How I Overcome Writer’s Block

I was in two minds about sharing this post. Honestly, I don’t know whether this appeals to any of my regular readers. However, I was compelled to write it; and have since realised that many of the things I have to say are transferrable to many other creative activities or generally being productive. Writer’s block comes in many forms, so, the way I get (and overcome) it might differ to other writers; ultimately though, it all comes from my anxiety and being unhappy about something.

What is Writer’s Block?

History is full of documented cases of writer’s block. From storytellers, to poets, to playwrights and bands. All writers run into a stage where their creative output diminishes. Perhaps because of lack of ideas, unable to find the right words or simply motivation. It just happens. Of course, this exists outside of wordsmithing. An artist might struggle to nail down their vision or a musician to find their sound. Not out of technical inability but because the creative spark just isn’t igniting.

Passion vs. Anxiety

I always have something to write; since I was a six-year-old creating my own comics, this was always been true. Be it poems, stories, articles or blogs there is always something to get from head to screen. This might change one day but I can only speak from my experiences so far. Much of this comes from my feelings, including my passions and anxieties.

Passion and anxiety have equal hold over my creative output. I have much of both. For example; I care a great deal about mental health and environmental awareness but in equal parts I worry about my own mental health (stress and anxiety especially) and contributions to environmentalism. All this compels me to write and inspires content; which serves me well, most of the time.

When I get afflicted with writer’s block it’s because my anxiety outweighs my passion or professional obligation (we all need to pay the bills). Perhaps I am upset or scared about something or frustrated and nervous because of some kind of ignorance I’ve seen or heard. This makes me anxious and unable to focus.

How I Overcome my Writer’s Block

We are not our anxieties and they do not define us. Similarly, we shouldn’t give in to them but whilst it’s true they can go into overdrive, anxieties exist for a reason. For me; when I can’t write what I want, I can’t focus on much else either. Drawing, reading, music and most forms of relaxation are all off the table. So, the only way to move forward is to turn that anxiety into content and the words always flow when I do. Once this is done, I resume writing other works without any issue a it’s like this every time.

I should add that I have equally been in the position where my passion has outweighed my anxiety and professional obligation; meaning I’ve been in the same position where I’ve been unable to focus until that has been expressed too.

Lessons Learned

There are two main things I’ve learned. The first is that stepping away from what you are struggling with and focusing on something you can achieve is the most productive solution in the long and short term. The second is that as a writer, they say ‘write what you know’. Well, what I know; is how I feel. Following a path, professionally as a creative where my passions and anxieties are reflected in the work that I do is the path to my strongest output.