When You Can’t Write, Do These Things Instead (2024)

Your problem is not idea creation.

According to a study published by psychologists at Queen’s University, human beings have around 6,200 thoughts per day. This means that generating writing ideas isn’t the problem. It’s converting those thoughts and ideas into words.

When you can’t think of something to write, what you’re actually struggling with is translating your thoughts into words. Going from private ideas to fully-formed, concrete concepts. Oftentimes, the hardest part is making sense of what you’re thinking. And then articulating that in a way that would make sense to other people. The goal then is to make this translation process as easy, and frictionless as you can.

These seven activities will help translate your thoughts into meaningful words.

Writing is just well-rehearsed thought.

The fewer distractions you have, the easier it is to rehearse your thoughts and translate them into words. Take your headphones out, turn off the TV, and put away your phone. With no distractions, there’s not much for your brain to do.

Turning off your devices forces you to write.

Hot showers are a breeding ground for great ideas.

According to Ron Friedman, a psychologist and behavior change expert, showers give you a dopamine high and put you in a relaxed state. In the shower, expectations are nonexistent and your mind is free to wander. Put some music on and jump in the shower.

And keep your phone or notebook handy for when ideas strike.

Great writing is the result of good reading.

Not all great ideas are entirely unique. Sometimes an exceptional article simply provides a refreshing perspective on an outdated idea. Sitting down to read a book can open up your brain to different paths of thinking.

Find an interesting book and dive in.