Creative inspiration can be found all around you, the secret is knowing when you’re stuck and applying some of the following cures for writer’s block. Here are six ways to keep the content creation wheels turning so that you can continue to produce remarkable content.
Freewriting is one of the best tools to get ideas out of the corners of your brain and down on paper, regardless of what kind of writing you do. Take a few minutes to think about the topic you’re writing about, and jot down whatever comes to mind – don’t worry about punctuation, grammar, or neatness. The key is to let your pen (or keyboard) flow freely and find the ideas hidden between your thoughts.
Some people like to write with music in the background while others find it very distracting. Either way, take a step back from writing for a few minutes, play some music – classical, especially can spark your thought processes – and let the sounds carry you away from your physical space. When you’ve listened to a couple of songs, get back to your writing, newly refreshed.
Moving your body is a great way to get your brain moving. When you’re feeling stuck writing that marketing strategy or your latest blog post, walk away from your computer and go outside for a walk, do some stretching, or dance to some music. Whatever you do, make sure you are physically moving. I go outside and throw rocks into a lake to get the juices flowing and take a break from looking at the screen. It’s a great release and helps recharge and refresh my mind.
Creativity begets creativity, so if you’ve reached a roadblock in your writing, try getting creative with something else. Such as drawing or taking interesting photos with your phone. Even if you’re like me and can’t draw a lick, it can still get creative neurons firing in the brain. When it comes to photography, trying taking photos of one object using several different perspectives. Then bring them into a photo-editing app and add a splash of creative color to them.
Read what other industry thought leaders have said about the topic you’re stuck on. Reading other people’s words and ideas can fuel creativity in your mind. You could debate another writer’s perspective, giving your opinion on the topic at hand. This can not only position yourself as a thought leader, but can also earn you inbound links which are great for SEO.
When all else fails and if time allows, get some good quality sleep. Not only does sleep improve memory retention, your dreams can be full of ideas. Furthermore, mornings are often when we have the best insights — so keep a notebook by your bed and write down your dreams and thoughts when you wake up.
Don’t let a bump in the road or a blank screen discourage you from writing a great post. Get your ideas flowing with these tips, and you’ll be surprised how the words will begin to flow from your mind, through your fingers, and onto the screen. For ideas on how to turn your content into a powerful strategy, download our free guide to inbound marketing.