So you have a deadline fast approaching or a project you need to finish, but you’re not feeling particularly inspired to write. What do you do?
How do you write when you don’t feel like it? Sometimes you may have the liberty to write when you feel inspired. Other times you may need to create content to meet a deadline even on days when you aren’t feeling motivated to write. And on those days when motivation doesn’t come, use this process to help you get started when you’re not feeling inspired and to overcome writer's block so you can meet your writing deadline and create the content you need.
When you don’t feel inspired to write, but you need to meet a deadline, there are a few things you can do to overcome this challenge.
Brain dump.
The first thing you need to do is to work through the funk feeling in order to get the gutters out. Sometimes how we feel can create clouds of resistance in our minds that block the flow of creativity. In order to get the jitters out and move past the initial feelings of discomfort, you can sit at your desk and do a brain dump. Brain dumps are when you type out every single thought verbatim that comes up for you in your mind. Even if your thoughts are “I don’t know what to write right now”, type that out and every thought exactly as is in my mind. Keep typing out all of your initial thoughts until you have finished venting to unblock the resistance around writing that may have formed in your mind. You may notice that whenever you finish venting, your thoughts will begin to flow more around the topic you’re wanting to write about and naturally lead to you creating that piece of content.
Focus on your intention.
Next, if after you have vented and you still feel stuck or having a hard time naturally flowing into your topic of discussion, you may also try finishing this sentence: “Basically what I’m wanting to say is ____” or “My intention for writing this is ____” then continue to purge your thoughts to get your engine going. This is a trick I like to use to help me get into the rhythm of writing if ever I get stuck on creating content due to writer’s block or if I’m not particularly inspired and need to write in a crunch. You can always go back to clean up the work later. Using this trick of filling in the blank can help you get your thoughts around the topic that you needed to write about and come up with a premise or maybe even an introduction to your main point.
Watch tv.
Another thing you can do if you’re not feeling particularly inspired to write when you need to is to listen to music or watch a program that puts you in the mood that you’re wanting to convey. For example, if writing for a nonprofit that feeds the needy, you might watch an infomercial about feeding hungry children in third world countries with the famous Arms of an Angel song playing in the background. This can help you tap into the feeling of the thing you’re writing about and it can help you think about different words, phrases, and feelings that you can communicate through your writing. In college, one of my creative writing professors helped us do this by taking us on different field trips to new environments for our writing like when we were challenged to write at a graveyard for example. While you can physically go somewhere, you can also simply put it on a program to help you re-create a similar type of feeling for inspiration.
Because the truth is, sometimes motivation doesn’t come. For this reason, you can't wait on motivation to create the content you need. Take back your power by taking these action steps I've outlined for you to help you feel better about writing, move past the initial discomfort, and write the content you need even when you don't feel like it.
If this is resonating with you and you are a creative entrepreneur who is short on time and open to exploring ways to outsource your writing needs, then learn more about the“done for you” copywriting and content marketing solutions available at BTM Writing Services to support you with content for an active website, blog, email, and social media presence. Get started here to find the support you need . It takes 2 mins.
Or if you're looking to go more of the DIY route, join the Confident about Content Membership Society! It's the go-to place online to get accountability and support to sharpen your writing skills and help you meet your content and writing goals. Learn more.
About the author:
Hi, it's Jasmine – Copywriter and certified Content Marketing Strategist. For over 8 years, I’ve been helping businesses create content that's clear and true to their authentic voice, helps them gain visibility, attracts their ideal clients, and grows their business!
I realized in my own business (and with my clients), the right words meshed with the right systems can be a game-changer.
That's why I teach people how to have freedom in their business by leveraging content and their brand's messaging to attract their most valuable payers (without losing themselves, sleep, or sanity). Learn more.