5 Tips for Beating Writers Block for the Better of your Business
If you’re a business owner chances are you wear many hats. You’re the backbone, the morale, the marketer, the restocker, the distributor, the brain. All of these roles you take on pull your brain in 8 directions at the same time, it’s probably hard to focus right? Or make decisions?
When it gets to the stage of your work where it's time to sit down and come up with cool blog ideas and develop your social strategy, it’s understandable that your brain may begin to feel like mush. You’re likely stuck in a creative rut! It happens to the best of us, really. Let’s break down what the pros do to make sure their creative juices keep flowing and how you can do the same!
Start With Brainstorming
The first step of beating writer's block sounds the most obvious. Brainstorm. This can be done either by yourself- or with a team! Write out keywords or phrases related to your business on sticky notes and stick them around the room so that everyone can see and be inspired. Then, let the creativity flow! Let ideas fly without judgment or criticism. Keep in mind the goal here is quantity over quality so don’t worry if some of your ideas don’t make complete sense yet. You can weed out the “bad” ones later once all of your options are on the table!
Take a Break
Taking breaks does not make you unproductive. In fact, it’s the exact opposite! Sometimes all we need is a little break from our work in order to reignite our brains and get those creative juices flowing again. Take a walk outside for some fresh air, do some stretches, STAND UP, or even watch an episode of your favorite show! Anything to help clear your mind from the noise and that encourages mental relaxation. After you’ve stepped away for a while come back with a fresh perspective and see if anything starts working for you!
Talk it Out
If all else fails, grab coffee (or tea!) with someone you trust and whose opinion you respect. A mentor or close friend would be great for this kind of exercise! Tell them all about what you want to write and feel like you can’t. Oftentimes simply talking it out loud can give us great insight into our own thought process- something that we might not have noticed about ourselves before. Play the devil’s advocate! Discuss different angles and topics related to your business that might spark inspiration for your writing project!
Write Even if it’s Bad
Believe it or not- even if you have writer's block there are still words and ideas locked in your brain. That’s why one of the very best ways to get over a block is to just write. Even if it’s bad. Even if the words on the page aren’t exactly what you mean to say. Just get all your thoughts out in the open! At that point, you can then go back and organize your writing, make edits, and maybe even feel inspired by yourself.
Eliminate Distractions
You’re trying to write and all you can think about is the clicking of your keyboard. The sound of the fan is too harsh, the TV is too loud, and there are people talking heavily in the room. GET OUT. Find someplace you can center your peace and express yourself. Your writer's block may actually be coming from the fact that your train of thought is forever interrupted, unable to process and complete what you want to say.
Don’t let writing feel like the most frustrating task in the world- there are always great ways around writer's block! Chances are, brainstorming or taking a break will do you more good than sitting in front of your laptop with a pout on your face! And if all else fails never be afraid to call in that lifeline (someone who knows you well), they might have your perfect idea waiting in their back pocket. Writer's block won’t stand a chance against your unstoppable creativity!
AUTHOR: Jacqueline DiPietro