3 Ways to Overcome the Mental Obstacles That Keep Writers Stuck

From Edie: Lilka Raphael shares 3 practical ways to overcome the mental obstacles that keep writers stuck, move past self-doubt, and regain writing momentum.

3 Ways to Overcome the Mental Obstacles That Keep Writers Stuck

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

The struggle ends when gratitude begins -Neal Donald Walsch 

Writer’s block. Deadlines. Revisions. 

Most writers experience struggles that can derail our publishing endeavors. Not surprisingly, hiccups often appear at the most inconvenient times. Fickle hard drives, deleted chapters, and even my own handwriting have stumped me as I struggled to stay on schedule. 

However, it is the mental obstacles—doubt, fear, and anxiety—that kill more manuscripts than the mechanics of writing. Professional aspirations, intriguing characters, and future blockbusters have all died when we allow rejection, fatigue, and frustration to overtake our vision. When writer’s block morphs beyond mental gridlock, here are three ways to renew the mind and get writing again.

Phone a Friend

There was a popular game show years ago that gave contestants the option to “phone a friend” if they got stuck and couldn’t answer a prize-winning question. The same concept works for writers as well. Another opinion can often provide the perspective or direction that we need. Likewise, taking time to check in with someone else can shift the focus away from our own trials. Though writing is often a lonely pursuit, isolation can be deadly. 

Pivot

Though our profession is based on the ability to create cohesive thoughts, there is such a thing as overthinking. And I suspect most writers do this a lot. We analyze characters, backstory, and relevancy. We ponder if we’ve said too much or not enough. 

For some writers, switching topics or working on another writing project will provoke a mental reset. For others, running a few miles, going on a hike, or spending time in a coffee shop or park will suffice. Whatever you do, with each break prioritize a timeline to write again. A quick mental vacation should never morph into a lengthy sabbatical. 

Stay Grateful

The quickest way to overcome the emotions that paralyze progress is to remain grateful. It’s easy to doubt our worth as a writer. We question whether our words are effective or if they have influence. These thoughts come calling especially when life’s other obligations leave us fatigued. Yet when I reflect on the progress I’ve made and all that I’ve learned, I’m encouraged to keep writing.

I am grateful for the strangers at writers conferences who I now consider friends. I appreciate those authors and mentors who generously share their knowledge. These days, I’m especially grateful to write words that have few boundaries thanks to modern technology. Our level of gratitude determines how effectively we overcome our trials. 

The battle really is in the mind. Thankfully, we can write our own endings.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:12 NKJV

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3 Ways to Overcome the Mental Obstacles That Keep Writers Stuck from @Lilka_Raphael on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.