Overcoming Writer’s Block with Leadership Wisdom
We’ve all been there.
You sit down to write and whether it’s a story, a blog, a chapter, or even just a journal entry and nothing happens. The screen stays blank. The cursor blinks like it’s mocking you. You start checking your email, reorganizing your notes, or deciding now is the perfect time to clean your desk…That’s writer’s block.
But here’s the truth: writer’s block isn’t about a lack of talent. It’s usually a lack of clarity, direction, or connection to purpose. And one of the best ways to unlock that purpose…is to get inspiration from leaders of the past.
Why Leadership Quotes?
Leadership isn’t just for CEOs and military generals. Leadership is about influence, decision-making, and showing up on the page, in life, and for others. The principles that make someone a great leader: integrity, courage, self-awareness, vision—are the same ones that make for powerful writing.
The 3 Methods That Work
In my own writing practice (and in mentoring others), I’ve found three ways that leadership quotes can break through creative blocks:
Immediate Reflection: What does the quote make you feel, remember, or question? Write that.
Fictional Scenario: Create a character who lives by (or challenges) the quote.
Real-World Example: Reflect on a person from history—or your life—who embodies that leadership trait.
These methods work whether you're a novelist, a blogger, a business writer, or just journaling your thoughts.
My Personal Favorite?
There’s something powerful about seeing a quote and letting it spark a memory or lesson learned. I used to write a daily Daily Deliberations on my mentoring site for years. I shared thoughts inspired by quotes and I never ran out of ideas—because the quotes did the hard part. They gave me the spark. I just had to follow it.
Want to Try It for Yourself?
I’ve put together a free guide to help you start writing with purpose again:
🎁 30 Leadership Quotes to Inspire Powerful Writing
This giveaway includes examples, reflection methods, and practical ways to use it as a launch point for your next piece.
Sometimes, the best way forward isn’t waiting for the words…it’s borrowing from those who’ve led the way.
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