Writers block, unsuccessful brainstorming sessions and other creative stopping points generally occur from one of two things:  stress or overthinking.  Stress I’ll leave you to handle on your own – but overthinking is something I can help you with.

It’s a problem that happens to the best of us, but it’s curable.  The first step is a brief understanding of the physiological reason why overthinking is harmful:

A recent article from Scientific American outlines some interesting research:

Trying to concentrate on monitoring the quality of your performance is counterproductive because the cerebellum, which controls complex motor tasks, is not consciously accessible.

…In a 2008 study psychologist Sian L. Beilock of the University of Chicago divided novice and skilled golfers into two groups and instructed them to perform a series of golf putts. The researchers encouraged members of the first group to take their time, whereas they exhorted members of the second group to swing as quick­ly as they could. Novice golfers performed less accurately when speed was emphasized, but skilled golfers showed exactly the opposite pattern: they performed best when told to execute quickly and faltered when advised to take their time.

Overthinking is an instant destroyer of highly skilled, developed tasks of any sort – whether the mental or physical variety.  The Scientific American article focuses mostly on overthinking causing you to choke under high-pressure, live situations like golfing or public speaking, but this is an affliction that can also hurt you during work that isn’t live.

I’ve written several posts outlining ideas for helping you achieve success during creative endeavors such as marketing, blogging or creating art.  I will link/outline just a few to explore that can help you build a mindset that defeats overthinking.

Don’t worry about being original, be useful

If you’re focused on always trying to be original, you’re going to overthink things quite frequently, which is not a good place to be.  Try to focus on being useful instead:

  • Stop worrying about creating things that are 100% original
  • Let your unique perspective and industry expertise be your guide
  • Refine as you push forward
  • Keep a personal knowledge base
  • Look at the landscape
  • If you find a formula that works, don’t be afraid to keep using it

Momentum And The Flow Experience

Flow experiences are the antithesis of overthinking and only happen when you’re effortlessly engaged at your highest level.  A few basics to help you fall into the groove and gain momentum:

  • Eliminate all distractions.
  • Start with all the tools you’ll need to finish the project. Having to make a trip out to pick something up halfway through a project is a surefire way to kill your drive.
  • Know your goals beforehand, have them clearly drawn out. This is especially important for creative tasks where you’re not necessarily drawing in the lines.
  • Become a master of all of your tools and devices. Use your technology to its full potential.
  • Learn all the background material you’re working with inside and out. To get momentum with something, you have to understand it intimately.

How To Overcome Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is frequently caused by overthinking.  A few ideas to help include:

  • Get your blood moving
  • Change your surroundings
  • Unplug the Internet
  • Listen to some music
  • Start what you’re stuck on first thing in the morning
  • File it for later
  • Get some coffee
  • Outline it
  • Stop thinking about it and just start writing
  • Don’t force it
  • Read some blogs/articles/books outside the scope of what you normally write
  • Keep a digital or analog notebook with you 24/7
  • Keep writer’s block away by writing daily
  • Eat healthy food and snacks
  • Try taking a nap

Accessing Your Creative Reserves

Learning to access your creative reserves can be a vital tool to battle overthinking.  Some ideas:

  • New music, new art, new books, new ideas by individuals who are unknown
  • Dig through nostalgic material – the older, the better
  • Work relentlessly on self-actualization

Use Idle Brainpower To Nourish Ideas

Instead of overthinking when you’re ready to work, get it out of the way during less mentally-intensive activities such as:

  • Driving
  • Showering
  • Grocery shopping
  • Time at the gym
  • Jogging
  • Cooking
  • Having lunch
  • Cleaning your house
  • Laundry

More related articles to help you get on top of your game in the inspiration section.

image credit:  cayusa