On overcoming writer's block (or how small steps helped me get my mojo back).

Every so often, I get writer's block.

I'll sit & stare at the computer & words don't come.

I'll find a distraction.

I look up music - amazing jazz in the 50s.

I look read the news - you can go down amazing rabbit holes reading the obituaries.

I window shop online - just a few weeks ago, I almost talked myself into buying a portable hot tub.

I'll do just about anything but write.

This can go on for days.

All the while, the stress builds bc I have missed deadlines.

As that stress builds, it becomes harder & harder to write.

So not writing becomes another excuse for not writing.

It's a bit ironic.

So what to do?

First, I do a relaxing activity with a clear stopping point.

I take a walk.

I build a lego kit.

I read a fun news article.

The key here is the clear stopping point to the activity.

Walks end.

Lego kits have completion points.

Articles have conclusions.

Setting a stopping point helps you think about a transition to work.

Second, I clean my workspace.

I have home & work offices.

Usually, creative clutter is fine for me.

When I have writer's block, it makes me crazy.

So I clean.

Cleaning my office helps me create a mental blank page needed to write.

Third, I eliminate digital distractions.

I clean up my inbox.

I write reviews.

I do online paperwork.

If I'm especially ambitious, I clean up my computer's desktop (digital hoarding is a real problem for me.

I find clean physical & digital spaces cathartic.

Fourth, I remind myself that some explanations are excuses for not working & to stop making them.

A few excuses.

"I am not inspired" -> then write about non-inspirational things.

"I need to finish this series" -> step away from your streaming device.

"I am distracted by world politics" -> if you can't pay the bills, politics don't matter.

I reflect on my excuses & skewer them.

Fifth, I remind myself of the power of small steps.

In graduate school, my dad reminded me of the power of just getting one thing done a day.

I learned to make a list of small things that are under my control.

Doing just one each day helped me feel better & get back to writing.

Finally, you have to start writing.

It need not be perfect prose or a complete idea.

But.

You need to write.

I find working on mechanical parts of papers helps.

I edit appendices on methods - bc they have a script & a tractable size.

I read & summarize papers - it helps get me back into ideas.

I check references - bc it has to be done anyway.

This helps me establish the momentum needed to overcome #writersblock

Once I am through that first day, writing tends to come more easily.

As it does, I remind myself that every draft has flaws.

So keep writing. Don't be a #perfectionist.

Most papers go through dozens of iterations before submission.

Writing is iterative.

Enjoy the iterations.

Once you are back in the #writing#habit, you will feel better.

Best of luck!

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