Chapter 1: The Challenge of Finding Topics to Write About

Have you ever found yourself ready to write, yet unsure of what to say? This week, I faced this exact dilemma as I fell behind my writing schedule.

> I realized I was two days late on my new writing timeline.

When it comes to writing schedules, I have little experience. I initiated my writing journey during the Christmas holidays, motivated by a long-standing interest. Initially, the process felt natural, and I found my first articles came easily.

My initial aim was to publish monthly, but I soon discovered that more frequent posts are essential for success on Medium. Consequently, I’m striving to enhance my writing consistency.

My analytics indicate that I receive the highest readership within three days of publishing an article. Therefore, aiming to publish every three days seems ideal, although I'm not quite there yet.

For a while, I managed to publish bi-weekly, but I’ve now committed to writing every Sunday after discussing my goals with Andrea, my performance coach.

I believe dedicating a couple of hours each Sunday is achievable. My greater concern is maintaining my daily piano practice, even if it’s just for ten minutes. Andrea suggested a helpful technique for forming new habits: pair them with existing ones. That’s my strategy moving forward.

Section 1.1: The Power of Starting

One effective strategy I employ to tackle my writing challenges is simply to begin. That’s precisely how I approached this article. I had no clear topic in mind until I started typing.

Usually, I jot down ideas, titles, or subjects that inspire me throughout the day and then develop articles based on those notes. However, this time, I had to push through my block by just diving in and seeing where it led me.

Sometimes, it’s essential to embrace spontaneity. Other times, preparation is key. My previous article, which I left unfinished, was about dancing—a story for another day.

Subsection 1.1.1: Seeking Inspiration in New Environments

When I need a mental reset, I often escape on vacation. If I can spare the time and afford it, I love to explore new places and immerse myself in different experiences.

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Austrian Alps, specifically Bad Gastein—a quaint village nestled on a mountainside. The area is only about 500 meters long, easily walkable in ten minutes, yet it serves as the base for ski slopes that ascend over 2000 meters above sea level. The views are breathtaking.

To summarize, one of the simplest ways to overcome a creative block is to just begin. No matter the size of the challenge, taking small, actionable steps can help you navigate through it.

Additionally, establishing consistent habits around your writing can be beneficial. Connect new habits with existing ones, and soon they will become an integral part of your routine for achieving your personal definition of success.

It's crucial to allocate time for your writing endeavors. This consistency can be reinforced by scheduling dedicated writing periods in your calendar.

Taking breaks is equally important, and if possible, consider vacations. A change of scenery can refresh your mind, providing new insights and perspectives. Upon returning, you’ll be ready to tackle challenges with renewed energy.

To get unstuck, remember to:

• Just start
• Create new habits
• Schedule writing time
• Take necessary breaks (or vacations)

And don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way! 😊

How do you cope with feeling stuck? I’d love to hear your strategies!

Chapter 2: Resources for Writers

In the video titled "The Write Question 185: How do you figure out what to write about?", you’ll find valuable insights into overcoming the daunting task of selecting topics for your writing.

Another helpful resource is "7 Tips to Write When You Don't FEEL Like Writing | WRITERS BLOCK," which provides practical tips to keep your writing momentum going even on tough days.