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I want to write, but I often have trouble finding what I want to write about and then by the time I get an idea to write, I lose my motivation. It’s been a really big problem for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t have ideas – I have many, so many in fact, that I get overwhelmed and shut down. Once I shut down I don’t want to write any longer.
The ideas are never-ending, which is great. My problem is that I have ideas but then I’m not sure how to structure those ideas. This isn’t just when I want to write, it happens on any project I’m working on. It is so frustrating. And to fill you in a bit, on most days I write all day long. I have a “day” job in a large corporation where I write about really, really exciting stuff….compliance. Not really, well the not exciting part anyway. It’s so boring. It’s difficult to find inspiration, ideas, motivation, desire and anything else that makes my heart go pitter patter. Interesting isn’t it? I write all day on stuff I find completing disinteresting, but when I sit down to do my own thing, I freeze. Hmmm.
In the last several weeks I’ve wanted to write more than ever. But, my typical pattern is that I want to write, I have an idea of what I want to write, than I can’t figure out how I want to write about it. I start thinking about it, and as goes the pattern, I shut down and lose all inspiration due to overwhelm.
All weekend (Thanksgiving weekend) I’ve been getting the urge to write, but instead started watching movies. I began to burn out after about three of them on Thursday. When I burn out, I can’t keep watching the movie, no matter how good it is. For me, duh, this is a sign to stop watching TV because I have some more urgent things to do, like write. Oh, but for me, I have to be extra stubborn. Instead, I start researching a topic that I’m getting ready to build a blog around. So, I start digging through my wonderful collection of books looking for my topic. I start reading and taking notes. Next thing I know, it’s time for bed and I didn’t write a thing. Not that this is a bad thing, it needs to get done, but shoot, I didn’t write anything.
So, tonight, I did something different. I sat down with my computer, in a different room and began to type. No thinking about what I was going to type, I just let it flow. And here it is. This is what I wrote. I’m excited. I’ve broke the cycle of overwhelm. I wrote something. This feels great. I’m on a roll.
My point? Well, there’s many, but in order to keep this ” note” to a minimum I’ll get right to it. When you feel stuck, stop. Just relax. Pick up a pencil, a pen or your keyboard and just get it out. Don’t think about it. Just flow. Who cares what you write. As you continue to write about whatever is on your mind, you’ll eventually end up at a place that makes sense.
I know, I know, you’re probably wondering how writing is going to help you get unstuck when you’re trying to figure out something that has nothing to do with writing. Give it a try and you’ll be surprised at how it helps. If all you get out of the exercise is a clear head, won’t it be worth it?
I have a lot more to say about this but I’ll stop now. This will give you a chance to practice. I’ll be writing more about writing soon. Let me know how you’re doing. I’d love hear from you.
Until next time …..
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