5 Quotes From the Greats for When You Can’t Start Writing

All writers have days when they just can’t even.

You’re tired, you’ve got writer’s block, it’s Sunday, you’ve got a killer hangover — a lack of motivation has a knack for striking any time, for any reason. But you know it’s just an excuse, and everybody loses motivation sometimes, whether they’re a writer, an athlete, a school teacher, a waitress, or whatever. However good a writer you might be, if you don’t produce, you’ll never be a great one. And if you want to be great, go to the greats for inspiration:

• “You don’t get better on the days when you feel like going. You get better on the days when you don’t want to go, but you go anyway.” Georges St-Pierre, Mixed Martial Artist, former welterweight and middleweight UFC champion. (A French-speaking martial artist was always going to sound philosophical.)
• “I always say to myself right before a tough set in the gym, ain’t nothin’ to it, but to do it.” Ronnie Coleman, Bodybuilder, former eight consecutive times Mr. Olympia. (He did it so much, he can’t walk anymore, but bear with me on this one.)
• “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist. (Apparently, this guy knew a thing or two about motion.)
• “Just Do It” Dan Wieden, Advertising Executive, Wieden+Kennedy. (Yeah, him, you know? The Nike guy.)
• “Writer’s block is a phony, made up, BS excuse for not doing your work.” Jerry Seinfeld, Comedian. (From his Reddit AMA of all places!)

Now suck it up and get it done!