Dear writer,
Have you ever noticed that when you Google “best tips to overcome writer’s block”, the results are more or less always the same? Things like:
- Freewrite for 5 minutes
- Use the Pomodoro technique
- Work on your outline
- Get to know your characters better
- Use writing prompts
- Write in a new environment
- Do more research to spark new ideas
- Create a writing routine
- Break up your goals/tasks into smaller tasks
- Make a plan/a to-do list
- Set a deadline
- Create a reward system
- Go for a walk/meditate/cook/paint (in short: give your mind a break)
- Etc.
And while all these tips can be useful, they all share the same flaw:
They’re way too generic!
Writer’s block (and its favorite companion: Sister Procrastination!) has many specific causes. Causes that run far deeper than what a Pomodoro timer could ever fix!
It’s an internal block (duh, it’s in the name! 😅), a resistance that sets up camp in our minds, in a conscious or unconscious way. One that needs to be explored before we can move forward…
Writer’s block tips alone aren’t enough
You could read all the anti-procrastination and writer’s block hacks in the world, but if deep down, there’s a part of you that has decided to rebel against writing, you won’t be able to apply that advice.
Think about it: what good would a deadline, timer, or better outline do if you can’t even bring yourself to sit in front of your computer and write?
At best, you’ll just work on your outline or character sheets again (for the 37th time). Which, sure, can be necessary. But it won’t get words on the page…
At worst, you’ll just put more pressure on yourself, which will lead to even greater internal resistance from your inner rebel!
Most mainstream “writer’s block tips” only work once you’re already able to take action. They help you build momentum and keep going. But if you can’t even sit down and write, they’re pretty useless.
What actually helps with writer’s block?
So, all is lost?
Of course not!
This is exactly where mindset work can help 😀
You need to dig deeper, go below the surface to uncover the source of the resistance.
- What is it linked to?
- Where else does it show up?
- What is it trying to tell you?
- How can you soothe it, so it will stop getting in the way of your progress?
Try journaling or talking to a friend about it.
And if the resistance is really deep, or has been lasting for months, you might want to look for more professional help…
This is where I come in 😊
How mindset coaching helps writers overcome writer’s block
As a mindset coach for writers (and an author myself), I know how frustrating it can be to have a book in your heart, along with a burning desire to write it, and yet be incapable of putting your butt in the chair to actually do it. No matter how hard you try.
Talk about self-sabotage! 😅🙈
But this internal conflict is something we can work on during our coaching sessions. We’ll explore the source of the conflict to see what’s behind it and how you can either fix it or work around it. So you can finally start writing again with more confidence, less self-sabotage, and more consistency.
If you’d like to talk about how we could work together, don’t hesitate to book a free call.
Until next time, my friend, write on! 😃
Emily
