There are few things more annoying than wanting to do a job and seeing time pass without writing a line. It's writer's block and we're going to overcome it. What is writer's block?
We've all been there: sitting in front of a blank document, with a mind as empty as the page in front of us. That annoying phenomenon is known as "writer's block", and although it may seem like an impossible monster to overcome, there are ways to fight it and get back on track towards productivity. At
eTítulo we also know how frustrating it can be, and that's why we've gathered some tips to help us overcome it.
Identifying the cause of writer's block
The first step to overcoming writer's block is understanding why it's happening. Are we tired? Stressed? Or simply unmotivated? Once we identify the cause (or causes), we can address it and implement strategies to overcome such a state of unproductiveness. A good night's rest can solve the problem if we're exhausted, and a brief meditation can help release tension if stress is the cause. And what about when we're unmotivated? It's true that regaining motivation is not as simple as taking a nap or sitting in a lotus position, but it can also be achieved. We have to remember our goals, what has brought us here, and what we want for our future. Reading
this post about motivation will also help us.
Breaking the task into smaller parts
Sometimes, a university assignment can seem like an insurmountable mountain. The size of the work alone is enough to discourage us. In these cases, it can be useful to divide the task into smaller parts. Start with the introduction, then move on to the first point, and so on. This allows us to focus on one segment at a time and can make the project seem less overwhelming.
Changing the environment
Changing the environment in which we are working can also help overcome writer's block. If we usually work in our room, we could try the library or a local café. A new environment can provide a fresh perspective and help us break the stagnation.
Establishing a writing routine eliminates writer's block
Establishing a routine for writing can be an excellent way to combat writer's block. Committing to writing for a certain period of time each day, or completing a certain number of words, can help us create habits and make writing a constant practice. If we maintain a consistent writing schedule, we will be less likely to be intimidated by the blank page. Something that can work is choosing a time of day when we feel most creative and productive, whether it's early in the morning or late at night. The important thing is to find that time slot that fits our needs and becomes an ally rather than a barrier. But how am I going to write if I have writer's block? Easy, while nothing comes out about the topic of the work, we will write about other things (we can even write about the writer's block itself that we feel). The important thing is to acquire the habit so that little by little we get used to it.
Taking a break
Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer's block is simply to take a break. It doesn't matter if we decide to take a walk outdoors, exercise, or just have a coffee while enjoying a pleasant conversation with friends. Changing activities can refresh our mind and allow us to resume work with a new perspective. It's like pressing the reset button in our brain, giving it the opportunity to recharge and gather new ideas that could solve the blockage. And most importantly, we should not feel guilty about taking this time. After all, to write effectively, we need a clear and active mind.
Not fearing the blank page
The fear of the blank page, that dreaded enemy lurking in every new empty Word document or pristine sheet of paper. It is the visual representation of our mind when it seems that all ideas have decided to abandon us just when we need them the most. But why is it so paralyzing? On the one hand, the blank page confronts us with our own expectations. When we sit in front of it, we often already have an ideal version in mind of what we want to write, and we are afraid of not being able to capture it as we imagine it. In addition, the blank page is also a reminder of the commitment we have made. Once we start writing, we are committed to our ideas and our project. And, although it may seem that the blank page is an opportunity to start from scratch, it can also be seen as a reminder of all the work that still lies ahead. But, despite all the fear and anxiety it can provoke, the blank page also offers a unique opportunity: it is a space of infinite possibilities where our ideas can take any shape we desire. It is an unexplored territory in which we are free to experiment and create. Therefore, although the blank page may seem like our worst enemy, we should embrace it and see it for what it really is: a blank canvas waiting to be filled with our words and ideas. And this is where we come back to the importance of establishing a writing routine. By regularly facing the blank page, we will gradually reduce that initial fear and learn to appreciate the infinite possibilities it offers. So the next time we find ourselves face to face with the blank page, instead of letting fear paralyze us, let's remember that every great work begins with a single word.
Seeking inspiration
If we feel blocked, seeking inspiration can be an excellent way to overcome stagnation. This doesn't mean we have to look for a magic solution, but rather open our minds to new possibilities. We can read a book we like, research the topic in academic journals, blogs, or any trusted source. Even watching a movie or documentary related to the topic can help stimulate our ideas. Talking to friends, mentors, or professors about the project can also be a great way to find inspiration. Sometimes, a conversation can provide us with a fresh perspective or a completely different viewpoint that we hadn't considered. Another way to seek inspiration is through free writing. We can take a notebook and write down everything that comes to mind, without worrying about grammar or coherence. The goal is to let the ideas flow, and we may be surprised by the connections and solutions that arise when we allow ourselves to think freely. In summary, writer's block is not a sign that we have run out of ideas, but an opportunity to explore new ways of finding them.
