We’ve been in the midst of a dry spell; ideas and inspiration for writing have seemed elusive, and our energy level’s been lacking. What’s going on? An accumulation of life’s little traumas — unrelenting hay fever plus turning 40 combined with persistent low-grade family tension — has left us post-less over the last four weeks.
Yet here we are, writing again. The question is, how did we get through these dark, unproductive days? And more important, how can you find your groove again the next time you want to produce, but can’t?
Regardless of the specific nature of your task, if you’re getting stuck, there’s creativity in your work that sometimes needs a catalyst to keep it aflame. Consider the following six tips as part of your toolbox to generate momentum on the job.
1. Put your work in its proper context. What exactly will happen if your assignment doesn’t get done immediately? Or in a week? Or in a month? And who will be most impacted by your unproductive-ness?
Your endeavor is probably not a life or death scenario, and you’ll likely be able to salvage your relationship(s) with the person or entities most affected by your tardiness. So if you think your organization won’t cave in from your incomplete assignment, you can relax.
2. Switch gears. Shake up your patterns of working by engaging in a task different from the one you need to do. For example, if you need to be researching, try writing for a while. If you need to write, spend some time researching. This will help you feel productive, which can kick-start your needed forward movement.
3. Go outside. Yes, exit the indoors and walk or wheel at least for ten minutes, breathing in the fresh air. The change of scenery, coupled with the heightened oxygen flow to your brain as a result of your increased heart-rate, may be just what you need to see your assignment from a new angle. It’s often new perspective that reignites our engagement with work.
4. Notice your thoughts. Observe what comes to mind as you put your work in context, switch gears, and-or go outside. Pay attention to whatever may feel even preliminarily like a good idea. Do not dismiss anything that comes to mind during this period of inactivity. One simple thought or idea can become the seed that propels you — yet you’re going to have to be aware of it to harness it.
5. Talk. If you’re too anxious to look calmly around you, or if your anxiety level prevents you from looking at your environment for inspiration, talk to a colleague, a confidant, or a coach. Hearing yourself think out loud is often a sure-fire way to organize your thinking, see patterns not previously visible, and thus help you move.
6. Trust yourself. The time frame you’re forging is human. Sometimes you simply need extra time. The less-conscious parts of your brain continue to work, whether you know it or not, and it’s helpful to trust that in time you will meet the results you want.
The next time you’re frustrated by your pace of work, experiment with some of these techniques. And report back when you experience a breakthrough!
How have you worked through a dry spell?
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