Cognitive Block

Why Perfectionism Causes Writer's Block (And How to Fix It)

Writer's Block
Quick Takeaways
  • Cognitive blocks occur when editing during drafting overloads working memory
  • Separate drafting from editing completely (different sessions, ideally different days)
  • Observable improvement expected by session 4-6 of structured protocol

What Is Cognitive Block?

Cognitive block occurs when thinking about writing interferes with actual writing production. Writers have ideas and motivation but struggle during the drafting process itself.

Research has identified three manifestations:[1]

  • Over-editing during invention
  • Rigid rules about writing process
  • Excessive analysis during planning

Only 13% of blocks are purely cognitive, but 40-50% contain cognitive components.

The Neuroscience: Working Memory Overload

Writing requires three simultaneous processes competing for limited cognitive resources:

  1. Planning (what to say)
  2. Translation (how to say it)
  3. Revision (quality evaluation)
Research

Kellogg, R. T. (1996). A Model of Working Memory in Writing

"Trade-offs between task fluency, information storage, and content quality"—writers cannot maximize all three simultaneously.

Working memory capacity is approximately 7±2 items. Planning uses ~3 units, translation uses ~3 units, revision uses ~3 units. Attempting all three with perfectionism active exceeds capacity, causing system failure.

Diagram showing working memory container being overwhelmed by planning, translation, and revision processes each requiring ~3 units, exceeding the 7±2 item capacity
When planning, translation, and revision compete for limited working memory, cognitive overload occurs

Five Rigid Rules That Create Blocks

Five categories of rigid rules that create cognitive blocks:

1. Editing Rules (Most Common)

  • "Sentences must be perfect before moving forward"
  • "First drafts should be polished"
  • "Real writers don't need revision"

2. Planning Rules

  • "Complete outlining required before writing"
  • "Must know the ending before starting"

3. Quantity Rules

  • "Good writing happens quickly"
  • "Slow writing indicates lack of talent"

4. Creativity Rules

  • "Real writers are inspired, not effortful"
  • "Hard writing means I'm not a writer"

5. Authority Rules

  • "Must maintain academic tone always"
  • "Simple language equals simple thinking"
Five categories of rigid rules: Editing Rules, Planning Rules, Quantity Rules, Creativity Rules, and Authority Rules, each shown with an X symbol indicating they create blocks
Five categories of rigid rules that create cognitive blocks

Observable Behavioral Signatures

Keystroke logging research reveals four behavioral signatures of cognitive blocks:

  1. Immediate Deletion Pattern: Type 5-10 words, delete immediately, retype with slight variation
  2. Word-Level Pauses: 5+ second pauses between individual words
  3. High Pause-to-Text Ratio: More time pausing than typing
  4. Recursive Revision: Complete paragraph, scroll back, rewrite already-finished material
Four keystroke research findings: Immediate Deletion pattern, Word-Level Pauses (5+ seconds), High Pause Ratio, and Recursive Revision loops
Keystroke research reveals four observable signatures of cognitive blocks

Evidence-Based Interventions

Tier 1: Strong Evidence

1. Separate Drafting from Editing
  • Set 25-45 minute timer
  • Write continuously without stopping or editing
  • Don't reread during drafting session
  • Edit in separate session, ideally different day
2. Timed Writing (Pomodoro)
  • 25-minute timer for drafting
  • No editing during timed period
  • 5-minute breaks between cycles
  • Time urgency overrides perfectionism
3. Detailed Outlining
  • Create detailed outline before drafting
  • Include main points, supporting evidence, transitions
  • Follow outline mechanically during drafting
  • Planning is externalized, freeing working memory

Tier 2: Moderate Evidence

  • Challenge Rigid Rules: Question origins, find contradicting evidence
  • Freewriting Practice: Daily 10-15 minute sessions, never read what you wrote
  • Embrace "Shitty First Drafts": "I can fix bad writing; I can't fix blank page"

What Doesn't Work for Cognitive Blocks

  • Taking a walk (addresses physiological, not cognitive)
  • Writing prompts (helps planning, not translation)
  • Changing environment (behavioral, not cognitive)
  • "Just push through" (worsens working memory overload)
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References

  1. Rose, M. (1984). Writer's block: The cognitive dimension. Southern Illinois University Press. ↩