Whether you’re a professional writer or merely engage in writing as a hobby, you have no doubt encountered times when you can’t seem to get into the flow. You might have the best of intentions when you sit down at your computer or with pen and paper in hand, only to stare at a blank slate until frustration sets in. This quandary is known as writer’s block, and it is not uncommon.
Most writers possess two key attributes that are integral components to a successful writing process. If a writer is lacking in either or both of these factors, he or she might experience writer’s block. Writer’s block is almost always temporary, although it can last quite a while, which can be stressful, especially when the writer in question gets paid to do the work. Two attributes that must be present for stories, articles or blog posts to unfold are creativity and motivation.
Lack of creativity or motivation stalls the writing process
Lacking creativity or motivation often results in writer’s block. If you sit down to write and feel like you are trying to have a conversation with a brick wall, take a step back and use self-analysis to determine whether you are lacking creativity, motivation or both.
You might have numerous ideas swirling around in your mind but just don’t feel like putting them into written form, or you might be at the top of your game motivation-wise but feel fresh out of new ideas. You might feel energetic, ambitious and ready to write for hours. If the ideas don’t come to mind, it’s like being stuck at a traffic light that is perpetually red.
Ways to boost creativity and motivation to break through a writer’s block
The following list provides several ways to spark creativity, when you feel that lack of it is keeping you from being able to write:
- Spend more time in nature.
- Visit a place you have never been to in the past.
- Engage in conversations with people you don’t know well.
- Converse with people who have perspectives that differ from yours.
- Read other writers’ work.
- Write in a different location from where you usually write.
Often times, creativity simply needs to be rejuvenated in order for new writing ideas to flow or to find new ways to say the same old thing, as copywriters often must do.
Determine what is causing a lack of motivation
Mental, physical, emotional or spiritual health issues are often an underlying source of a lack of motivation. Try these ideas to boost your motivation:
- Create a list of goals that are associated with writing.
- Drink more water throughout the day.
- Engage in whole body movements several times per day.
- Make time to participate in activities or hobbies that you enjoy.
Using a when/then system of thought can also increase self-motivation. An example of this would be to tell yourself that when you have written a certain number of words or chapters, you will treat yourself to a favorite iced beverage or go for a bike ride, etc., as a small reward.
Reach out for additional support as needed
Writers are often embarrassed to admit when they are struggling with writer’s block. Some see it as a sign of failure. Keep in mind that lacking creativity or motivation is often the cause and that this condition is quite common in the writing industry.
Maybe you try to do too much on your own, such as edit your work, figuring out what revisions should be made, checking grammar and punctuation and all the other menial (but important) tasks that are necessary to writers. Enlisting outside support to help refine a manuscript or obtain a developmental edit or review of your work may help you increase creativity and motivation—the two key issues that keep writers’ block at bay.
