Steal My 10 Tips to Overcome Writer's Block and Find Your Authentic Voice

This Is What I Do

Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

A few years ago, I found myself stuck, trying to write a blog post that felt meaningful. The cursor blinked mockingly, and no words came. I had ideas but couldn’t put them into words. I realized I was trying too hard to sound “perfect,” which only made me doubt myself more.

It took me a while to understand that authentic writing isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being real, and connecting with readers. Once I embraced my unique voice and let go of unrealistic standards, writing became a lot easier.

Here are 10 practical tips that helped me break through writer’s block and they can help you too.

1. Start Small-Write Anything, Even If It’s Bad

When I felt stuck, I realized I was putting too much pressure on myself to write the perfect first draft. That pressure led to paralysis.

Instead, I started writing anything, no matter how messy or unpolished. The goal was to get words on the page. Sometimes, I’d write random thoughts or even how frustrated I was feeling. This simple act of writing something, however imperfect, helped me get unstuck.

Pro Tip:

• Set a timer for 10 minutes and write without stopping, even if it’s nonsense. You can always edit later.

2. Change Your Environment

I noticed that writing in the same spot every day made me feel trapped. Changing my environment helped me see things from a fresh perspective.

Whether it was moving to a different room, writing at a café, or even sitting outside, the change of scenery boosted my creativity. It made writing feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

Pro Tip:

• Experiment with different writing spots, like a park or a cozy corner in your house. Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference.

3. Set a Timer and Write Non-Stop

One technique that worked wonders for me was the Pomodoro Technique, writing for 25 minutes without interruption, followed by a 5-minute break. This approach helped me stay focused and avoid distractions.

The ticking timer gave me a sense of urgency, pushing me to write without overthinking. I stopped worrying about getting each sentence right and just let the words flow.

Pro Tip:

• Try the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes and write without pausing. During the break, stretch or grab a coffee, then get back to writing.

4. Break Your Writing into Smaller Tasks

Looking at an entire blog post felt overwhelming. I’d feel stuck before I even started. So, I began breaking my writing into smaller tasks - introduction, body, conclusion, or even just bullet points.

Focusing on one section at a time made the task less daunting. It also allowed me to build momentum, making it easier to complete the entire piece.

Pro Tip:

• Outline your content first. Break it into smaller sections, then tackle one section at a time. You don’t have to write in order, start with the easiest part.

5. Read or Consume Inspiring Content

When I struggled to find inspiration, I’d turn to books, blogs, or even podcasts. Seeing how other writers expressed their thoughts sparked new ideas for my own writing.

Sometimes, stepping away from writing and simply consuming good content helped me understand different storytelling techniques. It also reminded me that even great writers have their own unique styles, giving me the confidence to embrace mine.

Pro Tip:

• Spend 15 minutes reading a blog post, watching a YouTube video, or listening to a podcast in your niche. Pay attention to the style and flow, then see how you can apply it to your own writing.

6. Talk It Out-Share Your Ideas with Someone

Whenever I felt stuck, I’d share my ideas with a friend or colleague. Explaining my thoughts out loud helped me clarify my ideas and get feedback.

Sometimes, just hearing myself speak gave me new insights or angles I hadn’t considered before. It also reminded me that my ideas were worth sharing, boosting my confidence.

Pro Tip:

• Call or meet up with someone you trust and share your writing ideas. You’ll be surprised how much clarity you gain from simply talking it out.

7. Take a Break and Recharge

I used to believe that sitting in front of my laptop longer would eventually break the writer’s block. It didn’t. In fact, it made me more frustrated.

Taking short breaks whether it was a walk, a quick workout, or just closing my eyes and breathing, helped me reset. Often, the solution came when I wasn’t actively trying to find it.

Pro Tip:

• Schedule short breaks during your writing sessions. Sometimes, stepping away helps you return with a fresh perspective.

8. Write Like You Speak-Forget Perfection

I realized that I was trying to sound “professional,” which made my writing feel stiff and unnatural. Once I started writing the way I speak using a conversational tone, words flowed more easily.

Not only did this make writing less stressful, but it also made my content more relatable. I stopped chasing perfection and focused on authenticity instead.

Pro Tip:

• Imagine you’re explaining your ideas to a friend. Write as if you’re having a casual conversation. This takes the pressure off and makes your writing more engaging.

9. Use Writing Prompts or Templates

On days when I had no idea where to start, writing prompts were a lifesaver. They gave me a jumping-off point, allowing me to get words on the page without overthinking.

Sometimes, I’d use templates or frameworks to structure my content. This made the writing process faster and more organized.

Pro Tip:

• Use prompts like “What’s one lesson I’ve learned recently?” or templates like listicles or how-to guides. They’re great for overcoming blank-page syndrome.

10. Celebrate Small Wins and Keep Going

I used to be my harshest critic, always focusing on what wasn’t perfect. But celebrating small wins like finishing a draft or even writing a paragraph kept me motivated.

Writing isn’t easy, but every word is progress. Once I learned to acknowledge my efforts, I became more confident in my abilities.

Pro Tip:

• Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. It could be as simple as rewarding yourself with a treat or acknowledging that you showed up and wrote today.

My Final Thoughts: Writer’s Block Is Temporary, You’ve Got This!

Overcoming writer’s block isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s about showing up, being real, and writing even when it feels imperfect.

If you’re struggling, don’t chase perfection. Experiment, embrace your unique voice, and remember that writing is a journey. Every word you write brings you closer to finding your authentic voice.

If you found these tips helpful, subscribe to my newsletter for more insights on overcoming writer’s block and writing with authenticity.

Start writing with confidence and forget all worries. :)