What Strategies Help You Overcome Writer’s Block?
Struggling with writer’s block can be a major hurdle for creatives, so we’ve gathered six transformative strategies from industry professionals including a singer-songwriter and a Creativity Coach. They share their personal techniques, from addressing tension to unlock creativity to adopting brain-based strategies, to help you maintain your creative flow. Dive into the wisdom of these experts and keep your ideas flourishing.
- Address Tension to Unlock Creativity
- Engage in Non-Writing Activities
- Utilize Freewriting and Brainstorming
- Try Mind-Mapping and Environment Changes
- Incorporate External Inspiration and Exercise
- Adopt Brain-Based Creative Strategies
Address Tension to Unlock Creativity
I tell my YouTube audience many times that writer’s and creative block always comes from some sort of tension. This comes from either tension in the body/mind, tension in your physical home/space, or tension in your career. Once you’re able to address this tension, you’ll want to utilize the Cathedral Effect—the idea that taller, higher ceilings actually invoke more creativity.
Does this mean to buy a home with a cathedral? No, not necessarily! But see where you can find spaces that physically give you more permission. Maybe you’re working outside, maybe you’re working in a modern coffee shop with higher ceilings, or maybe you’re simply giving yourself space to bop around in multiple different avenues. Creative block is really just tension, and knowing where that tension is coming from can be the easiest way to get rid of it!
Kira Violet
Singer-Songwriter, Content Creator, Violet Gaze
Engage in Non-Writing Activities
I have to admit, at one point, I would simply stop working and start over for the sake of coming up with something new. These days, I must admit, that’s rather wasteful and counterproductive. To get past the creative lull, I do some short, non-writing-related activities. This is often something such as walking. This allows me to come back in a better frame of mind.
I also use a method called free-writing, where one does not care about the outcome and keeps writing as ideas come. Many times, just the act of putting words on paper facilitates the process, leading to an influx of additional ideas. I tend to do the skullwork somewhere else or focus on other relatively easy tasks, which aids the birth of ideas. Finally, I seek out something related to the theme, be it literature, video materials, or discussions with co-workers, in order to gain new approaches or ideas.
These methods, in a certain way, allow me to be active and not come across any writing blocks even when dealing with the most challenging tasks to ensure that creativity is preserved.
Khurram Mir
Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc
Utilize Freewriting and Brainstorming
Freewriting is the first trick I used to deal with writer’s block. I write without worrying about structure just to get the ideas flowing.
If I still struggle, I step away from the project for a short while to clear my mind. I may even switch tasks, so that I’m still getting things done.
Brainstorming with other people is another strategy. Talking through ideas with others can spark creativity.
To get fresh perspectives, I also read industry-related content and review client feedback.
Dan Brown
CEO & Founder, Textun
Try Mind-Mapping and Environment Changes
One technique I use to overcome writer’s block and stay creative is adopting a mind-mapping approach. Instead of trying to write a polished piece right away, I start by breaking the topic into smaller, interconnected ideas. This visual brainstorming helps me explore different angles without feeling overwhelmed. Once I have a clear structure, it’s easier to develop the content.
Another strategy I rely on is changing the environment or routine. Stepping away from the usual workspace for a walk, reading something unrelated, or engaging in a different creative activity often helps to reset my mind and spark fresh ideas. I also find that revisiting earlier drafts without the pressure of perfection helps me build momentum.
In addition, I use AI-powered writing tools to generate outlines or prompts that guide my thought process. These tools are particularly useful for breaking the initial inertia and offering different perspectives, which can then be refined into a cohesive piece.
Shreya Jha
Social Media Expert, Appy Pie
Incorporate External Inspiration and Exercise
There are several strategies I use to overcome writer’s block when I experience it. The most effective ones are:
- Reading another author’s work or watching a fantasy movie: My imagination blooms through the creativity of others. It helps me rediscover possibilities and gets my creative juices flowing. I usually break free from my limitations when I realize there’s always more to create.
- Physical exercises, especially walking: I find it very helpful to be out in nature. The change of scenery and the ever-changing landscape have a way of calming my fears of having nothing to put on paper, allowing me to see the beauty that surrounds me, which feels endless. During the cold winter months, I use my walking pad or treadmill and achieve the same effect.
- Brainstorming with others: A quick call to a fellow writer or creative to discuss my writing flow has been extremely helpful. Often, just talking through an idea or getting another perspective can trigger new thoughts and directions. Hearing someone else’s take on a plot point can inspire fresh angles or solutions that I hadn’t considered before. Brainstorming with friends doesn’t just provide feedback; it pushes me out of my mental box and opens the door to other creative ideas. Talking through an issue helps make its solution clearer.
- Shifting focus to another project or task: When I hit a block, sometimes the best solution is to step away from that specific writing piece and focus on a different project or a smaller, less daunting task. I might work on outlining a different story, writing a blog post, or even tackling administrative work. Shifting gears gives my mind time to refresh and process the block subconsciously. When I return to the original project, I often find my creativity reignited with new ideas.
- Reducing the pressure and changing my goals: Instead of trying to write an entire chapter or complete a large section, I break it down into smaller goals. I might aim to finish one paragraph or focus on editing my work instead of writing. This way, the task feels less overwhelming. Once I achieve that small goal, the sense of completing it gives me the momentum to keep going. Incremental progress helps overcome the paralysis of writer’s block and makes my creative process much better.
Bernice Richard
Creative Writer, Bernice Richard
Adopt Brain-Based Creative Strategies
As a writer, creativity coach, and neuroscience researcher, my approach to overcoming writer’s block and staying creative is rooted in brain-based strategies. Here are some key techniques I use:
- Neuroplastic Priming: The default mode network (DMN), responsible for idea generation and creative thought, is activated when we engage in any creative task, whether it be writing, drawing, or painting.
- Mindfulness in Nature: I take screen-free “creativity walks” outdoors. Research shows that time in nature, specifically green spaces (like forested paths) or blue spaces (near water), increases activity in the brain regions associated with mind-wandering and divergent thinking, which are essential for creativity. Walking in natural settings not only refreshes the mind but also provides space for new ideas to surface when I’m stuck on a project. It’s important that these walks are screen-free to fully allow the brain to disconnect from distractions and engage in the mindfulness necessary for idea generation.
- Evidence-based Affirmations: Affirmations boost dopamine, which enhances motivation and lowers stress, allowing creativity to flow more freely. However, not all affirmations are equally effective. For affirmations to work, they need to align with your sense of self. For instance, someone who hasn’t written anything in a year, suddenly chanting “I will finish a book in six months,” in front of a mirror may feel that what they are doing is unrealistic and won’t resonate. Instead, affirmations should reflect achievable goals, like “I am capable of generating fresh ideas.” When affirmations feel believable, they are more effective at shifting mindset, reducing self-doubt, and making it easier to start and sustain the flow of writing.
Vaani Sai
Creativity Coach & Founder, neurowrite
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