Staring at a blank page really does feel like trying to run a marathon with no training — overwhelming, exhausting, and a little terrifying. What clicked for me was realizing that I didn’t need all the answers upfront; I just needed a direction and the courage to write badly at first. That “ugly first draft” advice? Total game-changer. And for moments when I felt completely stuck or needed structure to keep going, getting guidance from EssayShark was surprisingly helpful. Sometimes the smartest move is just starting — and knowing where to turn when you need a boost.