If you’re like many people I talk to, you try to create at least one piece of content daily. And trust me, I get it: the struggle is real.
While writer’s block is not a new phenomenon, today we add a special spice to it called “burnout.” That struggle is also very real.In fact, burnout has increased by 33%, and is closely tied to the fast pace of work – coupled with high rates of consumption – with little allowance for refuelling.
Refueling and taking time out to re-energize your mind and body are the focus of the following tips for battling writer’s block.
Apply the Law of Opposites
While the Law of Opposites typically refers to going against the societal norm to succeed, here I want to emphasize shaking up your norm.
Just about every “writing tips” article ever published will tell you to establish a routine. Psychological research has shown that creativity is not just a sudden magical moment of insight, but is instead built upon your daily mental building blocks and habits.
What I am suggesting here is to try and replicate the eureka moments we typically have in the shower, in bed or on the road.
Stay with me here…
You want to try to temporarily access another part of your brain to give your subconscious and ‘Writing Brain’ a chance topush through the block you’re experiencing.
Consider monotonous tasks like:
- Taking a shower
- Doing 10 minutes of chores, like unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming, or folding laundry
- A quick work-out
Another way to apply the Law of Opposites is to approach your writing from a different angle than usual. This might mean starting from a different point of writing or changing your point of view.
For example, we know that custom content influences more than 50% of buyers’ decisions.
If you’re stuck trying to figure outa new custom content topic – or worse, feel like the one you have chosen is beaten to death – consider changing the point of view. Perhaps try describinga product or service from a user perspective instead of abrand’s voice.
You might also want to consider changing up your routine to remove that sense of tedium that comes with sitting at your desk every day at 8.30 am. It could be something as simple as one-minute of cardio or different writing playlists for each day of the week.
Create Just Because
When you think about a majority of the things that cause writer’s block, they can be grouped loosely into fear and indecision.
- Fear of failing yourself
- Fear of disappointing others
- Fear of not measuring up to your peers
- Fear of rejection
- Indecision over which ideas or direction to pursue
Sure, I could keep going, but the gist of it is that your expectations and those of others are paralyzing you.
The best way to free your mind from this maze of fear and indecision is to eliminate the high stakes.
Dedicate time to work on a creative task or project that is not ruled by that dreaded gatekeeper: productivity.
Are you a budding musician? Is flower arrangement your thing? Junk journaling? Do you thrive on attempting culinary feats? Maybe you’re a gamer or enjoy math equations.
Whatever tickles your fancy, just so long as there are noKPIs and people aren’t expecting to see it in their inbox yesterday.
The satisfaction of creativity, minus both internal and externalpressure, will help fuelthe momentum for your content writing.
And a Bonus Tip…
I’ll tie in a bonus point here: find inspiration from creators and genres that have nothing to do with your content writing niche. Did you know that John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars was inspired by YouTuber and teen cancer sufferer Esther Earl? The two met at a Harry Potter conference!
Whichever tips you choose to implement, remember that the carrot did more for the donkey than the whip. Be kind to yourself, even as you strive to create the best content.