The Last Resort for Breaking Through Writer’s Block

Whats in this story

I’ll admit it — it took me some time to start writing this post…

On a regular basis, I write something close to 2,000 words a day at work, another 2,000 at home for my book and then use whatever time I have left for other creative projects. I’ve self-published five novels in 12 months, on top of working 60 hour days. I’m not an unproductive person.

But, for me, just like for anyone else, there will always be times when the creativity just doesn’t flow. When I just can’t seem to break past the gray barriers of boredom and motivate myself to finish a project.

It’s tough. It feels awful and sometimes you may be convinced that writer’s block might actually drive you insane. But, it’s okay. No one stays motivated every single day of their life. Sometimes the brain needs a break.

And when all your other tricks for beating the block fall short, there is a simple solution to finally breaking through the fog — a renewed perspective.

So what does that mean? I’ll use my writing as an example, because that’s what I know best (at least creatively) I’ll be chugging along on a novel and then, all at once, I find myself stuck. As a matter of fact, I’m in that (infuriating) situation right now. I started writing a crime novel and outlined the entire book. But I haven’t increased the word count at all this week because I’m not motivated to write. The characters are flat, the task seems daunting and slightly overwhelming— there are plenty of reasons I could list off for why I’m not moving forward on the project.

But then I push myself to think of it in a different way, from a new perspective. I start by reminding myself that this isn’t a chore I need to check off the list. It’s more important than that. It’s, quite literally, how I work through emotions. It’s my attempt at providing the world a story to read and connecting with people through written word.

And then just like that, I’m off to the races.

You can apply this to any project. Maybe it’s not necessarily creative, and it’s a side hustle startup that you think can change the world. If you fall tired of working on it, just remember that it’s bigger than you. It’s not just a task to finish for a paycheck. It’s something you’re contributing to society, a tangible thing to add to your legacy.

Remember your passion for your project. You started it for a reason, didn’t you? Remind yourself of that reason and let it wash over you. Let that passion become your source of inspiration. Did you start this project to work through some difficult emotions or to express yourself creatively? Did you want to prove something yourself? Did you want to help people?

It’s not going to be easy, I know. I’ve sat around for days, staring at the screen, trying to wring out just an ounce of creativity and finding that I am just not motivated to get moving on my new project.

But if you just think of the reasons you started, I’m certain that in no time, you’ll find yourself itching to finish.