3 Things I do to go from idea to completed article.
Do you ever experience periods where you don’t know what to write? Where no matter how hard you try, you just can’t come up with a good idea, let alone expand upon it? You’re scratching your head, trying to come up with something and it’s not happening. It can be frustrating and at times it can even make you stop your progress. I’ve seen it happen.
It’s easy for me to come up with writing ideas. In fact, I am sure to write them down now. Have you ever had trouble thinking about the best details to share on a topic in order to expand it and make it a strong piece?
Writing advise is something I get asked about by my clients and even my friend and here is what I suggest. I look for unique approaches to this so that my content has a great chance of being unique and interesting.
Think About Your Own Experiences
Sometimes you get so used to thinking along certain lines, like business, without realizing there is a whole vast array of topics to write about. And ones that your clients, prospects and partners would be interested in.
Think about your experiences. Maybe it was a trip you took and you have a few hints to share about it. You can think about the city in which you live and write about it in some way, what you like, what you don’t like or things that people may not know.
Stop… telling yourself no one will be interested. You’re not writing for them.
Take a Break, a Walk Outside or Move Around Your Office
Sometimes the struggle makes it actually worse for you to think, though there is an assumption that trying harder will produce the desired great idea. It may or may not.
A quick step away from the desk can actually help to do the trick. It may not be what you expect, and I know it works. I get this question from my clients when they are having difficulty writing content ideas or even a business email to a prospect.
I suggest they take a walk outside if they can, it doesn’t have to be a long one. If they are pressed for time and against a deadline, set a timer so they don’t spend too much time away. Being outdoors and even movement can be an important way to come up with ideas. It’s true. And you’ll want to have a place to make a note of them in the moment, either a pen and paper or your phone. You can use the notes section or make a voice memo. Super easy and super helpful.
Stop… telling yourself you don’t have time for a short break! Give yourself the gift of time and see what comes from it.
Ask Yourself a Different Question
For example, if you were going to take time away from your activities to read an article, what would it be about? Just list them out. Let a free flowing chain of ideas come through. Then to expand on that, you can develop the topic into such things as what would you want to know. Or what would you do in this situation.
Sometimes the writer’s block that you experience can be a signal that you have to get out doing more for fun, or things that you enjoy. Ask yourself, what is something you’d like to do for fun; your answer may surprise you.
I hope that next time you’re staring at a blank page, you will try pulling from your own experiences, taking a walk or a break, and asking yourself different questions to stimulate new ideas! These three writing tips can help you think of ideas for writing, to expand upon and even help you become a better writer. Have fun.
Maureen Considine is Founder and CEO of Finding Your Way Coaching. A Master Coach with expertise in Income Acceleration, Business Development, Sales and Mindset, she is the Wealth Health Creation Strategist for entrepreneurs, executives, and other high performers. Maureen has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. She has helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their true potential using her unique, intuitive, and holistic approach. Maureen has a B.A. in Psychology, with training in mindset and the Psychology of Sales.