Ivy Keating's Blog - Posts Tagged "solutions"

I've been thinking about writer's block. The phrase doesn't sit right with me. It makes me think of the physical act of writing, and more often the root of my block is with the direction of the plot. I guess I'd prefer to call it a creative block.

But the point is, it's actually very important to properly identify a problem. Giving something an inaccurate label can create a complication that doesn't exist. If in my mind the term 'writer's block' makes me think of the written word, I might think the solution is to sit at my computer and type out different storylines. However, if I believe my problem is really which direction the plot should go in, I might take a very different approach, leave my desk and walk around outside where I can clear my mind and think.

Here's another example of the importance of accurately identifying a problem. Yesterday I woke up with my heartbeat going a little faster than usual. I immediately thought I was feeling anxious. I tried to think if something was upsetting me from the night before. Then I realized I forgot to turn my fan on. It wasn't anxiety; I was simply too warm! It's easy to see how working on the wrong problem here would not only not solve the situation but could also create an issue where one never existed.

Next time you're having some difficulty, take a moment to think about the source. Properly identifying a problem is the first step to solving it!