We all get stuck…call it Writer’s Block…call it Lack of Motivation...call it whatever you want, but it is that big blank spot that happens when there is something you need to write or do or someone you need to contact and, well, you aren't. The point is moving from not writing it, doing it or connecting to completion/conclusion/achievement. Here are a few ideas that might help:
- Move away from where you usually work. Change your environment and often your thoughts will change. Talk a walk around the block. Go to the park. Go to your local coffee house. Go to the library.
- Talk with friends, colleagues, family, who are supportive and share your thoughts with them. Ask for feedback and ideas. You will be amazed how this will spark creativity. The pros call them focus groups. Form your own.
- Listen to music you love and let it unwind the snarls so your mind gets to that peaceful place. Sometimes letting go gives you the freedom to concentrate.
- Use "top of mind awareness" -- in this case it means to have a pad or piece of paper in front of you and write down the first thing that comes to you. It may work and it may not, but keep going. You will make the connection.
- Keep a set of colored pencils and write your thoughts in different colors.
- Chart your thoughts...Write one word that describes your goal/idea/need/. Circle it and draw a line out from it. Write the next thought next to that line and circle it. Draw another line from the center circle. Write the next thought next to that line and circle it. So on and so on. You may be thunderstruck at what happens when you chart your thoughts this way.
Do something you don't normally do...try a new board game; go to a new restaurant; go on a one-day trip, etc. It doesn't really matter what the new thing is that you do -- it will give you a new view and that often leads to new thoughts.
Shakespeare's Sonnet 38 invokes the Tenth Muse:
"How can my Muse want subject to invent,
While thou dost breathe, that pour'st into my verse
Thine own sweet argument?"
The point here...create your own Muse and have fun doing it.
