Writer’s block is a nuisance. There are no two ways about it. It’s not so bad if you are struggling to write creatively for yourself, on your own time; however, if you are trying to meet a deadline with work and writer’s block rears its miserable head, it can be exhausting.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get around it. In this article I’m going to share the top 5 tips that help me overcome writer’s block when I am in a bind.

Hopefully you’ll find them similarly useful!

Personally, I don’t believe that writer’s block is even a real thing. I believe that what it actually comes down to is a lack of preparation – and bad habits.

1. Do your darn research!

Let’s be honest: when you’ve had a good sleep, you aren’t hungover, you have a belly full of healthy breakfast and you’re well-hydrated, you are typically in a good condition to work. Following that, if you’ve thoroughly researched the subject you are about to write about, I guarantee you won’t have much trouble getting started.

If you have no idea where to begin and the inspiration just won’t come…go back to the drawing board and read similar subjects.

You’ll find your groove.

2. Outline your content

Similar to doing your research, it also helps to outline a piece of content first. I personally like to get my title and headers locked in before I even get started. That tends to help me envision where the article is headed and the rest follows.

Starting a piece of content with little to no research and no outline to boot is writing on hard mode.

 Make life easier for yourself.

3. Complete the tasks you like the least, first

When I was a boy and I would eat a roast dinner with my family on Sundays, I would always force myself to eat my veggies first. That way I’d be able to thoroughly enjoy the rest of my meal: meat, yorkies and potatoes smothered in gravy. Mmmm!

I take a similar approach with my work.

Whenever I sit down to write and I realise I have a few nightmare articles I really don’t want to touch, I get them done first.

1. Because you do your best work in the former part of the day (generally speaking).
2. Because once you’ve got the “dreaded beast” out of the way, the rest of your working day will be a breeze.

Of course, if you are struggling with writer’s block, doing the hardest job first doesn’t sound like the most logical approach. But it works! Do your research, outline the piece, and then jump into it.

Be brave, soldier!

4.  Create a working space with fewer distractions

And of course, your environment is very important. If you want to be able to write freely without being overcome by a desire to pack it in and go sit on the sofa and watch your favourite show, then you need to limit your distractions.

Create a healthy working space, switch your phone off, refrain from using the internet for anything other than research and keep your head down.

5. Take a break

If you have tried the above and you are still bashing your head against the wall, then it may be worth taking a short break.

15-minutes or so will be enough to clear your head, catch a bit of exercise, and come back revitalised and ready to get stuck in!

You could try and think about something else entirely as a distraction, however, I’d use this time to wander around and ponder various ways to start your writing. After all, the goal is to overcome writer’s block – so solve the puzzle.

Alternative: consider outsourcing your content creation needs

There is an alternative we haven’t yet discussed: outsourcing your content creation needs. Especially if you are a small business owner and you are struggling to create content for your social media and blog, then it’s almost certainly worth hiring the professionals.

Writer’s block shouldn’t be something that a business owner should have to contend with. You’ve got enough on your plate as it is. So, find a reputable third-party like this agency that offers SEO services in New York City, and let them break down those barriers for you!

Conclusion

Let’s have a quick recap:

• Do your research.
• Outline your work.
• Do the hardest / least desirable tasks first.
• Create a working space with fewer distractions.
• Take a break and clear your head.
• Outsource your work to a third-party (if applicable).