9 Tricks to Overcome Writer’s Block

We all know the frustration that comes with struggling to write. You try for days, weeks, months, and in some cases, years to produce something but fail.

Writer’s block is something many writers experience. Beginners and experts alike. If you’re not careful, you’ll give in to it and never create that masterpiece you dream of.

So, use the following tricks to overcome writer’s block and start creating work you love.

1. Identify the cause

The best way to overcome writer’s block is to identify the cause so you can eliminate it.

Answer key questions; “Why am I stuck on this section?” “Why haven’t I started?” And “Why haven’t I completed this manuscript?”

Is it because of fear? Do you get distracted every time you sit down to write? Do you seek perfectionism and end up failing to progress? Perhaps you always feel there’s enough time and end up procrastinating? Whatever the reason, identify and eliminate it.

Most writers struggle to write because of fear, distractions, perfectionism, and procrastination.

If you fear failure, understand that it is a significant part of success. It comes with valuable lessons that will help you on your journey to becoming the expert you desire to be. So, instead of avoiding it or letting it paralyze you, embrace it and learn from it.

2. Set clear goals

Determine what you want to achieve and set clear goals that will help you get to your destination.

For example, let’s say there’s a book you want to write but always get stuck when you sit down to do so.

The only way to ensure you start is to have writing goals. Give yourself 4 or so months to write the book and finish it.

Break down those 4 months into smaller, actionable, and manageable goals. Know what you want to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly.

Have a weekly target and commit to writing a certain number of words per week. For example, you can aim to write 4,000 words per week. Depending on what you are writing, the amount of research needed, and your experience in that particular area.

The goal is to have daily goals, weekly goals, and monthly goals.

Goals keep you focused on what you want to accomplish and push you to work even when you don’t feel like it. They help you form a habit and ensure you show up to write whether the inspiration is there or not.

3. Create a routine

Create a writing routine to train your mind to always get in the zone when duty demands it.

Have daily writing goals or write at least 5 days a week. Even 3. Write a chapter a day or set aside an hour a day to pen something down.

Identify your most productive hours and work during those times. Write at 3 am or 4 am if you are a morning person. If you work best in the evening when everyone else is asleep, write during those hours.

Once you determine your most productive hours, stick to them. If you choose 3 am to write, make sure you always sit at your desk at 3 am and write.

The most important thing is to have a regular writing schedule you follow.

Having a schedule and following it doesn’t make you beat writer’s block right away. But it helps train your mind and get your creative juices flowing with time. The most important thing is to stay true to your schedule.

4. Create an outline

One of the main things that cause writer’s block is not knowing where to begin or where to take your story next. So, create an outline and let it guide you.

Write down important points and divide your story or whatever you’re working on into chapters.

Divide those chapters and have subchapters with headings and subheadings. This makes it easy for you to understand where you are going and avoid getting stuck.

When you get to the next chapter, you already have the topic and subheadings. You already know what you want to write and so having writer’s block will be difficult.

5. Have a dedicated work area

Have a dedicated work area or a “sacred place” you go to every time you want to write. This makes it easy for you to commit to the process and take it seriously.

Keep your work area clean and free from clutter.

Find out what keeps you writing once you start and use it to your advantage. For example, if you work best when your favorite playlist is on, plug your earphones in and get to work. If you prefer silence and always get your creative juices flowing when there’s no external noise, invest in noise-canceling headphones.

6. Leverage time blocking

Time blocking helps you get to work when you should, retain your focus, and complete the task at hand. It makes it easy for you to determine what you are supposed to do and at what particular time. So, use it to avoid getting stuck.

7. Find inspiration from your favorite authors

Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration and a reminder of why you started writing in the first place. So, step away from writing for an hour and read a book by one of your favorite authors.

Use it to find the inspiration you need.

Pick a book that once inspired you to become a writer, one that motivates you to be better, or one that reminds you that your decisions and actions influence the result you get.

8. Avoid perfectionism

Perfectionism is the writer’s worst enemy. You want to get it right the first time and forget that your first draft is precisely that. A draft.

Worrying about punctuation, grammar, or spelling causes you to waste time and remain stuck.

So, avoid perfectionism and just write whatever comes to mind without worrying about eloquence. You’ll come back and edit once you’ve reached the end.

9. Take a break

If you fail to overcome writer’s block using any of the above-mentioned tips, move away from your desk and do something else. Do something that has nothing to do with writing. This will help you relax and rejuvenate your mind. Making it easy for you to regain your focus and get into the flow when you return to your desk.

You can go for a 30-minute walk, take a long shower, phone a friend, listen to relaxing music, have some snacks, or read motivational quotes on writing.

Conclusion

Overcoming writer’s block doesn’t happen overnight. You have to practice, implement the above-mentioned tips, and sometimes just force yourself through it. Once you write your first chapter or article, you’ll write your next, and your next, and your next. The most important thing is to create and maintain a writing habit.

Happy writing!