7 Ways to Overcome Creative Block As A Writer
Virtually all creators—writers, painters, web designers—techies, have experienced one form of creative block or the other. If you have ever started any creative project, you will most likely understand me better. Those are the times you’ve tried to come up with great ideas, but no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to be working. In fact, the more you try, the harder it seems.
The fear of staring at a blank sheet, canvas, or screen due to burnout is real, and it affects everyone. It’s not uncommon to feel drained and uninspired, especially during times like this.
In my few years as a writer, I’ve experimented with different ways to overcome creative blocks, and I can’t wait to share it all with you. These blocks might be different for everyone. I hope this article will spark new ideas and help you move forward.
What is a “Creative Block”?
A creative block is a barrier to inspiration. It is the inability to access one’s internal creativity; it makes you feel like your line of creative flow has been cut off.
Writers often experience these blocks, which can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Moving past a block can be difficult, but knowing when, how, and why it occurs can help you overcome it and even prevent it from happening again.
Why Do Writers Experience Creative Blocks?
Creative blocks differ with individuals. We do not all experience this barrier to inspiration at the same volume. Some people have it for a few days, while others have it for weeks, months, or even years.
Below, you will find the most common reasons why creative blocks occurs with writers:
1. Loss of a loved one or a break up.
2. Lack of financial support.
3. Total burn out of creative energy after a long period of writing.
4. Unbelief in your talent and ability.
5. Repeated brush-off of one’s work.
6. Anxiety regarding the outcome of a project or task.
7. The constant yearn for perfection.
8. Influenced creativity—either from a substance or an activity.
9. Illness or medical condition.
10. Getting lost in your work; losing every sense of reality.
11. Underatting yourself or self-criticism—feeling undeserving.
How can Writers Overcome Creative Blocks?
1. Make it “hobbies time”
If you are stuck with a creative block, leave writing for a while, maybe a couple of hours or even a day, and take time out for your hobbies. It can get tiring having to keep a thought process going for a long period of time; a list of things which may result in blocks. You get burned out and often stuck. It’s totally fine to take a walk and get inspiration from other things. Let’s call it the “hit the reset button” move. Do something interesting!
2. Revisit your old work
Sometimes, it’s good to look back at the work that you have done for inspiration. It will help remind you of what you can do and take the pressure off you. However, when self-doubt starts to creep in, nothing you do will ever be enough. As a result, it is critical that you go through your archive and pull out some of your best work. It gives you a confidence boost and gets you back your creativity in no time.
3. Take a detour
As a writer, you know there is no specific way to go about writing. Of course, you have to go through a thought process, but this differs with individuals. Therefore, if you are stuck at a level, don’t be afraid to skip to another level that you are comfortable with. Skip to the middle, or imagine how it will end and start there. There is no rule that says you can’t!
4. Redesign your workspace
Your work station might just be the problem. It could be boring. Creativity is freedom, and so repetition of activities might dull things down. Just like repetition slows down creativity, staying in a place for a long period without change can cut off creative flow. Try switching to a different room in the house, or maybe redesigning. But if you can’t, go out to a coffee shop to write.
5. Talk to other writers
Broaden your network. Conversations always ignite ideas. Talk to people with similar interests. You can also get inspiration from other writers that are open to sharing their creative block experiences. Join a community of like-minded people, and remember that you are not alone. There’s just something about sharing your struggles with other people that makes them feel better.
6. Get into the flow
Flow is the peak of consciousness where we are at our best. According to Hungarian American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, people are happiest when they are in a state of flow, which is being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. At this point, everything resets, time flies, and that feeling that got you stuck has been overpowered by another rush of feelings. Every action, movement, and thought follows naturally from the previous one. Activities like Sudoku, participating in sports, playing a logic game or drawing can get you into flow.
7. Start writing first thing in the morning
As soon as you wake up, take some time to try to create something, anything.
Create something around the sunrise you just witnessed, or the dream you just had. You can get the best of creativity when your mind is fresh and undisturbed by other things in life. Most importantly, remember to be gentle with yourself. You’re doing it because you enjoy it and because it’s intended to be enjoyable. If today’s attempt fails, try again tomorrow. You’ll find your way back to being creative.
Wrapping up
Do you have other ways of overcoming creative blocks? Tell us about it in the comments! We’d love to hear what you think.
Here’s what we do: we write and train!
Value Wisdom Writers Academy takes on all types of writing projects. We do ghostwriting, proofreading, content writing, ebook writing, consultations, and publishing. We also help new writers build confidence and become the best version of themselves. If you are a writer and you feel like you’ve lost your mojo, VWWA will equip you with the necessary skills needed to be at the top of your game.
Reach out to us via Twitter @VWWAcademy and instagram@valuewisdomwriteracademy
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.