Whether you are writing a paper for school, working on an important document for work, or even working on a personal writing project, you know that writer’s block is no joke. Writing takes a lot of time, focus, and brainpower. So what do we do when our motivation seems to be running on empty and we have a deadline that cannot be ignored? We find balance, in whatever way we can. As a graduate student and a writing tutor, I often experience first-hand the challenges that come with feeling stuck in your writing. So here are 4 tips to staying motivated and breaking through writer’s block.
Don’t Start at the Beginning
There is no rule that says you have to write the introduction first. After all, it can be hard to introduce something if you are not quite sure what it is that you are introducing. When you begin writing, consider starting in the middle and write the substance of your work first. Sometimes it is best to save your introduction for last, after you’ve gotten all of your main ideas written out.
Choose a Topic that Interests You
We are not always able to choose the subject that we are writing about, but there is usually always a way to tailor that subject to a topic that interests you. It is much easier to conduct research and write about a topic when it is something that you genuinely want to learn more about, and your reader will be able to tell a difference between writing for obligation and writing from a place of passion.
Look for Inspiration in Other Works
When you are feeling stuck and your imagination is running low, look to other writers and works that you admire for guidance. If you have to write a poem, study the poetry of past and present poets to determine what style you feel best suits your writing. Sometimes reading work that inspires you can be exactly what you need to boost your imagination and begin writing from a place of genuine excitement.
Give Yourself a Break
I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but if you do not expect your car to run on empty then you cannot expect your body and mind to do so, either. Scheduling some time to take a break each day can help your mind rest so that you can come back to your work feeling refreshed. Try it in steps by giving yourself thirty minutes to write and then a ten-minute break. You can alter the times to work best with your schedule as long as you do something to free your mind. Consider taking a walk, watching a funny video, listening to some music, or calling a friend. Just give yourself time to think about anything other than your writing.
Writer’s Block can be seriously frustrating but, as tempting as procrastinating can be, if you give yourself enough time to work through these steps then you will be on your way to finishing that writing project in no time. Happy writing!