Writer's block. It can happen to anyone. It can be extremely frustrating when you sit down to write a blog post only to find yourself staring at a blank screen (or notebook) for what feels like hours. When you find yourself stuck, here are nine simple strategies to remove the block and breakthrough to a brilliant writing session.
#1 Break your writing project into bite-sized tasks. Then, start with the easiest thing on the list. Perhaps it will be easier to outline your content first or create a rough draft for the piece. Another strategy is to focus on one paragraph at a time. Taking baby steps helps you find a little motivation and sometimes that's all you need.
#2 Manufacture some inspiration. If the desire to write isn't automatically bubbling up on the inside -- create it! A few quick ways to manufacture enough inspiration to get started...
- Go for a walk to clear your head. Sometimes the best ideas come to you when you're away from your computer.
- Spend 20 minutes meditating. Ask your intuition for idea and insights to share.
- Listen to music or do something fun. Most often inspiration is lacking because you're not feeling creative. Listening to music can tap into your creative side quickly.
- Read. Visit other relevant blogs. Read the news. Read a magazine. There are inspiring content ideas everywhere.
#3 Find a new writing spot. It's easy to get into a rut. Changing your routine can pop you right out of writer's block. Consider writing in a different room, at a different time of day or even at a different location all together. Head to your local coffee shop and enjoy the change of scenery.
#4 Write backwards. Instead of starting at the top and working your way through your article, start at the bottom. Write your call to action. Summarize your article. Then work your way backwards through the piece. Write the last point you want to make before you summarize and proceed up until you're writing your headline.
#5 Go "old school" -- close your computer! Grab a pen and paper and write the old-fashioned way. There's something freeing about writing with a pen and paper. You can then type it up and edit it later. Or you can fax it to your assistant and ask them to type it up.
#6 Go "high tech." At the other end of the spectrum -- if the physical act of writing is blocking your flow, try recording your posts instead. Use your computer, purchase a micro-recorder, or use your conference line with recording capabilities. Speak your post into a recorder and transcribe it later or outsource that tasks to a virtual assistant.
#7 Bribe yourself. There will be many times you just don't feel like writing. Some people manage this type of writer's block by pushing through it. If you are motivated by more tangible incentives -- bribe yourself. Or a better way to put it: Reward yourself. Once you've written 3 posts treat yourself to a movie, a pedicure, or an hour of guilt-free anything you want to do time.
#8 Get a partner. Accountability -- having a partner taking the same journey with you or having a coach to keep you on track can be great motivation if you need "live" support. Just knowing that you have someone to check in with, nudges you to get things done.
#9 Consider creating a few writing rituals. Rituals can help you set the mood. They help you turn your writing brain on and everything else off. Great rituals range from a cup of coffee and an outline to meditation or a quick walk around the block.
Writer's block doesn't have to stop you in your tracks. Push through it, work around it and get your message out there!