10 Strategies For When We Can’t Write

Sometimes we don’t want to write. Sometimes we really can’t write- whether we don’t have the time, small gremlins are attacking us, or because we’re just completely exhausted.

I’ve had trouble focusing lately and sometimes it seems like my brain isn’t quite working at full speed. (Or even half speed!)

So what do we do when we’re dealing with chaos, exhaustion, and writer’s block?

10 Strategies For When We Can’t Write

We won’t always feel like writing. So what do we do when writing is hard?

1. Take a walk

Moving our bodies is good for both body and mind… and a change of pace and scenery can frequently spark writing-ish thoughts.

2. Review Goals, Motivations, Priorities

Sometimes writing can be hard because we don’t actually care about the project we’re working on. Reviewing our motivations can help us refocus on what we find important and it can help us feel recharged with purpose.

2.5. Reset Goals as Needed

If we find our projects aren’t lining up with our goals, this can be a good time to evaluate where we want to go next.

3. Extend Grace to Ourselves

Sometimes we need reminders that it’s okay to not always be creating. We don’t need to hit certain wordcounts to be valuable human beings. Your productivity does not define your inner worth.

It’s okay to write slow, it’s okay to take a break, it’s okay if everything is hard and terrible for a bit. Be patient and kind with yourself.

4. Brainstorm

Brainstorming, daydreaming… there is a special kind of freedom in letting our minds wander, giving ourselves the chance to think up new ideas and connect possibilities. This time can just give us a chance to enjoy ourselves and our creativity without any pressure.

5. Focus on Input

Can’t write? Read instead. Read read read. Watch some movies. Go for a walk. Try something new. Have fun.

All of these things help recharge us, and they also fill us up with good things that we can later pour into our writing.

6. Rest and Recharge

Are you taking care of yourself? What self care strategies can you practice today?

It’s worth the effort to rest. It’s okay to spend time here.

7. Do Something Different

Sometimes when we aren’t making progress on a project it can be so helpful to work on something different for a while.

8. Set Tiny Goals

Setting tiny goals seems so much less overwhelming than large goals. I literally set goals that say things like “look over my writing for 5 minutes” or things equally simple. These goals seem possible even when I’m tired.

Yet they keep me connected to my project instead of just giving it up. And even tiny goals can lead to large results over time.

9. Celebrate Everything

Even the tiny goals can be celebrated!

10. Remember That You’re Amazing

Whether the writing is easy or hard, regardless of how much progress is or isn’t happening, you are amazing my dear writer!

During these hard times, let’s be gentle with ourselves. Let us be brave and continue on.

You aren’t alone, and we’ll make it through.

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What about you- what do you find helpful when writing is hard?