Having Problems Writing? Think Smaller

Occasionally, I get stuck. I start to think about a topic that I could write about and I get nowhere. I almost feel overwhelmed. Typically, it lasts for a while too, maybe even a few weeks. Then, out of nowhere, I’ll suddenly be full of topics and the desire to share.

The last time this happened, only a few days ago, I analyzed what was different in hopes that I could “discover” a secret. I’m pretty sure the only difference between the writer’s block and articles of fury was the scope of my topic. The smaller and more concrete the topic, the easier it was to get started.

Think Concrete and Actionable

In task management, the experts often proclaim that you need to break big tasks down into smaller ones. Writing is no different. If your topic is really broad (Animals), you’ll feel unsure about where to start and what to write. If you narrow that topic (Breeding Madagascar Turtles), you’ll find it much easier to begin.

In Outliers (a fantastic book in my opinion), Malcom Gladwell talked about experiments one researcher did to encourage college students to get tetanus shots. And I quote:

The students needed to know how to fit the tetanus stuff into their lives; the addition of the map and the times when the shots were available shifted the book from an abstract lesson in medical risk to a practical and personal piece of medical advice. And once the advice became practical and personal, it became memorable.

The emphasis was added by me. So what do tetanus shots and writing blog posts have in common? Your brain is not actionable when dealing with abstract things. The simple act of making the medical advice practical (including a map to the university health building) was enough to dramatically increase the number of students who got tetanus shots after reading the pamphlet.

The same is true of your brain. If you are having problems writing about a topic, make the topic more concrete and I guarantee you’ll find it easier to start.

Just Start

Starting is really the key. Every blog post I have started, I have finished and usually within a few days. Be aware of the triggers that make you start (less abstract, more concrete) and then apply those triggers when you are having problems starting. Over time, if you can figure out your triggers, you can trick yourself into being productive and writing more.