Breaking Free from Comfort:
The Struggle of Motivation and the Mental Shift from Writing to Editing
Most of us have been there—sitting comfortably, knowing we have things to do but lacking the motivation to start. Whether it’s writing a novel, working out, or tackling a long-overdue project, transitioning from comfort to action is one of the hardest things we face. Motivation isn’t just about willpower; it’s about overcoming inertia, battling mental resistance, and understanding how our brains operate in different modes.
Comfort feels good—it’s familiar, predictable, and safe. The human brain craves efficiency, so we default to routines that require minimal effort. When we consider starting something new or challenging, our minds resist because effort equals uncertainty, and uncertainty equals discomfort. The longer we stay in this state, the harder it is to break free. Motivation isn’t something we magically acquire; it’s something we cultivate through small, intentional actions. Instead of waiting for inspiration, we need to create momentum.
One of the biggest obstacles to productivity is failing to recognise the different mental states required for different tasks. Writing and editing, for example, demand distinct approaches. Writing is about creative expansion—allowing thoughts to flow freely without judgment, embracing imperfection, and pushing forward even when ideas feel rough or unpolished. Editing, on the other hand, is a process of refinement. It requires a critical eye, a structured approach, and a willingness to cut, reshape, and polish. The challenge comes when we try to edit while writing. Second-guessing every word as it’s written slows the process to a crawl, stifling creativity before it even has a chance to develop.
I’ve been feeling this struggle firsthand. I had planned to have Book 1 of the Burn the Sky duology out this month, but my mind has been buzzing with excitement for the next trilogy. A few new ideas have taken hold, and shifting between the creative flow of drafting and the critical focus of editing has been more difficult than I expected. On top of that, balancing writing with being a stay-at-home parent, handyman/renovator, and taking care of a toddler means I only get about three real workdays a week. That’s three days to be motivated, to make progress, to battle distractions and self-doubt, and to switch between writing and editing as needed. Some days, motivation comes easily; other days, it feels impossible. But I’m learning to balance both—giving space to inspiration while also pushing through the necessary refinement process.
If motivation feels out of reach, start by lowering the bar. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Tell yourself you only need to write one sentence or work for five minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, but once you begin, momentum builds. Create a ritual that signals your brain it’s time to work—something as simple as making a cup of coffee before sitting down to write. Separate writing from editing and allow yourself to create without judgment before returning later to refine. Hold yourself accountable, whether by setting deadlines, sharing goals, or rewarding small accomplishments. And most importantly, embrace imperfection. The first step is never perfect, and that’s okay. Action leads to improvement, but stagnation leads nowhere.
Motivation isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about creating it. Transitioning from comfort to productivity is hard, but understanding the mental shifts involved can make it easier. Whether you’re battling the blank page or refining a draft, embracing the right mindset at the right time is key to getting things done. So, next time you find yourself stuck, remember to start small, separate creativity from critique, and just take the first step. Motivation follows action—not the other way around.
The title image is of our little girl running past a mirror.
