A friend asked, “How are you?” It wasn’t a perfunctory greeting; it was a genuine question. I hesitated. I didn’t really know how I was. I didn’t know if I wanted to know. So I said, “I’m fine.” I am nowhere near fine, except in the sense of the R.E.M. lyric: It’s the end of … More Writing in the Time of Pandemic: What’s Kindness Got to Do with It?
If you feel scattered and find it difficult to focus your attention on your writing, you’re not alone, not weird, not wrong. You’re probably suffering from mental clutter. Your brain is filled with too many things to think about, remember, ponder, take action on. You’re struggling to make sense of a cacophony of demands on … More When Mental Clutter Limits Your Writing, Clearing Your Mind Takes New Meaning
When you realize you’re too distracted to write, kudos! Recognizing distraction (or any other form of resistance) is Step 1 in responding effectively. As soon as you recognize the distraction, you can stop wondering if you have ADHD and takes steps to refocus your attention and get back to writing. Your next step is to … More Too Distracted to Write? Here’s Your Next Step
After the last post on the neurology of resistance, many of you may be thinking “Okay, so writing resistance is normal and I don’t have to feel guilty or embarrassed. That’s a huge relief, but what do I do next? How do I get past resistance and start writing again?” The key is the RAS … More Relax Your Way Out of Writer’s Block – Brain Basics Part 2
Earlier today I realized it’s already Wednesday and I haven’t written a blog entry this week. I groaned. My head dropped and my torso slumped in my office chair. But now, I’m physically and mentally refreshed and ready to go. What changed? I just spent 15 minutes monotasking. I set the timer for 10 minutes … More Monotasking: The Quick Cure for Writer’s Block
If you’ve enjoyed my blog or gleaned useful suggestions from it, you’re going to love the Around the Writer’s Block class! This class will give you: A safe, supportive community with other writers who are ready to stop struggling with resistance and start writing the way they want Awareness of what’s happening in your brain … More Around the Writer’s Block Class Open for Enrollment
In a previous post I suggested that sometimes the best thing to is nothing. I have new evidence for the power of “doing nothing.” Studies show that when rats experience something new, their brains create new patterns of activity. Nothing unexpected there, but here’s the kicker: to create a long-term memory, in other words, to really learn … More Nothing Beats the Power of Nothing
Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing… An article in the Wall Street Journal discusses several research studies that strongly suggest that professionals work better when we work less. I believe this is especially true of creative professionals. I have to say I’m not surprised. Creative people must honor the cycles of work AND rest. Go, … More Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!
After the last post on the Neurology of Resistance, many of you may be thinking “Okay, so writing resistance is normal and I don’t have to feel guilty or embarrassed, and that’s a huge relief, but what do I do next? How do I get past resistance and start writing again?” The key is the … More Relax Already (Neurology of Resistance Part 2)
Bane of Your Resistance 