Handling Writer's Block

In sports and artistry, it's called "being in the zone". It's when you feel super good about what you are doing, when things flow easily, when you feel one with what you are doing. Most of us have felt this feeling every once in a while and understand what it's about. That's why it can be so frustrating when you hit the opposite end of the spectrum - hitting a Writer's Block.

The key with getting to the zone is that your body and brain are reacting to a well known environment. A zone experience isn't when a first-time tennis player steps on the court. It's when an experienced tennis player, who has played for years, connects innately with all of that experience and knowledge. The same is true for writing. You need to practice. The more you practice at writing, the easier it will get, and the more that words will flow from your fingers in a true, joyful fun rush.

But how do you write when you feel stuck? The key is to just write ANYTHING. Write a diary entry for the day. Write your list of dreams. Write about your ideal vacation. Write about your favorite pet. Write what you'd like to be doing in 20 years. Write, write, write. It may not be on topic at all for what your current goal is. But you're "oiling" your brain, getting the little gears in there to run. You're stringing together words and sentences and ideas. If you make time each day to write, it will get easier each day. You'll reuse old thoughts in a new fashion. Sometimes a series of unrelated ideas will suddenly spring together and become a new, fantastic idea.

Above all, don't feel stuck. Just think outside the box. Write in a new direction. You'll find that the gears will unstick, and that you'll start moving forward again. Who knows, you might find an entirely new direction which becomes incredibly successful for you!

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