The struggle is real. And so is writer’s block. I’ve been there… many times. You’ve probably heard that having a blog can help your website’s SEO, connect you with potential clients, and set you apart as an expert in your field. But what are you supposed to do if you’re just not up to the task?
Here are some ideas (that I’ve personally found helpful) to get those creative juices flowing:
- Go for a walk. Fresh air and a bit of exercise can help reset your mind frame. You might see something inspirational while your out or simply the change of scenery can be enough.
- Talk to someone. Every time I’m in a rut, all I have to do is chat with a friend or colleague. It’s helpful to have a sounding board or to bounce ideas off one another. Sometimes, unexpectedly, a colleague has said to me mid-conversation, “ooh! You should turn that idea into a blog post,” and voilà! You’ve got yourself something to write about.
- Just start writing. Grab a notebook, a scrap piece of paper, or heck, even a napkin. Just start writing down whatever pops into your head. It doesn’t have to make sense or be grammatically correct, but will (eventually) put you in the writing mood.
- Read. Read a book, read another blog, read a magazine. This will help you think about writing styles and could inspire you to write something you haven’t thought of before.
- Get enough sleep. Nothing is as mentally draining as not getting enough sleep. Getting a good night’s rest is an important part of self-care and being able to function at full capacity. As someone who regularly struggles to get the recommended amount of sleep, I know how detrimental this can be to the creative process.
- Take a writing class. If you love to write, but not feeling super confident in your skills, take a writing course or attend a seminar. It can be scary to share your work with other people, but usually in these settings everyone is supportive and will help you tap into your hidden talents. Think of it as a therapeutic support group!
- Write down any blog ideas. Did an idea for a blog post just pop into your head? Don’t judge it – just start writing (or write the idea down and get back to it later). Put aside all judgmental and critical thinking and just start writing whatever comes to mind. Worry about editing and perfecting it later (or don’t!). Your blog doesn’t have to be perfect. Part of your relationship with your clients is showing your authenticity and genuineness, so what better way to do that than by allowing yourself to be vulnerable in your writing?
- Reflect on past sessions. Did something a client say stick with you? Use sessions as inspiration for what you can write about. Have you noticed a trend of people with similar issues? Think about what would be helpful for your current clients (or the type of client you’re trying to attract). Just be sure to leave out any identifying information and keep things pretty vague so there’s no way the blog post can be tracked back to a specific person.
I know that writing isn’t for everyone. It can be frustrating, challenging, or just not something you’re interested in doing. It can be difficult to get your thoughts down on paper (or on a screen) in a coherent manner that people would want to read. So what are you supposed to do if you just don’t want to write or aren’t great a it? Great news: you can now purchase my guide: How to Write a Blog Post (for Mental Health Therapists) for only $10! This 6-page downloadable PDF guide focuses on improving SEO and being helpful for your readers (who may be potential clients). It helps you know what to write and how much, and includes 20 title prompts specific for psychotherapists so you can overcome your fear of writing or writer’s block and get writing! Get your guide: https://hyhomarketing.com/product/guide-how-to-write-a-blog-post-for-mental-health-therapists/
