Ways to get over a mental block

What is a mental block? - A mental block is essentially a number of feelings and emotions that obstruct our thoughts and prevent us from doing something.

What causes a mental block? - Mental blocks can be caused by a number of factors, but most commonly, they are due to prolonged cognitive activity.

When does a mental block happen? - Sometimes we get paralyzed with the fear of failure and everything just feels overwhelming.

How to get over a mental block? - There are ways to do it, and we’ll show you how. But first, you need to be willing to get out of your comfort zone and actually do something different.

Break your goal down - If you have a big project in hand (either work or personal), break it down into small goals. This will help you redefine your short-term goals.

List your tasks - Now that you’ve broken your big task into goals, it’s important that you break these goals into tasks and write them down.

Start with the easy ones first - This will help you gain momentum and build confidence to tackle more complex tasks down the line.

Free writing - Open up a blank page on your laptop (or notebook, if you prefer) and start writing freely. Write whatever comes to mind.

Organize your space - Our surroundings are really important when it comes to mental clarity. Organize your work space and keep things neat and clean.

Do something new - Ditching your routine can really help. In addition to working in a different location, also try something new.

Go to a happy place (in your mind) - Remembering happy experiences can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Look at other people’s ideas - See how other people dealt with the things you are trying to do/solve. You can learn from other people’s mistakes and successes.

Focus on the present - Being mindful of the present moment can help you feel grounded and give you mental clarity.

Give yourself a break - Be patient with yourself. Many of us get easily frustrated, because, after all, we want to do things, and do them well.

Do something completely unrelated - Instead of procrastinating, just do a completely unrelated task (e.g. do the dishes or call a friend).

Get physical - Our bodies and minds are connected. Moving your body can have a positive effect on your mind and help you get over a mental block.

Fake it until you make it - Act as if your task is complete. Then pay attention to how you feel after you’ve “accomplished” your goal. Use these as fuel to actually complete your tasks.

Examine your mind - Dig deep into your mental landscape and see if you are carrying any mental models that may be hindering your progress.