Overcoming a Creative Block: Strategies for Regaining Inspiration

The fact is that I still haven't met anyone who hasn't suffered from writer's block, no matter how small

Jan 20, 2023

Let those who have never had the dreaded creative block throw the first stone. A great torment for those who make a living out of content creation, writing, and any other function that needs to use their creativity.

All is not lost and while there is life, there is hope. There are some small strategies that can help break the lack of ideas. Also, the more you write, for example, the lower the risk of suffering from writer's block. These are the blessings of constancy.

How to break the creative block and keep producing

There are several ways and techniques to avoid being faced with a blank page with the cursor blinking impatiently, waiting for you to start typing. I like two. One by Austin Kleon, author of the book Steal Like an Artist. That is, it suggests when this happens to take a notebook, and a pen and sit in a place with a lot of movement. As well as watching the people around you.

I tried this particular technique on a random Sunday, it even turned into a text that spurred me to embrace writing forever. In addition to the notebook and pen, I was accompanied by headphones and had a lot of fun.

“Each day is a new day. It's better to be lucky. But I prefer to do things always right. So when luck strikes, I'll be ready.”

The phrase above was said by Ernest Hemingway (1899 - 1961) when he was asked if he was lucky in his career. Even this sentence can be said by changing the word luck for inspiration. That is, sitting there looking at the blank screen will not make it start filling up, nor will the pen magically move, unless you are psychographing. But when in doubt, roll up your sleeves and go for it, but not before taking a look at the four strategies or tips below.

1. Brainstorm

It's getting ideas out of your head and onto paper or onto a blank page in your Google Docs, for example, without worrying about whether they're bizarre or not. That is, at this first moment, the more random the ideas, the better.

If you don't work alone, call your colleague or a friend. After all, as the saying goes, “two heads are better than one”. When you take the time to jot down these notes, chances are you'll be amazed at how many ideas can be generated.

How I do

I created a notebook in the Evernote application and there I write down phrases I saw in a video, random ideas, or something I read and liked. Even if you are not going to use them that day or week, leave them stored as your “library of ideas”.

2. Research is a great way to overcome creative block

This second item is essential, especially for those who work with content generation. In other words, the research will take more time than the writing itself, most of the time.

Again, Ernest Hemingway, asserts that "there is no friend as loyal as a book". That is, be sure to read books even if it is not in the area you are used to writing because even so, there will be the insight that can be used in your writing. Besides, today we have the internet at our disposal. Never dismiss Google Trends.

Talk to people who may know more about the subject than you do. This can help you come up with new or different angles to explore. In other words, tap into the wisdom of the elders.

3. Take a break

It's basic, but we didn't. Sometimes we are exhausted, but we continue to produce, either because of tight deadlines or the anxiety of generating and delivering some content. However, you've heard your mother say more than once: "everything that is too much is bad". And so it is with all things.

When you feel that the boredom is greater than the joy of writing or producing, it's time to stop. In other words, why not put on some sneakers and go for a walk? In addition to the benefit of physical activity for your health and brain.

It can also be that moment to stretch and take the opportunity to go to the kitchen to make a fresh coffee. It is the opportunity to exercise creative leisure, an expression created by the Italian sociologist Domenico de Masi. The equation between work, study, and rest fosters creativity.

4. Try free writing

You didn't read it wrong, that's exactly what it says: try free writing. That is, for about 10 or 15 minutes, without stopping, write down all the thoughts that come to mind. As well as the random but necessary one of commenting and sharing this text with all your friends who suffer from writer's block.

This type of exercise can help you discover new ideas or find solutions to your writer's block. I confess that I don't usually do this, but after a few moments, I already opened Google Docs and started writing randomly. When I saw the ideas falling into place and after some tweaks here and there, the text was ready.

Now it's your turn

Tell me, if you can, what did you think of the strategies presented above? Even commenting is a good exercise to sharpen your ideas.

I admit that if I had to choose only two topics, I would bet on the first and second, respectively. Because brainstorming will also help you in the north of what to search for. The second item.

The fact is that I still haven't met anyone who hasn't suffered from writer's block, no matter how small. So, don't beat yourself up because this is not just your privilege. Now it's your turn, tell me what you usually do to get away from this little setback. The comments section is completely yours.

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: The power of writing to transform your life

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