The Power of “Try It and See” in Professional Writing
After talking with educators and education leaders at FETC and EduCon this year, one theme keeps surfacing: the freeze point. It’s that moment when you’re ready to write, you have something meaningful to say, and yet… nothing happens. You wait for clarity before starting, hoping the perfect angle will reveal itself.
But clarity rarely shows up first.
Action does.
So let’s explore one of my favorite ways to unstick the writing process: the “Try It and See” method.
Why Low-Stakes Experiments Work
Artists know this trick well. When they’re blocked, they don’t reach for the expensive paints or the pristine sketchbook. They grab crayons, printer paper, or whatever’s nearby. Low‑stakes materials remove the pressure to “get it right,” which frees the brain to play.
What if we treated writing the same way?
Instead of opening a blank Word doc or a shared Canva file or Google Doc, which can feel official and high‑stakes, we can experiment with tools that invite curiosity instead of judgment.
Sticky Notes: The Most Underrated Writing Tool
Sticky notes are powerful because they work in two directions at once.
1. They capture big ideas without pressure.
Write your outline on one. Capture a single idea on 100 different stickies. Draw a mind map. Sketch a structure. Write your main point in Sharpie so you can’t overthink it.
Sticky notes don’t demand polish—they simply hold the idea so you can keep moving.
2. They free your mind so you can stay focused.
When I’m deep in an editing pass and my brain tries to remind me to switch the laundry or text someone back, I jot the thought on a sticky note and return to the manuscript. By the end of a session, I have a small pile—and most of those tasks can wait.
The sticky note becomes a parking lot for distractions, which keeps my attention on the work that matters.
In both cases, the sticky note is doing the same job:
capturing something your brain doesn’t need to hold anymore.
That’s what makes “Try It and See” so effective—it lowers the stakes, clears mental space, and gives you something concrete to react to.
How “Try It and See” Helps You Find Your Angle
Let’s apply this to professional writing—especially in edtech, where topics can feel repetitive.
Imagine you want to write about AI for assessment. You’ve seen dozens of articles already. You’ve been to what seems like the same presentation at different conferences five or more times. You don’t want to repeat what’s been said, and you’re not sure what your unique angle is.
Try this:
Write 10 sticky notes, each with a different possible angle.
Don’t evaluate; just generate.
Maybe one says “AI for formative assessment,” another says “AI and student voice,” another says “AI as a feedback partner,” another says “AI equity concerns,” and another says “AI for multilingual learners.”
Now pick one and draft a messy paragraph exploring it.
Or draw a quick diagram of how AI could support a teacher’s workflow.
Or write a 3‑sentence version of the idea.
Suddenly, you’re not stuck. You’re experimenting. And one of those experiments will reveal the angle you’ve been looking for.
Five Ways to Start Thawing the Freeze Point
If you’re waiting for clarity, try one of these low‑stakes moves:
Write the messy version
Draft the short version
Draw the mind map
Sketch the structure
Capture the idea
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s momentum.
“Try it and see” is often all you need to move from frozen to flowing.
Where You Can Find Me In‑Person This Year
If you’ll be at any of these events, I’d love to connect, and if you see me, please say hi! I’m always excited to meet educators, creators, and leaders doing meaningful work.
You can also book an in‑person discovery call with me during any of these conferences. Just reach out and we’ll find a time that works. https://www.jacquiegardy.com/contact
Upcoming Events
📍 SXSW EDU 2026, Austin, TX, March 2026
📍 ACES: The Society for Editing 2026, Atlanta, GA, April 2026
📍 ISTE Live 2026, Orlando, FL, June 2026
Additional Events Later in 2026
I’m planning to add more conferences to my calendar this year. These are the ones high on my list.
Games for Change Festival
MassCUE
TETC (Tennessee Educational Technology Association)
Pax Unplugged (Penny Arcade Expo)
NYSCATE (New York Association for Computers and Technologies)
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
📥 Subscribe to my newsletter
I’m getting ready to release a monthly newsletter. I’m giving early access to the first 100 newsletter subscribers before it launches publicly and a copy of my new Content Repurposing Map, a tool that helps you turn one idea into many without burning out.
If you want to be one of the first to get it, subscribe here:
https://forms.gle/6JxeWJkdcmMJce6U9
