Writers know all too well that dreaded delay. When you sit down to write all the words in your head, you can’t pull together one grammatically sound sentence. Or you can’t sit still long enough to write anything. Writer’s block and writer’s procrastination are two very different things, yet both result in minimal progress, frustration, and anxiety.
Writer’s block is a psychological inhibition condition primarily associated with writing, with an author being unable to produce new or unique work at a pace or at all for some time. It is temporary and often caused by events unrelated to writing. Overcoming writer’s block includes conquering self-doubt and knowing that hard work will pay off. A blocked writer has the discipline to stay put, yet cannot write. They are emotionally stuck, yearning for inspiration, waiting for rescue by a torrent of words.
Writers procrastination, on the other hand, is a phenomenon where a writer unnecessarily postpones writing something, such as a book. It’s a common issue among writers and is a form of self-sabotage, caused by overwhelming, boring, or difficult work. Overcoming it begins with understanding why you procrastinate, developing different habits, setting realistic goals, and rewarding yourself for progress made. A writer procrastinator cannot sit down unless by force (deadline). They purposefully put off important deadlines of personal value to focus on lesser tasks, often rushing in the end to meet the important deadline. They perform best under pressure.
Whether you are a blocked writer or a writer procrastinator, there are some suggestions to keep you moving beyond those barriers to get the words flowing. When all else fails, you may just need an interruption. Embrace the opportunity and make the most of the time out.
Get moving.
Take a walk or go for a run. Take the patient dogs lying at your feet for a walk. Get outside and breathe in some fresh air. A complete change of scenery can do wonders for your mindset. Some of the best ideas come when jogging down a tree-lined path in the sunlight. Just hold on to those thoughts until you can get back home to write them down!
Make a new to-do list.
Yes, we all have them and some of us even keep multiple lists. One for work, one for personal items, and one for school. Create a new list and re-prioritize what you want or need to accomplish today or this week. Be realistic with your available time and how much you can fit in.
Read positive quotes and affirmations.
Search online or pick up a good motivational quote book. Reading what others have to say is inspiring and can lift you up to where you need to be.
Engage in a simple task.
Choose something short and challenging like a small puzzle or search-a-word. Scratch lotto tickets are also fun if you can find the bingo or word game versions. The feeling of just accomplishing something will propel you forward into your writing task.
Read.
Escape into someone else’s story for a little while. Hearing a different voice or entering a different world may bring back the confidence you need to write your own story. It can serve as an “I can do this, too” motivator.
Accomplish a small task.
Clear out your email or the refrigerator. Choose something you can accomplish in 30 minutes or less. Make it something off of your to-do list so you can physically check it off as done. Set a time limit.
Revise your credentials.
Update your LinkedIn profile or resume. Reviewing your personal story makes you think about where you came from and where you want to go. Do you still want that 9-5 job, or do you want to be a freelance writer or famous author? Refine what you know about yourself and fine-tune your focus.
Sing and dance.
Belt out your new favorite tune by listening to the song or watching the music video. Dance. Make it three songs if you really get into it. Boosting endorphins improves mood and mindset.
Journal.
Write about what is really on your mind to ease your stress. What are you afraid of? Why do you feel this way? What do you think is holding you back?
Make a phone call.
Call your mother or a friend. Check-in and see how they are doing. Make a plan to meet up. Having an actual conversation with a person instead of sending messages boosts your mood. Plus you’ll have something to look forward to in the near future.
Whatever you select as your chosen “interruption”, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Everyone needs a break and it is good to take quick ones throughout the day. No one can easily sit still for hours on end staring at a screen. Baby steps!
When you do get back to the writing task at hand, make it a priority to focus and minimize distractions. Close all those browser windows and apps and put your phone out of reach. This way you won’t be tempted to check social media, messages, or the weather. It is a consistent and persistent cycle of focus and small breaks followed by rewards that will eventually result in a large completed task. In this case, hopefully, a well-drafted manuscript!
And don’t forget to reward yourself. A cappuccino, a freshly baked cookie, a pedicure, or a classic cocktail. Don’t deny yourself whatever it is that you like and feel you deserve after accomplishing whatever it is you set out to do today.
Later on, reflect and think about why you may be blocked or procrastinating. Is what you are attempting to write too complex? Are you feeling insecure about your ability to write the story? Is the writing work not personally pleasing to you because of a requirement? Identify and work through the challenge so you can face it head-on.