"書くことの一番難しいことは書くことです。"

Writing is challenging. It’s not because of the words themselves, but starting and continuing the process is what’s truly tough. You sit in front of a blank page and your mind starts playing tricks. Self-doubt creeps in, distractions abound, and suddenly, you’d rather do just about anything else. That’s the essence here: the hardest part of writing is actually sitting down and doing it.

This sentiment isn’t new. Writers throughout history have grappled with it. Take Ernest Hemingway’s famous line, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” It’s a timeless struggle. When Hemingway was writing, he was often isolated, with nothing but a typewriter and his thoughts. The task loomed large and daunting. This persistent challenge isn’t restricted to the past, either. Even now, in our distraction-filled world, the act of writing remains equally, if not more, challenging.

Think about the process of launching a business. There’s so much planning, dreaming, and preparing involved. You can have all the ideas in your head, but until you actually start, it’s nothing but potential. Imagine someone wanting to open a café. They might have the perfect concept, the ideal location scouted, and a picture-perfect menu planned. But unless they physically start setting things up, it remains just a dream. Similarly, with writing, the hardest part is to start putting thoughts into words and then to keep going.

So, how can you apply this in your writing—or any daunting task? Two words: just start. Set a timer for five minutes and write without stopping. Don’t worry about perfection or structure; just get words on the page. Often, the momentum of starting creates a flow. Also, create a routine. Writing at the same time every day can condition your brain to get into the groove more easily. Treat it like exercise. The first few minutes might be tough, but once you’re in it, it becomes more manageable.

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah. She always wanted to write a novel but never got past the initial idea. Every time she sat down, she felt overwhelmed. One day, she decided enough was enough. She set her alarm an hour earlier every morning, brewed a strong cup of coffee, and wrote anything that came to mind. At first, it was a struggle. She doubted her ability, questioned her plot, and felt the weight of every word. But she kept at it. Months went by, and what started as a jumble of thoughts turned into chapters. Eventually, she had a manuscript. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress. And it all started with that first, tough step.

Writing, much like life’s other big tasks, is about perseverance. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. So, next time you’re staring at that blank page, remember—every writer feels this way. The hardest part is to start, but once you do, you might just find your flow. And who knows? That daunting blank page might just turn into something beautiful.