Feeling a Little Stuck. How Do You Motivate Yourself When You're Blocked?

[Evelyn]

I've been on a bit of a roll these past few days as I march towards the goal of 100 articles in 100 days. I get up each morning first thing and crank out an article. I made a list of topics that I would write on--on a piece of paper. This morning when I sat down at my laptop with the intention of writing my article for this project, I could not find my list. I spent some time looking, but it seems to have disappeared into the ether.

Now, I'm feeling stuck and I can't settle on something to write about, so I'm writing about feeling blocked. I can see that the sun is up now and shining brightly. I think I will go out for a walk and get some air and see if I can't change my energy and get my writing mojo going. I've got a lot of writing to do today, so I need to shake this feeling.

So, I'll ask this talented group. What strategies do you employ when you are feeling stuck or blocked or unmotivated? Tips anyone?

[Sheri Dresser]

I always pray first for motivation, inspiration and ideas, as they all come from God anyway! Know that you are not alone and that others are having the same difficulty.

When I take a shower, or do something else that doesn't require much thought, like ironing (don't do this much) or housecleaning, it frees my brain so ideas can flow. Then I just write them down.

You might want to look at some of these blog posts and find out what others are asking for help with, that you could give them advice about, write an article about that, and post it! Or if you belong to a group, association, organization, or have a particular expertise, just go to those forums and see what people are asking for help and advice about. Determine how you can help and write a helpful article with three ideas of what to do or not to do.

By the way, your own posts with your own questions can be fodder for articles. Just go research the answers, write them down and create your article (giving credit where appropriate) and then post! Voila!

As far as being unmotivated, the best way I have found to deal with that is to set a timer and MAKE myself write continuously about anything for 30 minutes without stopping. I have to press past the emotion/feeling of not wanting to do it, and then I get motivated. Perhaps it will work for you...

Looking forward to reaching your articles! - Sheri