I consistently write 8-12 monthly blogs for clients, but I still suffer from writer’s block. 

Wait – how can this be? 

I stopped posting on social media, my personal writing blog, and my business blog in February. It’s May. What just happened? 

As a creator, I’m constantly producing. Lately, producing for others has left me with no gas in the tank to create for myself. I had a massive case of creative block, which led me to fall off the wagon of doing the things I love. I love my work, but I also missed the spark of creating for myself. 

With a background in marketing and an obsession with personal development, I knew the steps out of writer’s block, but I procrastinated on giving the push that led to momentum. Once I’m in a routine, I show up consistently. Between moving and a few other life changes, my routine got kiboshed. Here’s what I do to break through writer’s block, tap into more creative energy, and still leave room in the tank. 

How To Beat Writer’s Block

Writer’s block can be frustrating. The good news is there are many strategies to overcome it and get back into the creative flow. The key is to find what works best for you, as everyone’s process is unique. These are my top tips to help you break through writer’s block and reignite your creativity.

Refresh your space or change your environment.

There’s something to be said about a cluttered space lending to a cluttered mind. I don’t feel the flow when surrounded by yesterday’s granola bar wrappers, cords from different devices, books, and other things scattered around my desk. Studies have shown that a cluttered environment increases stress.

Take 10 minutes a day, and a little longer once a week, to refresh your writing space. Clean up the six water cups (unless that’s only a me problem), add some greenery, and make it a place you’re excited to work in.

Another motivation boost can come from changing your environment. Sitting at a local coffee shop or pub with your headphones in may inspire new ways of thinking or help you get in the flow when you’ve been feeling stuck in the same old space.

Listen to the right music.

What music gets you in a flow state? For some, it’s:

  • EDM
  • Swing jazz
  • Classical vibes
  • Soft indie
  • Chill folk

The list goes on! I’ve noticed that music without words is the best for my flow state, so I don’t get distracted. I was introduced to this sweet playlist on Spotify called Read more, Write more. Here’s the link if you want to check it out!

Get rid of distractions.

As I write this article, I’m epically failing at eliminating distractions. I’ve been coordinating a listing shoot, texting with my best friend, and occasionally doom-scrolling on Instagram. When I work on blog articles for clients, I know there’s a dollar amount assigned, which motivates me to focus. I get it done faster with more inspiration along the way.

First, let’s throw your phone out the window. OK, maybe that’s not the best idea. But I highly recommend putting it in another room or out of reach on Do Not Disturb. Even when I have my phone on DND but can see it, old habits kick in to check my texts, emails, or DMs.

To gameify my no-distractions time block, I enjoy using the Pomodoro method. It’s 25 minutes of pure focus, followed by a 5-minute break. The perfect amount of time to hit the bathroom, refill your coffee, and answer any important texts that can’t wait. There’s just something about working alongside a timer that makes me want to “beat it” and stick to the intention.

Brain dump for 30 minutes.

I nerd out over Grammar. I have the Grammarly plug-in and everything. However, when I see a little red line pop up, it takes me out of flow state because I’m fixated on the nitty gritty.

Allowing yourself a brain dump for 30 minutes before tackling the editing process can help you get unstuck. Write without fear or judgment, and know that nobody has to read your first draft. Nobody has to read your final draft. This can be just for you. Getting it out can help you get unstuck and uncover the work you really care about.

Find a routine that works for you.

When are you the most creative and least distracted? There is no magic hour for writing. Here are a few different things to try and see what works for you.

Have a set routine: At the same time, every single day, no matter what. Make it a personal non-negotiable in your calendar to sit down and write. This could be a 30-minute or hour block. And here’s the kicker: you can sit there for an entire hour and come out with a blank page. Some days, you may notice that it flows easily, and you’re productive for the entire time block. Others may bring nothing but frustration. The key is sticking to this habit so that you don’t keep pushing off your intention to write because it can be easy to go months without a word if you keep avoiding it because you “don’t feel like writing.” Consistency will help train your brain for writing at that time.

Create a pre-writing ritual: We need to prime our brains for the task at hand. What ritual could get you settled into a writer’s headspace? For me, it’s making a cup of coffee, reading whatever personal development book I’ve picked up for 15 minutes, and putting on music.

Set themed days: When you’re focusing on perfect writing, it can deter you from even starting. Your writing process can be broken down into pieces that can make it more manageable. Try assigning specific writing tasks to different days. For example, dedicate Mondays to brainstorming, Tuesdays to drafting, and Wednesdays to editing.

Writer’s block is inevitable. You may write absolute garbage that shouldn’t see the light of day for six months straight. It’s falling in love with the process and staying committed that supports your identity as a writer. Embrace the challenges and trust that consistency will lead to breakthroughs. Remember, every great writer has faced writer’s block, but their dedication and resilience have set them apart. Keep writing, and let your passion guide you through the blocks to uncover the stories waiting within you.

My favourite quote for entrepreneurs is, “Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” If writing isn’t your thing and you’d rather pass off your blogs or web content to make time to do what you love, contact me to set up a copy consultation.

Do you have any extra tips to help overcome writer’s block? What would you like to incorporate into your routine to write more? Share your ideas with readers in the comments below.