Writer’s block is one of those things that can make you regret ever getting into a medium. It can make you want to abandon entire projects and can make you feel frustration you’ve never felt before! Or at the very least, it can stress you out because it’s taking longer than you expected to complete a goal.
Here are some tips and tricks to get over a writer’s block (or any creative block):
Take a break from whatever is blocking you
There are many forms that this can take, but ultimately, you need to get out of whatever space you were in and get away from the project you’re working on. Even if you’re not working on the project, if you’re still in the same environment, it’s not enough! You need to get out of any space which reminds you that you’ve got Writer’s Block. Go for a walk. Hang out with friends, roommates, significant others, classmates – literally anyone who will be able to hold conversation and get your mind off your project. Meditate. Do some exercise / get your blood flowing. The purpose of taking a break is to clear your head. Allowing your mind to relax and think about other things means that you’re more refreshed and your creative juices should be flowing again by the time you get back to work.
Think about the bigger picture
Often with Writer’s Block you know how you want your creative project to end, it’s getting there that’s the issue. Whether you’re writing a story and you can’t figure out a chapter, but you know the overall plot you want to follow; or you’re a musician and you’re stuck on some element of your piece, but you know how you want your audience to feel after hearing it; this method can be helpful. By trying to focus on the bigger picture, two things can happen: Whatever you are Blocked on can suddenly fall into place by realising how you need it to fit in to the grander scheme of things You realise that what you’re Blocked on isn’t as vital as you thought, and by placing less pressure on it you become able to move past it.
Exercise your creative muscles
This is similar to the “taking a break” suggestion, although here we’re keeping a focus on being creative. If you’re a writer, write. If you’re a musician, make music. If you’re a painter, paint. Whatever the medium that you are Blocked in, use your skills to keep your creativity flowing, even if it is only partially. By constantly stimulating your creativity, you are allowing more opportunity for your “EUREKA!” moment.
Consume other art
Participating in the creativity of others can also be stimulating for your own. If you’re a writer, read something someone else wrote. If you’re a musician, listen to someone else’s music. Painter? Look at other paintings. By consuming art similar to what you’re trying to make, you form opinions and ideas which you can then use to inform your own art. And by exposing yourself to fresh ideas, you can prompt your creative juices to find a solution!
Ultimately, the best way to beat Writer’s Block is to take breaks from your project which will get you out of your own head, but won’t block off your creativity. And, when in doubt, there are always inspirational cat posters to keep you motivated!