" The beautiful part is that once you start either writing, drawing or cutting/pasting stickers onto a page, your mind will begin to open up and ideas will flow more freely.
2. Remember: Progress Over Perfection
Perfectionism is one of the main culprits behind any creative block. That pressure to “get it right” from the very beginning can hold you back from even starting.
The truth is, your first 1000 attempts don’t need to be "perfect". In fact it's expected and normal to mess up more often than not.
A tactic you can use is giving yourself permission to create something messy, incomplete, or experimental in one journal and when you feel ready to create your "pretty" piece move it over to another journal.
Remember: progress over perfection. My metric for when I'm feeling the paralysis is to ask myself: "Is this 80% perfect?" and then wrap it up because DONE is always better than perfect.
3. Turn Your Page into a Visual Playground
As creatives and explorers, more often than not, we choose to use imagery, mixed media and other interactive elements to document and reflect on our thoughts and emotions.
The blank page doesn’t have to be filled with just writing—artistic expressions can ignite creativity just as powerfully.
Grab your favorite markers, pens, or craft supplies and start drawing something—anything. It could be simple shapes, abstract designs, or a mind map of your current thoughts. This process helps loosen up the mind and lowers the stakes of filling that intimidating blank space.
4. Take On Creative Challenges
Create something within a limited time frame, focusing on speed and spontaneity rather than precision.
When you take away the pressure to "be perfect," and focus on meeting a time goal - creativity often finds its way out.
Each day, set a timer for 10 minutes and complete journal prompts or other creative challenges without overthinking or editing. The goal is to spark creativity and enjoy the process!
Where to Get Journaling Prompts
Whether you start with a word, a doodle, or a prompt from cards, remember that the act of starting is the most important step.
You will notice your mind & heart will begin to send you snippets of inspirations, possibilities, and ideas to play with the more you continue.
And once you’ve overcome that initial fear, the rest will flow and you will be better prepared for the next time that pesky block comes around.
The important thing is to start - if the blank page still gives you nightmares - you can always try a premade journal that you can fill in. Here is a list of some of my favorite creative journals that have prompts built in!
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