13 super ways to smash writer’s block (and be awesome again)

I’ll level with you. I got writer’s block today. And it sucked…

You see, my kids (3 yo, and 8 months) have both had the flu. So, naturally, I got sick too. And as you can imagine, sleep has been pretty scarce… a familiar story, I’m sure you agree.

But, as is the business owner’s curse, just because you’re sick, tired and uninspired, doesn’t mean the work stops.

And as I sit in my garden writing this article, with the afternoon sun behind me and a cup of coffee at the ready (still hot – wow!), I wonder how much more productive I would have been had I started my day like this… instead of like this:

So, if you’ve ever had writer’s block, or are staring at a blank screen right now, hang in there. I’ve got some tips to help you shake off the creative shackles, and get those ideas flowing again.

But before we dive into ways to cure writer’s block, let’s first discuss the problem.

What causes writer’s block?

Timing

Sometimes it’s just not a good time to write. You’ve done your research, planned your article, but need some time for it all to settle so you can see the big picture.

Fear

Being afraid to publish is a normal part of being a writer. Perhaps your fear stems from self doubt – that you’re not good enough, or you’re wondering why anyone would be interested in what you’ve got to say. Or maybe your creative paralysis is due to not wanting to let your client down. And we’ve all been stung by the perfectionism bug. (Did you really need to adjust that comma 27 times?)

Just too darn tired

Running a business means you’re always tired (young kids certainly don’t help either). It becomes pretty hard to come up with new ideas on cue. But that’s why it’s more important than ever to find ways to fire up those creative cylinders.

Fractured mind

It’s hard to focus when there’s a lot on the go. Being tired certainly doesn’t help. Trying to juggle too much can lead to ineffective work all round. Not a good place to be for you or your clients.

How do you get over writer’s block?

1. Go for a walk

Get away from your desk, and get some fresh air. A 30 min walk may be all the time you need for information to incubate, and for new ideas to form. Also, it’s no secret that exercise is good for your brain. I also recommend a spot of gardening. It’s a creative outlet that has nothing to do with writing, and makes me feel energised and ready for a challenge.

2. Change your environment

How long have you been sitting at your desk? How many hours, days, weeks? Go to a cafe, library, park, anywhere else, and write. Change it up. But make sure you buy something at the cafe, you don’t want to be a stooge…

But if you’re not in a position to go anywhere, trick yourself into thinking you have. Try playing rain or rainforest sounds, or even cafe ambience. Put a plant or two (or 30) in your office to complete the ambience (I like plants).

3. Swallow the frog

The what now? This is tip an actor/producer friend of mine suggested to me some time ago. Do something you don’t want to do first. Send those emails, pay the bills, menial tasks that are causing anxiety. Get them done to free up brain space for more important things.

4. Do some housework

Ok, so you’re not getting much done. You may as well do some housework. Get your mind off work for a bit. Do the dishes, make the bed, hang out some washing. At least then you can tick something off your to-do list. Come back to work fresh, having accomplished something, however trivial it may seem. (My wife likes it when I do this – especially the washing)

5. Turn off your computer

Let’s face it, your computer screen isn’t helping your fatigue. Turn your computer off, pull out a note pad and pen, and start writing. Scribble down ideas, create a mind map. Start developing your ideas on paper before you move back to your computer. Often, too many resources can be the one thing holding you back.

6. Read a book

Remember what made you fall in love with words in the first place. Grab an old (or new) favourite, and get lost in a world of beautiful, quirky, smart prose. Feel inspired by the power of the written word.

7. Reread your best work

Further to the previous point, go back to some of your best work. Remind yourself that you know what you’re doing. Overcome your fear of not being good enough. You got this.

8. Stop editing

Free write. Forget editing, and just write – bad grammar and all. Fix it up after you’ve got the ideas down. Don’t let a bad case of perfectionism hold you back. It’s about knowing when to turn it on that makes you a great writer.

9. Eliminate distractions

Turn your phone off, close your email and social media, and focus on one task at a time. Whatever it is, it can wait till after you’ve finished some work. I recommend Pomodoro Technique for this.

10. Steal a good idea

Every new idea is a remix of old ones. Find a great idea, and make it your own. Perhaps a different take on it, or just do it better. Not every idea has to be squeezed like blood from a stone. Work smart.

11. Stop writing for your readers

Be yourself. That’s what makes your writing worth reading. Solve a problem for yourself, and, chances are, there are others facing the same dilemma. (Hence the creation of this article… funny that)

12. Read inspiring quotes

A dose of inspiration from awesome people might be just the thing to pull you out of the void. See that you’re not alone in your challenges, and more has been achieved with less.

Here are some powerful quotes to get you started.

13. Use a template

Templates, processes, and formulas take some of the guess work out of writing, and can save you a lot of time. For copywriting, I like to use formulas such as AIDA and PAS, and I’ve got a nifty process for writing blogs. I find this tip works best in conjunction with the previous ones, because you’ve still got to write the content to fit the formula.

The 5 deadly sins of overcoming writer’s block

Now we’ve tackled ways of overcoming writer’s block, let’s take a look at ways not to.

1. Thou shalt not wait for inspiration to hit: create the right circumstances to stimulate your creativity.

2. Thou shalt not bitch and moan about it: wallowing in your own self-pity won’t get you anywhere.

3. Thou shalt not make excuses: it’s how we deal with challenges that separates us from the pack.

4. Thou shalt not procrastinate: I don’t care how good Avengers: Infinity War is. It’s a very long film that will only distract you from what you should be doing.

5. Thou shalt not read too many articles on curing writer’s block: get some tips, try them out, change it up, and get it done.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for writer’s block. Everyone is different, and not every tip will work every time. Figure out what works for you right now, and change it up from time to time up to help spark your creativity when you need it most.

And if all else fails, call Hulk…

What helps you overcome writer’s block? Got any obscure tips? Let us know in the comments below.