Have you ever experienced staring at your monitor for a long time, attempting to write yet unable to find the appropriate words? Many people feel this way too. Even authors get writer’s block at some point in their careers. It is a common problem that gets worse the more we think about it.
Overcoming writer’s block is a complex process that usually depends on the struggling individual. After all, it is about overcoming one’s own self-doubt and believing that one’s efforts will be worth it.
Writer’s Block
Writer’s block happens when a writer cannot write, works slower than usual, or finds writing difficult and exhausting. Symptoms can include the inability to concentrate, mental fatigue, lack of inspiration, worry, and frustration. The good news is that writer’s block is only temporary. Most authors will get writer’s block at some point, but those who are determined to keep writing will be able to overcome it.
A variety of factors might lead to writer’s block. Some of the most common reasons will be discussed here to help you determine what might be temporarily preventing you from writing. Besides that, we’ll provide you with some tips on what you can do if you encounter this problem.
Having too many or too few ideas
It’s hard to know where to start when you’ve got so many thoughts running around in your head. This can easily lead to a lack of writing, as anyone who has felt this way will relate. While, at times, it can feel as if you’ll never come up with another great idea. As a result, you may find yourself spinning your wheels, figuring out what to write and how to write it.
What you can do:
- The freedom to think and see your work in new ways is often the result of writing on topics people wouldn’t usually choose. Just try it out for a while. Start anywhere. Progress feeds success. Starting something provides a drive, even if you don’t finish it.
- Brainstorming pushes you to come up with odd ideas and thoughts. A problem-solving picture can be created from several different ideas. This helps you become unstuck by challenging your usual thinking patterns.
- When you have too many ideas, making lists is powerful. It’s a simple and efficient technique to relieve stress, become organized, and develop inner peace.
Having a hard time expressing yourself
Even though your thoughts are clear, sometimes it can be challenging to put them into words. The fear of writing is not unusual. It’s even more difficult when you’re writing anything critical. When your paper is judged by others, does the worry grow more intensely?
What you can do:
- You can try writing journals and list down your ideas and feelings to help you understand things better. It can also help to ease anxiety and stress.
- Seek out others who are already doing what you want to do, and get their advice on what to do when starting. People are generally happy to assist you if you don’t make yourself a problem, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Write first before worrying. Writing freely while holding back is impossible. Therefore, establish this bargain with yourself: You’ll note what needs to be written and feel all the emotions that need to be felt. Then consider how to make your narrative public. In the end, you must trust that there will be coaches and individuals who have been where you are to guide you.
Self-doubt and fear of comparison
To express yourself, you must overcome the destructive power of negative self-talk. The fact that we are all unique is what makes us interesting. So, comparing your writing to others is a waste of time and can prevent you from accomplishing your own goals for no reason.
What you can do:
- When negative voices come up in your writing, stop and ask yourself what would be more beneficial to hear. Controlling negative self-talk takes time, but once you start challenging the harmful ideas your brain feeds you, your life will improve dramatically.
- Meditation also helps you slow down your thoughts, let go of negativity, and relax your mind and body. Many writers use this method when they’ve hit a wall in their creative process.
Being perfectionist
You suffer from writer’s block because you seek perfection in your work. You try to think of something, but nothing seems perfect, so you procrastinate your writing.
What you can do:
- Fear disguised as a dedication to the work is a form of perfectionism. Accept the fact that you are afraid. To overcome your worry of not being good enough, acknowledge that you are part of a long and well-known group. Then, set a deadline for submission that is not too far in the future.
- Assuming expectations are unrealistic, there is no way to achieve them without taking all the modest actions necessary to do so. Regardless of how much or little writing experience you have, you may overcome unrealistic expectations by focusing on enjoying the writing process and calming down your inner critic.
Too many distractions
When you are overwhelmed by your obligations at work and home, your writing may naturally suffer. After all, our brains are limited in capacity.
What you can do:
- Make a list of the things that get you back to work. It could be going for a walk or listening to music that makes you return with fresh ideas.
- You can also take a break when you can’t come up with words. It can help you get back in the groove, so take a break and do it again.
- Organize your workspace. Visual clutter distracts the mind from the task at hand. Collect your papers and store them in a drawer or another area until you have time to go through them one by one.
- Turn off the television or tell others when not to disturb you. If you write at a specific time of day, let everyone know so they may avoid interrupting you while you’re in the middle of your job.
Remember that writer’s block is just temporary, even if it’s discouraging and frustrating. Understanding and valuing the process of recovery is key to a successful restoration. Commit to writing as a precious and creative time. Negative thoughts and discouragement should not be allowed to damage your efforts to come up with new ideas. Do all you need to do to get yourself and your readers on the same page so you can tell your tale honestly and without regret.
I will be ending this blog with this quotation from Butler.
You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually, you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.
Octavia Butler
It means that we need to keep writing even if we know it’s not excellent. We should never be scared to write badly because sometimes getting rid of the bad stuff is the only road to the good things. No matter how horrible we think our writing is, keep going, and it will improve. Writer’s block can be cured with perseverance and effort.
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