5 ways to push past writer’s block

It shows a kid who’s just built a sand castle. An adult standing next to him says of the castle, “It’s brilliant.” But the thought bubble from the kid says, “Then why do I feel like such a hack?”

This week, I feel like a hack. I’ve struggled to complete the simplest writing tasks. Who was it that said, “I hate writing, but I love having written”?

Rather than stare blankly at my laptop and grow increasingly frustrated, I reviewed my previous posts on overcoming writer’s block and followed my own advice.

Here are five things you can do to push past writer’s block:

1. Take a break.

As writers and editors, we know the value of putting an assignment aside and coming back to it another time.

If you can, go to the break room for coffee, take an early lunch, or chat with a cube mate for 10 minutes. 2. Get a change of scenery.

Another trick is to move to a different space. When you’re stuck, and all you can do is stare at your monitor and then stare out the window, move somewhere else.

Having different scenery to gaze at may help you out of your rut. I sometimes move from my office to a conference room to write.

3. Do something other than writing.