Writer's Block and How to Avoid Going Totally Blank

Writer's block causes your mind to go totally blank while trying to write something really smart. You are going nowhere! 

It strikes anyone, any time. You sit staring at blank pages or computer screens. You can't focus, become anxious and feel as if your mind has finally snapped. Deadlines send your brain into panic mode!

This is a fear based problem. You doubt your proven abilities and thought patterns become petrified and non cohesive actions.

There are rational explanations.

1. Perfectionism. You feel you are a failure if all your efforts are not perfect all the time.

2. Editing and not creating. You spend more time looking for faults than being creative.

3. Self-consciousness. Negative perceptions destroy creative ability by sowing doubt in your mind.

4. Unable to get started. The all important first sentence will not materialize.

5. Unable to focus / concentrate. External factors prevent you from giving your full attention.

6. Procrastination. You have a habit of putting things off till further notice. 

Relax and calm down - your brain will start functioning in a logical manner again and before you know it the positive thoughts will have you back in business.

How do you achieve this?

1. Positive preparation. Fear lets you succumb to a mental block. Calm and unhurried thinking will help your mind map a plan of action. It encourages creative thinking.

2. Avoid being a perfectionist. No one is perfect and perfect results never happen with a first draft attempt. Allow yourself to write freely and expressively not fearing that you may produce some rubbish. Don't restrict creativity by expecting flawless creations the first time round.

3. Ignore editing - concentrate on composing creatively. Let your unconscious mind have free reign and avoid critical thoughts about your writing. Your mind plays games with you - so beat it at its own game. Pretend starting the writing process - it clears thoughts and when that happens start writing or typing. You win.

4. Downscale first sentence importance. Don't waste creative time trying to think up a killer opening line. Write your story and come back to the opening sentence - you will have more success with it as the writing process will identify the right words and tone.

5. Learn to concentrate. Not so easy, but you must allow time in your routine to concentrate solely on the writing. It is possible to put other issues on the back burner for a while.

6. Do not procrastinate. Forget about reasons why you can't start writing. Make it your only option to start writing without delay, even if you produce some nonsensical stuff - it doesn't matter, just get going.