If you haven’t experienced the dreaded writer’s block yet, we think you may need to check your pulse. Writer’s block is usually what happens when creative people such as yourself are too much “in their heads,” cutting off the creative process altogether. You’re thinking too much, agonizing over every word (or just that opening paragraph), or simply feel uninspired or unsure of yourself. We think one — or three — of these tips will break you out of that rut to let those creative juices start flowing again.
How to Deal with Writer’s Block
- Just start writing. This one works for most of us at one time or another. Just write, and don’t judge it. Even if it’s “This is the stupidest paragraph ever, and I have no idea how to start.” Outline your article and start where you feel moved to; it doesn’t need to be at the beginning. Fill in the details later.
- Take a break. Change your environment. If you write in the office, leave the office. Leave your house. Don’t even glance at your laptop.
- Do some research. One of our team members likes to look through related Facebook groups for things that members are having problems with, and it sparks ideas in her head about future articles and blog posts.
- Get out into nature. People who are garden communicators are passionate about nature, so let nature work its magic in you. Go out into the garden, take your lunch to a local park, go hiking. Anything to reconnect you to the source of your passion.
- Listen to music. Music that inspires you can often jumpstart your writing again. Doesn’t matter if it’s classical, jazz standards, rap, country, or current pop. Pick your favorite and turn it up. Dance if you feel moved to. It’s all about loosening up your mind and body.
- Accept imperfection. Every piece has a first or second draft, and they’re usually terrible. Accept those jumbled writings as part of your creative process, reframing to be proud of them rather than embarrassed.
- Try a writing prompt. The prompt can be about anything, not just gardening or your specific topic. Anything. The idea is to get your mind out of thinking mode and into creative mode.
- Ask for feedback. Are you on social media? Create a Facebook or Instagram post with something like, “I’m working on a project and would love input from my cold-weather gardening friends. What’s your go-to tip for XYZ?” Sometimes people will leave comments that will ignite an idea for an additional blog post as well as the specific topic you’re writing about. And if you’re stumped as to your topic in the first place? Ask, “I’m working on a project and would love to know your biggest pain point in gardening. Can be anything!” and then go from there.
- Clean up your workspace. It’s hard to work in chaos. Your brain will go to all the things you haven’t done yet, and the distractions will be endless. Take a few minutes to tidy up your desk, dust off the keyboard, and place some fresh flowers nearby. We defy you to claim it doesn’t make a difference.
- Meditate. When you quiet your mind through something like meditation, you allow space for ideas and thoughts to rise to the surface. You can use a guided meditation, or simply set a timer on your phone for 20 minutes and simply sit and be quiet. Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Let the monkey brain work its way out, and notice what comes up for you.
