We’ve all been there — sitting in front of the screen, fingers hovering, brain frozen. No motivation. No inspiration. Just… stuck.
But creativity isn’t about forcing ideas out of a tired brain. It’s about moving differently, thinking differently — and sometimes stepping away entirely.
Here’s what I do when I hit that wall, based on psychological research, personal trial-and-error, and wisdom from the writers I’ve studied.
Step 1: Step Away and Move (Literally)
When you’re mentally blocked, staying still usually makes it worse. Research shows that walking improves divergent thinking — the kind of thinking that generates new ideas.
Stephen King, in his book On Writing, walks daily — not just for health, but because movement creates momentum. Ideas often arrive when you’re not looking directly at them.
💡 Try this: Go for a 10–15 minute walk with no agenda. Or stretch. Or do a light chore. Let your body shift so your mind can follow.
👉 Read my review of On Writing here
Step 2: Use a Creative Prompt to Jumpstart Thought
Don’t wait for the “perfect idea.” Use a simple prompt to open the door. Prompts reduce decision fatigue and re-activate creative flow.
Try one of these:
- “What problem do I want to solve today?”
- “If I had to explain one idea I love to a friend, what would it be?”
- “What’s something I’ve figured out recently that might help someone else?”
Start with a question, not a blank page.
Step 3: Revisit Something You’ve Already Read or Written
When your brain feels empty, don’t force new ideas — borrow from your past thinking.
Re-read a book review, an old blog post, or even notes from a voice memo. Often, a single sentence will spark a whole new thread.
💡 I keep a page of past reviews for this exact reason: 👉 Explore my Book Reviews
Ideas don’t disappear — they hide in plain sight.
Creativity isn’t about forcing inspiration. It’s about changing your state.
When you’re stuck, step away. Ask questions. Reconnect with something meaningful you’ve already explored. The ideas will return — and they’ll often come back stronger.