Hi friend,
Have you ever sat down to write something and felt…totally stumped?
Ah, yes. It’s the dreaded writer’s block.
I know the feeling all too well. Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting at my desk, staring at a blinking cursor, desperately willing it to conjure up the words that seemed to have escaped me. My mind was blank.
After hours of torturing myself, I realized I needed a break and decided to do something productive. So I threw on my comfiest sweats, cranked up my Spotify playlist, and decided to tackle reorganizing my kitchen pantry.
This unrelated, mindless task allowed me to step away from writing and cleared some brain space so that when I sat back down at the computer, the words just flowed.
It was as if the simple act of decluttering my physical space was clearing the cobwebs from my mind. Who knew?
It struck me that sometimes, to regain our creative spark,
we need to break from the routine and engage in a different type of activity.
Data backs this up, as researchers have found the top three reasons for writer’s block are attributed to stress, fear, or
perfectionism.
So, while cleaning and organizing may not be your preferred go-to method to combat these issues, the key is to find something that does allow your thoughts
to wander freely so you can get out of your own way.
Here are some ideas to try the next time you’re facing a blank screen.
1 - Change your scenery
Sometimes, when writer's block hits hard, the best thing you can do is step away from your desk and shift your focus. Taking a break and immersing yourself in a different environment can work wonders for your creativity. This can be as simple as:
- Taking a leisurely walk in the park
- Finding a cozy spot in nature where you can observe things quietly
- Playing games with your pet or
your family/friends
- Exercising
2 - Set your timer
A time crunch can be a double-edged sword when dealing with writer’s block–it can constrain us or inspire us. But it can also be a useful tool.
The Pomodoro Technique, a method of dividing writing into dedicated blocks of time,
has proven effective for many, myself included. Here's how to implement it:
- Set your timer for 25 minutes.
- During this focused period, write without worrying about perfection. The aim is to get your thoughts out of your head and onto the page, minimizing distractions. I love to incorporate music into my Pomodoro sessions. By selecting instrumental tracks or ambient music, I find that it helps me stay
focused and in the creative flow during these writing blocks.
- After the 25 minutes, take a short break of five minutes to recharge and refresh your mind.
- Repeat the cycle of 25 minutes of writing and five minutes of rest as needed until your project is completed.
By breaking your writing into these bite-sized sessions, you create a sense of urgency and structure that can unlock the flow of your creativity. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.
3 -
Call your friends and family
Don't hesitate to connect with friends or anyone who can give you some creative inspiration
when you're in need. Reaching out for support or advice is nothing to be ashamed of.
We all face moments of self-doubt, but it's important to recognize that seeking input from others can be incredibly beneficial.
Personally, I’ve found that a collaborative brainstorming session often leads to breakthrough moments and innovative solutions that I wouldn't have discovered on my own.
4 - Embrace AI tools
When your friends aren't available, don't overlook the power of AI as a
helpful backup. AWeber offers a built-in AI writing assistant that can be a lifesaver when you're low on inspiration.
With just
a few clicks, you can generate a first draft on your desired topic, and let the AI assist you as an editor and writing companion. It's an incredible way to collaborate with technology to enhance your content creation.
