Few content marketers ever escape the perils of writer’s block (so dramatic!). Many writers experienced dreaded writer’s block regularly. The reality is that even some of the most successful, high profile marketers find themselves facing writer’s block with some degree of regularity. In its worst forms, “creative constipation” can result in lousy, boring blog content – or maybe no content at all. But! Have no fear, you don’t have to sit passively by and hope writer’s block will pass on its own. There are some useful strategies you can use to combat it and break the block… Or break your creative constipation.
Engage in Another Creative Activity
A strategy that can be used to overcome writer’s block is to move away from the writing project, and writing altogether, and engage in some other type of creative pursuit, according to Writer’s Digest. This can include any other type of creative activity, including painting, photography, or even something like scrapbooking if that’s your jam. Think of it like taking a break, switching to another type of creative project ends up clearing your mind, and once that’s done, you’ll able to pick up and write effectively again.
From a personal standpoint, I find this always works. I put my time and effort into something else for like two or three hours and then come back to writing or curating content. Sometimes all you need is to focus on something else. For example, I made this silly booklet about digital marketing and gifted it to my favorite industry people (sorry there’s a whole buttload of them still in my car waiting to go to the post office) .
Go Outside
If you’re not the creative type and you don’t like doing things with that part of your brain (I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems, but this ain’t one), go outside. Walk around. Get a chance of scenery. When you come back to your desk, guaranteed you’ll feel more refreshed and ready to tackle your writing.
Write in the Early Morning
Many writers say they can overcome writer’s block by waking up very early, between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. A person’s brain is still in what is known as Theta mode at that time, the state experienced when dreaming, according to Harvard Medical School. Even though that is super early, give it a shot. I go to bed around that time and am usually more productive when it’s closer to 4 am.
Smart Substances
Sometimes writer’s block is the result of what might best be called “brain fatigue”, or when it comes to creative constipation, a better term might be “brain fart”. The brain is an organ and like any other organs in our bodies, it can tire out. Some people find that taking certain supplements can provide a mental boost. Increased focus and cognition may just break the block. If you’re into supplements (and I’m not talking vitamins or protein powder) read on. If not skip this.
There are a number of supplements on the market today that contain nootropics. According to Nootropic Geek, nootropics are “substances that enhance brain health and/or cognitive functions such as memory, focus, processing speed, mental clarity, etc.” If you choose to go down this route, make sure you obtain nootropics from a reputable vendor, not all of these substances are created equal. They could be as harmless as vitamins or caffeine, or as controversial as psychostimulants like Ritalin.
(It’s surprising but I know some digital marketing pros who actually take Adderall to help them focus. I’m not condoning this behaviour or suggesting you take Adderall or any substance, but I’ve always wondered if it actually works.)
What do you do to stop writer’s block?
You might find one of these strategies works best for you, or you do something completely different. Have a tip for those who are suffering from writer’s block? Let me know!
If you’re having trouble, partner with me to see a new level of results from your marketing efforts.