Why Your Creative Block Is Actually Just Perfectionism In A Trench Coat

Writer’s block isn’t actually real; you’re just afraid of making something that sucks.

You’ve been staring at that blank canvas or blinking cursor in a drafty studio in Kenora for three hours, waiting for "the vibe" to hit. We treat inspiration like it’s some mystical moose that only emerges from the brush when the moon is right. It’s a lie we tell ourselves to avoid the vulnerability of being mid. In reality, that "block" is just a high-standard wall you built to protect your ego from the crushing weight of a mediocre first draft.

Let’s look at this through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy lens. You’re having a thought—"I have nothing to say"—and you’re treating it like an objective fact rather than a temporary mental weather pattern. If you’re an artist in a small Northern town, the pressure to represent "the North" or be the "successful one" can make your creative mindset feel like a frozen lake in mid-January. You’re waiting for a thaw that isn’t coming until you start chipping at the ice yourself. You need to accept the discomfort of the blank page rather than fighting it.

The fix is stupidly simple: aim for the bottom. Tell yourself you are going to write the absolute worst poem in the history of the Boreal forest. Lowering the stakes bypasses the "fight or flight" response in your brain. When you stop trying to be a genius, you actually start being a creator again. Try the "five-minute garbage rule"—set a timer and produce literally anything, no matter how cringe, until it beeps. You aren’t looking for gold; you’re just looking for movement. This works for small arts collectives too—stop trying to plan the perfect exhibit and just start making the work.

Growing as an artist in rural Ontario means understanding that your environment is rugged, and your process should be too. Resilience isn't about being "inspired" all the time; it’s about showing up to the studio or the desk when the wind is howling and the internet is down. A healthy creative mindset acknowledges that struggle is part of the craft, not a sign that you should quit. You’re building a muscle, not waiting for a miracle. Even if you're part of a tiny Northern organization, the goal is consistency over perfection. High-impact work comes from a high volume of attempts.

Be kind to your brain, but don't let it lie to you. Compassion doesn't mean letting yourself off the hook; it means giving yourself permission to be messy and imperfect while you figure it out. The world doesn't need another polished, AI-generated masterpiece—it needs your weird, raw, Northern perspective, even if it’s a bit rough around the edges today. Go make something terrible, then do it again tomorrow. It’s the only way to actually grow.

Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation

Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we're exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.

Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.

Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.