Every time I sit down to start a sensible writing, it becomes a dilemma on what to write, especially on how to start it... I get stuck! Wh...
Every time I sit down to start a sensible writing, it becomes a dilemma on what to write, especially on how to start it... I get stuck! Who can help? The first thing that comes to mind is its' root cause, "Why can't I think of anything to write, when words and resources are abundant?"
In every situation, wherever you are, you have the freedom to write. But why is there such mental block? "Mental block" is a term commonly heard and read from writers. At first I did not believe in it until my mind stopped working as I was writing. Do you agree on it? If so, why or why not? Here, I found the best reason so far: God, through the Holy Spirit stirs minds to write. We are as instruments, empty without Him. This prompted me to write how to overcome when it happens.
10 Ways to Overcome Mental Block
The first time I heard about mental block was when I started writing, many years ago. I couldn't think of anything to write. Nothing would come out from my mind. If there were, they just did not make sense. Writing was a constant battle for me. I gave up for a while, thinking I could use a break. Then, I learned it the hard way, that you can't force yourself to write without acknowledging the truth that allows me to write 10 ways to overcome mental block.
1. When you can't think of anything to write, it tells you to stop and completely empty yourself in meditation and prayer.
Being a writer, doesn’t mean you are always right and ready to write. There are times you couldn’t think of anything to write. No worries about it, when it happens, just pause for a moment, and ask God to empty yourself from your own words and replace it with His words. While learning is a lifetime process, writing is His unending work in you.
2. When you run out of words to write, again, simply pause for a moment, reflect and pray.
Sharing His story is the hardest thing to do for me. Most of the times I look at my own words, and find out it’s just not right. The next thing I do, is to just leave them for future use, I mark: “Draft”. Then, I pause for a moment, reflect, and pray for the right words I needed in order to come up with a good story or outline. It means, not my own words but His. Miraculously, I create a better one.
3. Read books that interest you, watch or listen to videos before you start writing. It helps motivate and inspire you to move forward.
My early morning and evening meditation and devotion give me the power to write so I take advantage of those moments when I am in the Spirit to write. It turns out what I read matters to my mind's condition. So, while the world is loaded with too much information, I enjoy reading those few carefully chosen simple books that interest and inspire me, just what I need in writing. This saves me tons of time; yet, with amazing result.
My favorite book is the Bible along with spiritual books and other resources useful to my writing.
4. Just keep writing. It reminds you that your prior knowledge is enough for you to start with.
When I start writing, I don’t go too far from what I already know. This means that my prior knowledge is enough for me to start writing and go with the flow of it as I write. Here, I learned how to write from my own understanding on what writing is all about. As I feel unsatisfied with the result, it shows me that my prior knowledge is too limited and not enough. That voice in me cries out, “I should read and learn more so I’ll have something more and nice to share!” That simple.
5. Prompts, hints and tips refresh the mind; words flow out naturally from the heart.
As I went through writing each day, I discovered the abundance of words in my imagination. However, own words are unreliable. I make sure they are carefully chosen. Today, I see so many trash written everywhere on social media. I think, as a writer, I should know better than that. If it seems hard, God's prompts, hints, and tips refresh minds, words flow out naturally from the heart.
6. With a structure and guide, it helps outline thoughts, makes it easier to write.
Always remind yourself that outlining makes writing simpler and easier. A structure and a guide help outline and organize thoughts out. When I tried it, I enjoyed the flow of my writing. There was no pressure and stress, taking my own time and speed. Now, this is my new comfort zone, enjoying every minute whenever I have to write.
7. Writing is an expression of what you have to share to the world; a story, a message, a mission.
Now, I should say, that if I did not choose to start writing years ago, I would not learn how to express myself, I wouldn't be able to share the message of God, which I'm called to do. Oh, how important it is to start expressing ourselves on what matters, most in life. But it's not yet late to start today.
8. Writing helps one write. It's a part of life, a challenge and a journey.
Writing gives me a better picture about life. When I write, I see myself on a race towards victory. It gives me the courage to run, love and to live. For me, writing is no longer for the sake of writing and fun; but for the love and joy, I know I needed to share.
9. Writing is listening to the still, small voice speaking to me, within me.
I was almost tempted to believe that I have to find or create and develop my voice so I could easily write. That’s what many writers believed. Then, I hear a still, small voice speaking to me. I listened, and read, about it, and believed it! Writing is a God-given gift and skill. It is not an idea or opinion but a simple truth that with writing, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in you, believing you don’t have to really think of what to write but to “ask Him and it will be given to you”.
10. Writing is a blessing, making the most out of my day.
Finally, I see writing as a blessing. It’s a daily miracle sent from heaven, a daily food for thought. Making writing a daily habit, His voice wakes me up each new day to encounter Him in writing. I hear and listen, and at the end of the day, I just can’t thank God enough for the blessings of writing, each new day brings.
To sum it up, there are many ways you can think of to overcome mental block. God gave each one an access to His power and resources to overcome every difficulty and obstacle, only if you are open to His instructions and prompts. Here, you just need to: empty yourself in prayer and meditation, know when to pause to reflect and pray, have resources ready by reading or watching them before writing, prepare prompts, hints and tips, structure or outline, or brainstorm, express yourself, write to help you write, listen to the still, small voice in you, and, think of writing as a blessing.
Whenever you are ready, ask Him to fully equip you with spiritual eyesight and ears ready to listen to His voice in you. With these hints and tips, the idea of mental block becomes powerless. So, keep writing with faith and prayer, the Spirit is the power the best works in you.
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