Writer’s block is an immensely frustrating part of every writer’s journey. It makes it a struggle to put your thoughts down on paper in a way that feels right. You might even find yourself unable to come up with new ideas at all. It can last for days, or even weeks, and if it’s not worked through immediately, writer’s block can negatively affect your work and your confidence as a writer.
Here are some strategies to help you overcome writer’s block so you can get back to writing:
1. Figure out the cause
One of the most important parts of beating writer’s block is determining what is causing it. Writer’s block can occur due to many things, such as fear, comparing yourself to other writers, or even just feeling rundown and tired.
You probably started your writing career with a positive mindset, excited to sit down at the keyboard each day. Once you get to the root of your writer’s block, you can help nudge your brain in the right direction so you can get back on track.
Writing down your thoughts and anxieties can help shed light on what’s going on inside your head. The act of simply writing without worrying about a topic, grammar or spelling errors, or your readers can help the words start to flow again.
2. Balance your inner critic
Self-criticism can be healthy if it comes from a place of compassion, providing you with tips and insight that is helpful for you and your work. But if you find that your inner critic is constant, unfair, and holding your mind back from forming new ideas, then it is destructive criticism.
Try to identify whether your inner critic is destructive or healthy, and keep it in balance by not allowing destructive thoughts to take the reins. Give yourself permission to write poorly. You can always read over things again and edit as needed. Just getting something on paper is a great start.
3. Do something else
When you are really stuck, it helps to just walk away and work on a different task or creative outlet other than writing. Take a shower, clean the kitchen, have fun with some cool online games, mow the lawn, cook dinner, paint a picture, play an instrument, or draw in your sketchbook.
When you perform a monotonous task, it lets your brain switch to autopilot. When your brain is on autopilot, it’s easier for you to daydream, which will allow you to make connections that would have been more challenging previously.
When you experience a lack of motivation, train your brain to form new habits so you can get back into the groove.
4. Change your environment
A distraction-free space can help you settle down and relax so you can really focus on writing. Turn off notifications on your phone and stay away from the TV and social media, and follow these three practical tips to stay productive.
Working from home in the same environment day in and day out can cause creative thinking to become stagnant. If you often find yourself getting distracted at home, try writing in a cafe, library, or at a park.
5. Make an outline and check your work
Creating an outline can help you crank out your work faster. It acts as a template that you fill in as you go instead of having to stop and consider every decision before moving forward again. Figuring out the trajectory of your piece before you sit down to write can help chip away at your writer’s block and prevent future blocks from forming.
Reading over what you have already written can help spark more ideas and make your writing flow better. And using a grammar checker after the fact can take some of the pressure off getting it perfect in the moment.
6. Set a schedule
Having a set schedule can keep you productive and organized. Start writing at the same time every day, preferably after you’ve had breakfast and coffee, to help drive results.
If you often think, “Oh, I can work on that whenever,” you probably find yourself falling behind on deadlines. This will make writing more stressful for you in the long run.
If you commonly start writing when you are hungry, tired, or falling behind on other tasks and aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to focus on writing. Having a set schedule is important for your day to day life as well as your writing.
7. Move your body
Exercise has a wide range of physical and mental benefits. It helps focus the mind, reduce stress, enhance memory, boost your mood, and increase productivity.
According to this study, a simple 30-minute walk can help you compose your thoughts and make you feel more relaxed and energized so you can get back to working on your project.
If possible, go for a walk with a friend. Or do a simple home-workout and there is nothing like releasing endorphins and working up a sweat to get the creative juices flowing
They might be able to bring a fresh perspective into your hangup that will allow you to make a breakthrough even quicker.
8. Don’t be hard on yourself
It’s normal to have times where you can’t figure out what to say or how to say it. You are still a writer, and you can get past this. Try to remember what got you into writing in the first place, and remember that you are just as capable now as you were then.
Don’t strive for perfection or being better than other writers. Our idea of perfection is ever-changing, and one could say perfection doesn’t exist at all. You should strive to freely use your thoughts and your inner voice so you can write what you really want to write.
The ideas are all up there, you just have to allow them to show up without fearing that they are wrong.
Ending note
There is no set-in-stone method for getting rid of writer’s block. The factors that cause it are unique to each writer, and therefore overcoming it requires different methods. But using these eight tips above will help get you on your way to writing again in no time. Good luck!