Writer's Block

Ever have trouble starting a paper or telling a story?  Writers block isn't technically a medical problem, but executive dysfunction (the inability of some children and adults to plan, organize, pace, and complete tasks) is (Ruszkiewicz and Dolmage 330).  If you've ever procrastinated or had writers block, you've exhibited the symptoms of executive dysfunction.

The actual process of writing isn't painful, but getting the writing done can prove to be difficult because we constantly use excuses and distractions to put it off.  "I should vacuum before my family comes home", "I can't focus with this messy room", and "Maybe I should start cooking dinner" are all excuses that I have used when I am unsure of what to write or bored with what I am writing.

Another factor that makes writing difficult is the fact that is has no exact time limit.  An essay can take anywhere from two hours to two weeks to write.

So what is the solution when you'd rather be cleaning than writing?

• Break the project into parts.  Instead of becoming overwhelmed and thinking about the 10 page paper you have to write, divide it into more manageable parts.  Doing the work in chunks and patting yourself on the back when you finish one chunk will motivate you to continue writing.
• Set manageable goals.  Don't plan to work on your research paper on Saturday, leaving a full day to do it will just allow time for procrastination.  Instead, tell yourself that you're going to work for two hours on Saturday morning so you can really concentrate for those two hours.  If you don't know how much time the project will take, set a time goal to work rather than having an open ended commitment (Ruszkiewicz and Dolmage 331).
• Create a calendar.  For long term assignments, create a timeline for work and STICK TO IT.  Break the task into parts and estimate how much time each stage of the project will take you to complete (Ruszkiewicz and Dolmage  331).  Then, put the tasks in the order you need to accomplish them.  Keeping track of your progress will allow you to track how you are doing on completing your project and if you are going at a good pace.
• Limit distractions.  Close your door, turn off the TV, and put your phone far away where it won't tempt you.  The more you are able to concentrate on the task at hand, the faster and easier your project will be to complete.
• Do the parts you like first.  If you write the more intriguing parts first, the rest of the paper may seem to come to you easier.  And who said you have to write a paper from intro to conclusion every single time?  Your teacher won't know the difference between you writing it in order and you writing it backwards.  Once you have the portions you like already composed, you'll be more inclined to continue the paper and it will seem more manageable (Ruszkiewicz and Dolmage 333)
• Write a zero draft.  A zero draft is a version of the paper composed in one sitting, basically nonstop (Ruszkiewicz and Dolmage 333).  This process is comparable to freewriting and once you have completed your zero draft, you may have also completed the brainstorming, reading, and research as well as created a thesis.  Now, some simple editing and detail will change your zero draft into a real paper.
• Reward yourself.  If you create an incentive for yourself, you will be more inclined to write.  For example, you've been craving a smoothie all day, but instead of just allowing yourself to go get one, how about you write the introduction first?  I guarantee that smoothie will taste 10x better with that part of your paper done.

So don't get to worried when writers block hits.  The simple solutions listed above or just giving yourself some time to think will solve the problem easily and you'll be back to typing a million miles a minute in no time.

Still having issues after trying my tips?  Check out this website.  It gives more information on some of the ideas listed above, and a few extra ideas.