A Problem Among Many

Sometimes it seems the more I invest in writing the less I have to show for it. I spend hours reading books, reading blogs, reading forums, researching, learning, etc. but I spend comparatively few hours writing.

The other problem is my injured confidence. I've become so focused on what supposedly works and what doesn't that I'll spend hours writing the same paragraph over and over trying to create the paragraph that will please the masses. I'm not letting my muse guide me anymore - I'm trying to force its hand. I don't need to consult the masters of muse to know this is NOT good.

But, I've recognized the problem and maybe I can step back from the expectations and muse-wielding to just focus on my writing. I'm sure hoping, cause what I'm doing right now is not getting me anywhere.

Has anyone else run into a similar problem in their writing journey?