How often have you heard the phrase ‘Change is the only
constant’? As humans, it is practically impossible to continue with our same
set of chores day in, day out. Though this system of routine does impart a
sense of stability and permanence that each one of us long for, it tends to
bore us down with inefficiency and boredom. That is when a block comes into the
picture. I did not pay much attention to blocks until I came across the term
‘Writer’s block’. As a creative artist, it is quite natural to hit a plateau
where one cannot generate new ideas as desired. And though this term often applies
to arts than technical fields, it is relevant to almost all areas of life. Be
it career or relationships, lifestyle or passion, general daily routine or our
social responsibilities, we can hit a block in almost any and every aspect.
The concept of
writer’s block prompted me to dig deep into the matter when I realized blocks
should not be resented or despised. In fact blocks are essential to instill new
ideas and enthusiasm. Agreed none of us will feel like welcoming these blocks
to halt our creativity and hamper with our work, but they do turn into blessing
in disguise if we learn to use them for our good. Rather than wasting time over
why and what about blocks, we must invest in updating our skills. If we change
our attitude, we can see their role as teachers. After all, only when our flow
of work or routine is blocked do we make an attempt to improve ourselves.
Avoiding blocks voluntarily by trying out something new is
one thing but how often does that feeling arise from within? If you are one of
those who take charge of improving much before hitting a block, take a bow
because such level of dedication for your own good is seldom found. But no
matter how hard you try, if these blocks do enter into your way, treat them as wake-up
alarms for action.
Blocks are hurdles
that prevent you from moving forward. They can pour feelings of doubt, anxiety,
restlessness and disappointment, making you believe in your inability. It can
also prompt you to quit your work or task in hand that will only invite
permanent sorrow.
So, is there a way
out? Is it possible to convert blocks into opportunities? And can one look at
blocks as temporary hurdles rather than high unattainable mountain peaks?
Digging into some ‘to-do’ ideas to tackle these blocks. These
actions are a mix of instant solutions, long-term approaches, elaborate methods
and quick-fixes. Do share the action plan from your diary. We all attend to
blocks in our own specific way. The path may differ but at the end we are and
should be able to handle it for our own eternal happiness that matters over
anything else.
1.
Take long silent walks
These work the best to clear out your mind
and avoid distracting thoughts. Walks help to prioritize your ideas and find a
solution from a state of stagnancy. Blocks arise when the same chain of ideas
keep repeating over and over again. It is important to remove them from the
system and think different.
2.
Abort the thinking right away
This may sound impossible since our aim is
to find a solution. But when you hit a block of stagnancy, the first thing to
do is quit thinking at all. Distract yourself into some other activity that is
completely unrelated to your line of work. Thinking over and over again is like
riding a bike over a circular route. When you realize thinking is not
productive, you will reach half way to the destination. Blocks arise by
excessive procrastination, contemplation and unnecessary analysis.
3.
Look around for inspiration
We fail to realize but our immediate
surrounding is an exceptional source of inspiration. We are programmed to look
far and wide, imparting significance to something that is beyond our reach. But
when you are receptive to people, surrounding, resources, nature and things
around you, it can motivate in unimaginable ways. Listen to ideas floating in
the air, hear out experiences and thoughts from people, seek guidance from
someone in the same boat, read, research and watch things in your domain, you
will be amazed by the result.
4.
Seek a by-pass route
When you do the same task regularly, you
need some alternate methods. Engage in some new actions that are different from
your everyday work but will ultimately take you to the same destination. There
are different methods of doing the same thing. The idea is to achieve the same
output but with some minor changes to the routine.
5.
Same thought, different surrounding
Now though we said thinking hard is not
really productive, we can return to it when the mood is right. And how do we
judge that? When thinking seems less of a demanding task and more of a
feel-good activity to seek a solution, the time is right. Our location plays an
important role in generating new ideas. Hence a change in the surrounding can
help a lot. Visit some place close or far, travel wherever and whenever you can
or simply sit few feet away from your usual work desk, the effects will
surprise you.
6.
Quit planning, pay attention to the present
Often when are overwhelmed by lack of ideas
to clear the block, we end up worrying about the future. As the present problem
seems too big, it is quite natural to doubt the road ahead. This can force us
to make unrealistic plans and think way ahead from where we stand today. Such
times demand a more ‘live in the moment’ approach. You can resume your usual
planning after things are better but that very discouraging moment demands less
of worrying and more of simple tasks, one step at a time.
7.
Accept the block and write to-do lists
This should be the first step when you
sense a block. Instead of being in denial and justifying your lack of
creativity, accept the impending sense of boredom and stagnancy. Following this,
organize your ideas and action plan. Often it helps to list down actions but
again only the short-term ones. Do not get carried away to make long-term plans
and enter into a spiral of self-doubt once again.
8.
Get hold of your favorite stress-buster
Playing with kids or watching comedy
programs? Drinking coffee or eating cake? Singing on top of your voice in the
bathroom or pretending to dance well? Find your favorite stress-buster and
engage into it instantly. Block is one form of stress in disguise. It needs an
outlet to remove the steam, release the boredom and get back in an enlightened,
happy way.
It sounds practical when we use words such as
‘to-do’. Do something to overcome the block. Hitting a plateau is quite common,
we see our favorite actors, performers, authors and sports personalities in
similar kind of situations. But not doing anything about it is the confirmed
killer of talent. Try something inspiring each time you hit the block and may
be your new skill set will read ‘expert in dealing with blocks’!
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