Why the blank page feels like a threat (and how to fix it)
Mar 20, 2026 11:01 am
Hello ,
I just finished reading a fascinating piece on why we feel that visceral resistance when sitting down to a blank page, and I had to share it with you.
It turns out that "writer's block" isn't a character flaw. It's actually our biology at work. The article explains how our modern brains are so conditioned for constant input that the silence of a blank page can actually trigger a "fight-or-flight" response. We've become so averse to the quiet of our own thoughts that many of us would literally rather experience a physical shock than sit in silence.
The piece also dives into Dr. Dan Siegel's "Window of Tolerance" and how we can lower the stakes to get the words flowing again. If you've been feeling stuck or overwhelmed by a new project lately, this is a must-read.
You can check it out here: Why Your Brain Treats a Blank Page Like a Threat
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Does the blank page ever feel like a "threat" to
you?
Best,
Scott