In today’s blog post, learn 7 ways to get out of writer’s block.
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What can you do when you are just staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper?
I’m usually pretty good at coming up with new ideas but very occasionally I’ll get writers’ block.
Here are 7 things to try when you’ve got writer’s block.
- Phone a friend – maybe literally but I ask my close friends if they can inspire me. It might be business related, or it might just be the complete break from business that gets those cogs going again.
- Do something completely different – I attended a Neuroscience for Coaches webinar a few years ago and it was fascinating learning how the brain needs ‘restful activity’, so it’s engaged in something that’s not related to what we’re trying to solve/figure out. Going for a walk, reading a book, taking a shower etc. All of these things allow our brains the restful activity we need and when you think about it that’s when we often come up with our most creative ideas.
- Create/use swipe files – Have you heard of a swipe file? It’s what graphic designers, creatives et al use to save images/content etc. I use all sorts of things as my own ‘swipe files’. Some of these might be useful to you too, so I’ll share. I don’t know why I have so many to be honest.
- A notebook – Write it down! Carry a little notebook around with you in case inspiration strikes. It’s amazing how quick your muse disappears. Capture that amazing idea as soon as you can! I love having my little notebook – I get to pretend to be a super creative person, kinda artsy!
- Pocket – I love the Pocket App – Like Pinterest you can save lots of links to blog posts and it’s easy to search – Not sure why I use both but hey, it works for me!
- Evernote – fabulous little app for capturing snippets of info and completely searchable. You know those little links or quotes that you don’t want to lose, but know if you write them down it will take forever to find again? That’s where Evernote comes in.
- Data Bank – I have a folder on my computer for magazine articles, scanned cuttings from Psychologies, People Management, that kind of thing, divided into subfolders and then when I’m stuck I can read a quick article and get inspiration
- Asana – A project management tool where you can save all of your ideas
There’s loads of apps and tools out there, it’s just about finding what you enjoy.
- Read blog posts/books – both related and unrelated to what you do. It’s always great to learn new things. I read a lot so books are a constant source of inspiration for me.
Don’t always think blog posts have to be about your area, often there are links (ok sometimes tenuous links in my blog posts!) that you can make to lead into your subject.
As I read books I take notes in pretty little books, it helps me retain information and gives me ideas for later posts. Plus the added bonus is you’ll have lots of useful info you can use later!
- Brainstorm – write down headers for everything you know about your field of work and see what comes up. You’ll be amazed at how much you know about your area when you start pulling together a big list and getting some ideas down on paper.
- Rehash/repurpose content – remember that blog post you wrote a while back about confidence or something related to your coaching? Write something else on the same subject, just write it from a different perspective, do a bit more research around it and beef it up.
- Change your location – sometimes you need a change of scenery to get those creative juices flowing. Move into another room, work in the garden (weather permitting! I’ve just moved to Scotland so not sure there will be so much working in the garden!), go to the local cafe (my personal favourite!)
So in today’s post I’ve shared with you some hints and tips to get your mojo (motivation) going again. I hope it’s helped you.
I’d love to hear what you do when your brain doesn’t want to play and you’re on a deadline. Let me know in the comments below. I love learning lots of new ways to move away from writers’ block.
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