Do It Now Part 2: Overcoming Writer’s Block

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

• How focusing on your message helps keep you motivated
• How to make writing a habit every single day
• Strategies to keep ideas flowing, even when you have writer’s block
• The final key to staying motivated when you don’t feel like writing
• Where you can get weekly writing prompts and other writing tips and inspiration

It’s not easy to build a consistent writing habit and keep writing when you feel like you’re out of ideas. So here are a few out-of-the-box tips that can help you overcome writer’s block and get your creative juices flowing again.

1. Focus on What You Want to Say 

Writer's block often happens when we forget what we want our written work to convey. So instead of being paralyzed by a lack of inspiration, take time to reflect on why you are doing this writing project in the first place. 

What message do you want to convey? What story are you trying to tell? Once you can hone in on this idea, it will become easier for you to take your thoughts and flow them onto paper or onto the screen. 

If you remain focused and mindful of your original inspiration, it will become so much easier for you to tap into your creativity stores and bring out strong, powerful words that will resonate with your readers. 

2. Make Writing a Habit

Did you know John Maxwell writes every day? Literally every single day — on his anniversary, on his birthday, on Christmas, on New Year's — he writes every single day. But that's one of the big reasons he's so successful. When you have a habit of writing every single day, it’s easier to break through writer’s block. 

John realizes that making writing a habit really isn't as difficult as it sounds. The key is starting small, like setting a goal for writing just 10 minutes each day. It doesn't even really matter what you write about; it's just about getting something on paper or on screen. 

Then, once you've written for about 10 minutes a day consistently, increase your goal to 15 minutes, then 20, and so on. Before you know it, you'll be writing 30 minutes or maybe even an hour a day. 

Of course, not every day is going to be perfect. There are going to be days when you don't feel like writing or when life gets in the way and you can't find the time. And that's okay! We're not aiming for perfection here, but progress. Just pick yourself up and start again the next day. The most important thing is that you keep moving forward and don't give up. 

3. Use Strategies to Help You Write Every Day

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be writing full paragraphs or even sentences for it to count as your daily 10 minutes of writing. It counts even if you’re just coming up with ideas to break through writer’s block.

Here are two strategies you can use:

• Brainstorming: This is the process of coming up with ideas by generating a list of words or phrases related to your topic. Once you have that list, you can use it as writing prompts.
• Mind Mapping: This is similar to brainstorming, but instead of listing words or phrases, you draw out a map of all the related thoughts and ideas that come to mind around one main topic.

Both brainstorming and mind mapping are great for overcoming writer’s block, because they force you to think outside the box and come up with creative ideas that you may not have thought of before. 

And remember, you don't have to spend a lot of time doing this. If you have trouble convincing yourself to get started writing every day, try a little trick called “Give It 10.” Tell yourself that all you have to do is give it 10 minutes, and then you can stop if you don’t feel like doing it anymore. 

Some days, you may hit the 10-minute mark and call it quits for the day. But other days, you’ll likely find that once you get started, you’ll get into the groove and want to keep going, even after the 10 minutes are up. Give yourself permission to start small, and you CAN accomplish way more than you imagine. 

4. Put Your Trust in God

When you're struggling with writer's block — or anything else — one of the most important things you can do is put your trust in God and rely on His guidance. 

This isn't mentioned as much when people talk about the writing journey, but you know that you're writing for God and to make an impact on the people of God, right? So why would you think you could do it without Him? 

In moments of frustration, take time to pray and ask God to provide you with the insight, clarity, and understanding you need to write. He is always there to help you through difficult times and provide you with the strength you need to keep going. Asking for divine assistance (yes, even in your writing journey!) will open up the doors to fresh ideas and jumpst