Rut-Proof Resources for Breaking a Creative Block

Struggling through a creative block is never fun — but it’s something that everyone experiences from time to time.
 
Famed writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, (whom I hope you’ll remember wrote “The Great Gatsby”) struggled so viciously with an episode of writer’s block one time he believed inspiration was a finite resource, or a well that, after some use, would dry up for good. 

As a person who is paid to write and be creative, sometimes it’s pretty stressful — especially if I’m up against a hard deadline. As my own inner critic, I often use these tips to help get my creative juices flowing. 

1. Step away. Seriously, get away. Step away from the desk. Whether it be outside, around the block, or just to a different room in your house, sometimes the best way to get back on track is to step off the beaten path. So, whether you need to get away from your notebook, computer, or typewriter, give your brain a break. I bet it will even help your mood.
2. Try to think of your worst idea possible. No holds barred on this. Curse words? Sure! Out-of-the-box ideas? Welcome! Write them all down. Sometimes, releasing yourself of constraints is exactly what you need to find that perfect, on-point idea. 
3. Write everything down, even if you’re thinking about what you’re going to eat for lunch or that embarrassing thing you did in middle school. Sometimes just the act of simply writing things on a piece of paper will spark inspiration and get your mind moving again. 
4. Try to come up with several solutions for the problem at hand, not just one. Whether it’s coming up with your next 10 steps or 30 random ideas, your mind will stop fretting over finding the one perfect option.
5. Redefine the problem. Ask yourself something like, “What if Winston Churchill was writing the email?” That will provide an unfamiliar angle and can give you a new perspective. 

While history suggests that no person is immune, I hope these five tips will help you next time inspiration doesn’t strike.