Get Unstuck in your Process
Feeling stuck in your writing process or creative project and need a block-buster? We all get stuck sometimes. We can’t move forward, we don’t know the next step, we want to give up... This is TOTALLY NORMAL. It’s something every writer or creator experiences! This quick-fix guide will help rescue you from overwhelm when you need a little help. Keep this on hand for emergencies and remember that you are right where you are meant to be and everything is working out.
The “Unfreeze” Formula
You can write these answers down or say them out loud to a trusted friend or coach.
1. Ask yourself “Has this happened before?”
2. If so, what worked in the past to overcome this block?
3. Can you try that again?
4. What else do you think might work?
*If you haven’t experienced this exact challenge, is there anything else that has felt similar? What helped you to work through it? Even if you haven’t experienced anything like this before what do you THINK might work? You don’t have to answer the question immediately. You can let it just exist for now, and see what comes to you later.
The 5-Minute Method
Set a timer for 5 minutes:
ON: Work on your project for 5 minutes.
OFF: Take a 5-minute break with a small reward.
ON: Work on your project for 5 minutes.
REPEAT until you have built enough momentum to work longer.
Already have a reward system and still have writer’s block? Binge on rewards. Have two ice cream sundaes, or play your Scrabble app for two hours straight. After that, you’ll probably be dying to do something productive.
Parallel Universe Time
Schedule time to work alongside someone else. This can be done via Zoom or in-person. No one has to share progress. It’s just holding space for each of you to work.
Parallel Universe Time is offered regularly through Creating Alchemy. You can message me HERE and I’ll make sure you know about our next session! This is a low-pressure way to get work done immediately with little to no prep time.
Releasing
Categorize tasks into what you are capable of doing vs. what you can release to the universe.
What I can contribute:
What the universe will do to help:
Asking “What If…”
Ask yourself these questions:
What if this was simple? What is the simplest form in which this could be done?
What if this was fun? How can I make this more enjoyable?
What if I told myself this was easy? How does that feel?
Brain Dump
Getting a long “to-do” list out of your head and onto paper can be a great way to immediately feel more in control of an overwhelming situation. You can download my “Better To Do List” HERE.
Use Your Five Senses
Listen to weird music. Go to a bakery and inhale. Put your hands on a pineapple. Eat something crunchy, tart, or textured. Watch a movie or TV show you haven’t seen, or better yet, go sit somewhere new and watch the people who go by. Really watch, and make up their stories as you do.
Tap Into Your Inner Child
Grab a jump rope, go rollerskating or bowling, color, play with stickers, get crafty with glue sticks and paper, Or do something you’ve never done that kids do: play paintball, or laser tag, do a funny dance, or, if you can recruit some teammates, kickball or capture the flag. Okay, fine—videogames count, but don’t get sucked in. Sporty games are best because the resulting endorphin boost can get you in a better writing mood, but picking an unusual activity of any kind can help your imagination move into spaces you wouldn’t have expected.
When All Else Fails…
Take a break or a nap. Make lists of inspiring ideas. Read lists of inspiring ideas. Freewrite until a good idea comes along. Stare at a wall (or preferably, nature). And there’s always coffee. Read a book, especially a book for writers or creatives. Here are a few of my favorites:
THE ARTIST’S WAY, by Julia Cameron
BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR, by Elizabeth Gilbert
STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST, by Austin Kleon
KEEP GOING: 10 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD, by Austin Kleon
ONE SMALL STEP CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE: THE KAIZEN WAY, by Robert Maurer Ph.D.
There’s no surefire way of beating writer’s or creative block, but by being creative in your approach to brain drain, you’ll get your brain back on track!
