I vividly remember the first time I cried in graduate school.
I had just come out of a meeting with one of my instructors who had given me feedback on a research paper. He was kind and not overly critical, but his feedback was both unclear and extensive. I had poured so much time and effort into that paper—hours of research, writing, and revisions. Yet, in that moment, it felt like none of it mattered.
I cried because I didn’t know how to move forward. I cried because I wondered if I was cut out for academia.
Looking back, that moment taught me two important lessons that helped me move forward:
Academia doesn’t always teach us how to write and research methodically. We’re often left to figure it out on our own, and when we struggle, we feel like failures.
Feedback isn’t a judgment of our potential—it’s a tool for growth. When I reframed feedback as something to expect and embrace, rather than fear, it transformed my approach to writing.
But here’s the thing: these challenges don’t magically disappear after graduate school.
So many of us carry the same struggles—procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt—into our first faculty positions. The demands grow, the stakes feel higher, and without new tools or strategies, the cycle can repeat itself. Whether it’s building a publication pipeline, balancing writing with teaching and service, or navigating the fear of critique, the emotional barriers remain.
One of the reasons I created Flourish is because I’ve been there—I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to face these barriers alone. I also know how transformative it can be to have tools, strategies, and a supportive community to help you move forward.
Writing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or unattainable. It’s not about perfection or pressure—it’s about creating space to write in a way that feels fulfilling and manageable. By approaching writing with curiosity and resilience, you can begin to transform common challenges like procrastination, perfectionism, and fear of critique into opportunities for growth.
These struggles are not a reflection of your potential. They’re part of a system that often leaves us feeling isolated or unsure of the way forward.
YOU are not the problem.
But with small steps, a compassionate mindset, and intentional strategies, you can start to navigate these barriers with greater clarity and confidence.
If this resonates, take a moment to reflect on what’s one step you could take this week to support your writing—whether it’s setting aside 20 minutes to write, asking for feedback from a trusted colleague, simply reframing a challenge as a chance to learn, or joining a program to support you and your goals.
Your struggles with writing are not a reflection of your potential—they’re a sign that you deserve better tools and support.
Flourish offers a space to redefine your relationship with writing, build sustainable habits, and embrace growth. Registration ends Wednesday night—it’s an opportunity to take a compassionate and intentional step toward your goals.