Just a normal day in a writer’s life 🙃

Deadlines won’t extend. Time’s running by. My mind won’t help me think. And the blank document mercilessly stares at me. 😢

All I can think of at this time is “Why did I choose writing as my career?”

It can be overwhelming. But lucky me found a few ways to put my brain to work and help me fill those blank documents, prepare strategies, and avoid a creative block.

Or to be specific a “writer’s block” for us writers. But…

It’s not just writing, the mental block is the same with any task or workpiece where we need our brain to start thinking.

So, the next time you’re sitting there tensed, staring at your screen, and waiting for solutions to pop up in your mind…

Take a break

As ironic as it sounds, it works. Trust me, it does.

When we’re tooooooo focused to find solutions, even the most boring and unwanted things can be easy distractions. And the more we force it to think, the more difficult it gets.

At such times, give yourself a break. And yes, PLEASE time it. We don’t want a refresh break to be an endless saga of breaks. Right?

So yeah, time it and stay away from any screen for 5–10 minutes. Maybe even meditate. You’d be surprised how well it works.

But if you say, “Hey Zaki, I tried this man. It doesn’t work for me.”

Read

I read because I like to. But you can even watch. It’s your call. But consume content.

You can’t be always a creator. You’ve to balance creation with consumption.

If you create too much, you’ll burn out. If you only consume, well, you know that nothing is gonna happen on its own.

We gotta put in the work. Yeah, not so friendly as it sounds. But it is what it is.

So you gotta find that balance and keep consuming too. Because that’s what refreshes your mind and sows new ideas in the fertile soil of your brain’s frontal lobe.

And then…

Put down whatever comes to your mind. Legit whatever!

It’s a human tendency to think and wait for the perfect idea.

We all do it. BUT…

Better results don’t come from thinking only. Implementation is key!

And when I say implementation, just write down your thoughts. Be it anything, even making Ronaldo do Gangnam Style.

The key is to start. Remember what Steve Jobs said?

Now, I don’t mean you’ll actually end up making Ronaldo dance at Gangnam style. But your brain starts thinking. And thinking creatively. It goes into the T gear where ideas start to pop.

And then, very soon you’ll start realizing different thoughts coming together. Even the most bizarre of thoughts. They start gelling with the concept or strategy you’re building.

All seamlessly. And at this moment, your creative brain takes over. You’ve the feeling that you’re building something great. And there’s no motivation better than that!

Another way to help with this creative activation

Change your environment. Try a place that inspires you. For me, it’s the nature at times. A silent empty room other times. Or even just a clean work table setup.

The triggers differ from person to person. And you’re the best person to define what inspires you. So keep changing your surroundings and figure out what works for you.

Once you do that, put down your thoughts. And welcome uncertainty with your arms wiiiiide open!

Sometimes, it may take a little longer for your thoughts to come together. Other times, the whole “ready to go” plan just pops up in your head.

Anyway, that’s my little wisdom for you. It’s super simple, and works REALLY well with any approach to creative problem-solving!

Try it and let me know if lucky me was lucky enough to share the luck with you.

Until then, see ya! Your friendly neighborhood copywriter, Zaki :)