Overcome Writer’s Block With This Productivity Strategy
A few years ago, I looked up from my computer and saw my husband standing at my office door with a look of intense frustration and angst on his face. He appeared as if he was about to rant about something, but he held it together.
Not knowing what could possibly have upset my steady and controlled husband, I asked what was wrong. Exasperated, he barked, “They want me to write an essay telling them how my past work experience would benefit the company. I’ve got over 20 years of experience in this industry. How am I supposed to answer that question in 500 words!”
He was transitioning into a new phase of his career and needed to write this essay as part of the job application process. My husband is an engineer and, while a wizard at math and coding, it takes him an hour to write a paragraph in an email. He agonizes over the process of writing.
I knew I could help him, but the strategy that was perfect for him was a brainstorming and organizing technique that I’d been using for over a decade with students with learning disabilities as well as gifted students. I’d never introduced the strategy to an adult. Broaching the subject carefully, I suggested he try this writing activity to organize his thoughts. I sat with him and walked him through the steps. Once he got going, there was no stopping him. It worked!
