Getting Unstuck

A few tips on getting started.

Sometimes the hardest part of a project is getting started, which may be why you’re reading this instead of working.?

We might not have the exact guidance you need, but here are three tips on getting your writing started you might just be able to apply in other areas of your life:

Tip #1: Identify your main idea

What’s one thing you want others to take away from your work?

Start by distilling your main idea into one to three sentences. This is your thesis – the core message you want to convey. It doesn't have to be perfect; it just needs to encapsulate the essence of your unique angle.

Tip #2: Brain Dump Everything You Know

Are you seeing the full story?

Open a document and write down everything you know about the topic. Don’t worry about structure, coherence, or even grammar at this stage. Use bullet points if it helps. The goal is to get all the relevant information out of your head and onto the page.?

Having a visual representation of all the content you have makes the writing process easier. You will start to see the areas of connection between points––the story––and in a way that feels structured and coherent.?

Notice how you also start to pick up on areas of connection you had no idea were there to begin with.

Here’s where Compose AI can make a real difference––instead of switching tabs to Google information, simply trigger ComposeAI to write “information about….” This feature allows you to do a bit of topic research right within your document, saving you valuable time.?

Tip #3: Talk about it

Do you have something to get off your chest?

Speaking about a topic can be easier than writing about it.?

Try recording yourself talking about the subject as if you’re explaining it to a friend. Don’t hold back – just let your thoughts flow naturally. Once you’ve recorded your voice memo, use an AI tool to transcribe it into text.?

This transcription gives you a raw draft that you can edit and refine. Writing assistants like Compose AI can assist in transforming your spoken words into well-structured writing.

This is particularly useful for writing where emotions run high––an email to your boss asking for a raise, or a personal essay for an application.?

Thoughts on feeling stuck

Wayne Dyer once said, “you are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.”?

Being stuck is often a mental state rather than a physical one. It can arise from a fear of change, self-doubt, or overwhelming circumstances. However, to move forward, it’s crucial to implement small, actionable steps that gradually build momentum. Overcoming the feeling of being stuck often requires a shift in mindset, embracing the journey of small progressions, and understanding that change starts with the decision to act.

If you’re here for writing tips and writing tips only, you might want to check out a previous edition, How to Overcome Writer’s Block Using Generative AI.

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