How to Overcome Writer’s Block as a Blogger

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If you’ve been blogging for any amount of time, you’ve likely experienced writer’s block.

I remember the excitement as a new blogger – how I couldn’t wait to write every single thing that was on my heart.

You likely have so many thoughts swarming around in your head that it can sometimes be overwhelming, and you might end up not writing anything at all.

I want to give you three actionable steps you can take to overcome writer’s block, but first…let’s talk answer the question “What is writer’s block exactly?”.

Writer’s Block Definition

Writer’s Block is known as the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing.

It’s that cloudy, foggy feeling that keeps us from creating with intention and purpose, and it can be difficult to overcome (especially if you’re not in the right mindset).

What Causes Writer’s Block?

There are several reasons you might be experiencing writer’s block. Here are the most common:

1. Your passion for a particular topic or subject (or even writing itself) has fizzled out.
2. You’re getting distracted by all sorts of things (kids, social media, election news, etc). 2020, anyone?!
3. You use distractions and other obligations as excuses to justify not taking the time to write.
4. You don’t set aside time to write. (schedule)

Writer’s Block Help: Exercises to Overcome the Mental Roadblocks

There are three things I like to do when I sense a wall between my brain and my blog.

Side Note: If you’d like to learn how to start a blog, I’ve put together a tutorial along with a video walk-through of how to get started blogging.

1. Start a Journal

Journals aren’t just for teenage girls anymore. The days of writing in a diary with a lock and key are long-gone, and journaling for personal and professional growth are paramount to overcoming writer’s block.

You can start your day with prayer and meditation along with journaling for 15-20 minutes.

When you do this every single day, you can uncover thoughts deeply hidden in your subconscious.

You might find undiscovered talent or passions, knowledge, ideas, and inspiration for writing on your blog or in your business.

The key is to write something – anything – every single day for 15-20 minutes.

As an added suggestion, I recommend listening to audiobooks or podcasts that motivate and encourage positive mindset and growth. Some of my favorites include:

• The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: Why Now is the Time to #JointheRide
• The 4-Hour Workweek
• The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

2. Minimize Distractions

When you’re writing, you must have complete, uninterrupted focus for at least 20-minute intervals. Take a break every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes, but here’s how to minimize distractions.

1. Put your phone in airplane mode. I’m serious, y’all. I have to do this when I’m filming for my YouTube channel, and it works! You miss 100% of the calls that don’t come through when your phone is on airplane mode! You can call and text them back!
2. Turn off social media notifications on your computer (and your phone if you refuse to take my #1 advice above). Get rid of popups and messenger notifications. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will all be there when you’re finished writing!
3. Lock yourself in your bedroom. Tell your husband and kids that you love them,but you will be unavailable unless someone is lying on the floor bleeding out (just kidding…or am I???). I may have used that line once or twice!

3. Create and Follow a Content Calendar

This tip is absolutely crucial to overcoming writer’s block as a blogger. Most of the time, when I experience a mental block, it’s because I’m not super excited about that day’s topic.

Because I have a content calendar full of topic ideas, I can move things around and write about something different if I just can’t get “unstuck”.

If you’re experiencing a perfection hangover, where you over-analyze everything and get nothing done, it’s time to release the perfectionism and embrace that which you’ve been called to do.

But Melissa, I don’t know what I’m supposed to be writing about! If this is you, and you’re struggling to find your voice, please feel free to schedule a strategy session!

We’ll uncover your strengths and gather ideas so that your well isn’t drying up! You should be excited about what you’re writing about. If you aren’t in love with it, it’s probably doing yourself and your readers a disservice.

Think of writer’s block as a hurdle to your business’s success. Once you get over the hurdle, your cup will overflow with content ideas that you won’t be able to keep up!

If you’re interested in starting your own blog, check out my free tutorial here.