We all have moments when we have trouble articulating what we want to say, or putting down the exact words that we want to write. This can be a big problem if it persists and keeps you from moving forward. Many people have their own techniques, habits, and solutions for when the elusive block comes – whether this is a writing block, a thinking block, or a general block of creativity doesn’t matter – because in the end, it all keeps things from getting done. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do when your brain just isn’t agreeing with your goals:

1. Do something else! Let’s say you are working on a proposal and your deadline is in a few hours and you just cannot figure out how to conclude it. You’re staring blankly at a computer screen but nothing comes to mind. Relax! Take a breath and take a step back. Go get a cup of coffee, reorganize your desk drawers, or write responses to a few e-mails you have been meaning to get to. You will find the words you were looking for when you stop actively looking for them.
2. Read. There is nothing wrong with looking up and reading pieces similar to those you are trying to work on and create yourself. If you’re having trouble finishing a blog for your website, go and read some blogs. The same goes for any other kind of project you’re trying to finish – creative, or otherwise.
3. Try Freewriting. Freewriting is a technique used mainly when someone who is writing a fiction or creative piece comes to a block and needs to get their ideas flowing once more. All you have to do is sit down with an empty word document and write for a set amount of time or space. Ten minutes, or a full page or two works. You don’t think about what you’re writing, you don’t read it as you write, you just write. A lot of times when you are done with freewriting and go back to review what you have written, you’ll find you have worked out a lot of problems through just letting your subconscious go.
4. Talk it out. Find an audience – a coworker, an employee, a casual friend. Talk to them about what is keeping you from finishing your work, get their input. It could be more beneficial to speak to someone who knows nothing about the work you are trying to finish, someone who doesn’t even work in the same field as you. That way their input will come from a direction you may not have even considered when you were working on your own.

If you find yourself still stuck after attempting some or all of these techniques, try something else! Anything that seems right to you might just be what you need. For all we know, all you needed was a chocolate bar! To stay at the edge of issues on HR and staffing, be sure tosubscribe to the Human Capital Supply Chain Blog.