Writing has always come easily for me. I remember back in first grade when I learned how to write. I had a small notebook where I would write stories about a teddy bear that always killed his other animal friends. I know, I know, I was a twisted child, what can you do?
Letting your writing flow is not always easy. A slow flow is something that plagues a lot of people. It most likely stops you from creating more content and progressing at a much higher rate. What if you could write just one more article per day? You could start another blog. You could send it in as a guest post. Imagine the extra exposure.
4 Restrictive Reasons for Writer’s Block
There are many reasons we sit and stare at a blank sheet of virtual paper. In my own life the biggest reasons are:
1. Perfectionism. We all have to start somewhere. One of my biggest obstacles is perfectionism, which haunts me all the time. It’s constantly in the back of my mind. I see it as a friend who needs a couch to sleep on. Keep on writing and make mistakes with confidence, there’s nothing more to be done.
2. Fear. This is a huge topic, because it covers so many fears. Fear of rejection. Fear of the unknown. Fear of fear. The list goes on. The thoughts running through your mind have their place, but you do not have to listen to them all the time. Allow them to move on and release your fears.
3. Trust. Do you think you can provide value? Do you trust yourself? When youíre writing about something youíre passionate about and you know you can provide value, trust usually comes naturally. If not, write enough and trust will follow.
4. State. Your emotional state is more important than you think. If you’re tense and anxious, you are essentially blocking the flow of energy in your body. This will have a significant impact on your writing.
Being Aware
Just taking a deep breath, looking around and thinking about the things you are grateful for can dramatically alter your emotional state. It’s easy to get bogged down on what is bothering us, so we have to remind ourselves about the good things in life.
I have noticed that when I go through or even write down a list of things I am grateful for, my energy shifts, things start to flow and everything comes together. If you have a lot going on in your head, write things down, clarify your goals and release them all by taking a few deep breaths.
8 Ways to Destroy Writer’s Block
Completely eliminating writer’s block can be done in many ways, but I’ve come up with a few tricks of my own. I’ve written close to one million words this year. I’m an article marketer, so I’ve written several thousand articles. Here are a few of my own personal ways to eliminate writer’s block from the inside out:
1. Gratitude. As I said above, gratitude is a powerful tool to raise your state and get your ideas flowing again. When we are in a positive mental state, we get more done, we have a greater impact on others and our writing kicks ass.
2. Meditation. Many are afraid of meditation. It is nothing more than focusing on one thing at a time. You can meditate while doing the dishes. You can also meditate while sitting down and focusing on your breath. It allows you to reset your brain. It is also a great tool for inspiration and healing.
3. Walking. If you haven’t tried walking when you’re stuck, you have to! Walking in nature grounds you and brings you back to your roots. Just walk, breathe and relax. It’s a kind of walking meditation. Let your mind rest and focus on your body as you walk. When you come back, you will be refreshed and you most likely will have one or several ideas waiting to come out.
4. Kindness. Do something nice to someone. Hug your mother. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Be with your pet. Help an old person. Give a homeless person food. Smile at everyone you meet. Say hi to everyone. Kindness opens your heart and unleashes your creativity.
5. Video. Youtube has thousands upon thousands of inspirational and funny videos that will lift your spirit and give you inspiration for new ideas. Sometimes looking at something that has already been done will allow you to fill in the gaps.
6. Reading. Do you have a favorite book that always seems to improve your mood? Or just something that inspires you? One of my favorites is the Power of Now. It has had a profound impact on my life and how I write.
7. Being present. Being in the now, breathing and enjoying what is will improve and energize your writing. It is as if you’ve put lightning into your prose. It jumps out of the page and comes to life. It energizes the souls reading it and enlightens those that least expect it.
8. Being you. In the end, it all comes down to being you. It takes a lot of energy to try and emulate someone else, even in your writing. Write from your heart and just let your fingers flow across your keyboard. You’ll be surprised at the results if you keep at it.
