Blank Page Syndrome
Jun. 5, 2021
Read time: 2 minutes and 34 seconds.
tags:
If you’ve experienced a sudden, overwhelming feeling of dread and anxiety when staring at a blank page this is a writer’s equivalent to stage fright. You’re not alone.
You’re experiencing a phenomenon known as “Blank Page Syndrome.” But fear not, for there are ways to overcome it.
Chill
Take a deep breath and relax. Just chill.
Writing is a creative process, and creativity cannot be forced. Putting too much pressure on yourself can be counterproductive and block out your ability to write well. Instead, think of it as an exercise you can com back to and you should always take brief breaks in between sets. You don’t want to cause injury by overworking yourself and burning out.
Get Organized
Sometimes it’s the structure of our work habits that can persecute us most. Try crafting a plan to back up your ideas, whether it’s an outline, a bullet-pointed list, or a mind map. This will give you a roadmap to follow, and you’ll feel more confident knowing where you’re headed. For me, I tend to use clickup as a way to draft outlines and lists as well as headlines of ideas worth discussing in the subject.
Here’s a bit of my routine:
- Find a time and place where you can write without distractions
- Establish whether i’m writing outlines, headlines, tasks, or press releases (mostly for software)
- Focus on only one of them at a designated time
- Create a list as often as possible (Don’t care what it’s for)
- Write for dear life
So, I spend my designated time focusing on a single task where, for example, i’ll only focus on writing headlines I want to write about as general topics instead of wondering everything that will go into the article.
Be present
If you’re feeling stuck, try writing without worrying about grammar, spelling, or structure. This is known as a “brain dump.” Just let your thoughts flow freely, without worrying about making sense. You can always go back later and edit.
Another trick is to write exactly what you’re thinking about, even if it’s incoherent. This is a perfect exercise in being present and enabling yourself to remove other distractions from your brain, similar to a brain dump. Sometimes it’s about picking up dinner for you and your partner, a show you really liked that left you with a cliffhanger like Ozark. You’ll likely get a sense of relief on the topic enough to begin writing about other subject matter important to you.
Step Away
Finally, if all else fails, step away from the page. In Cal Newport’s Deep Work, Newport emphasizes the importance of stepping away from work as a means of enhancing productivity and creativity. By taking breaks and engaging in activities that allow you to disconnect, you can return to your work with renewed energy and focus.
Go for a walk, read a book, or take a nap. Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to take a break and come back to the page with fresh eyes.
Blank page syndrome is a common problem among writers, but it can be overcome. By taking a deep breath, getting organized, establishing a routine, writing freely, focusing on now instead of later, and taking breaks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fearless writing adventurer! So, grab your pen and let’s explore the vast, uncharted territory of the blank page together!