Brain Blocked - Getting Going When the Words Won’t Come
One of the worst feelings for someone who writes for a living is the dreaded “brain block.” You know - those times where you sit and stare at your screen but nothing comes. Doesn’t your brain know that you specifically scheduled this time to write a very important grant application? Why is it being so contrary?
Well, there’s some fascinating research about when different “types” of people experience their sharpest mental clarity and peak performance. It turns out, our daily rhythms play a big role in how and when we think best:
Morning People: If you’re someone who wakes up with the sunrise and feels sharp before noon, you might find that tackling your most brain-intensive tasks first thing in the morning works best for you.
Night Owls: If mornings are a struggle and you hit your stride later in the day, don’t fight it. Give yourself permission to lean into those later hours for deep focus.
The In-Between Crowd: Some people have a mid-morning to early afternoon sweet spot. Your most productive time might be after your second cup of coffee but before the afternoon slump.
Find Your Flow
Pay attention to when you naturally feel your best—when ideas flow effortlessly and you can focus without forcing it. Keep a mental or written log over a week to notice patterns. Then, try to schedule your heavy-lifting tasks, like writing narratives or crafting budgets, during those golden hours. You might find those moments of clarity come at really inopportune times and it could take some schedule tweaking to maximize your thinking and productivity throughout the day.
When You’re Blocked, Try This:
Take a Walk (or a Break). A simple change of scenery can do wonders. There’s evidence that walking—especially outdoors—boosts creativity and helps generate new ideas.
Get Moving. If walking isn’t your thing, any form of movement (yoga, stretching, dancing) can help. Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, which can reignite your creativity.
Shift to a New Task. Sometimes, your brain just needs to think about something else. Tackle an easier task, like organizing files or responding to emails, before returning to the bigger challenge.
Talk It Out. Call a colleague or friend and explain the problem. Saying it out loud can help you untangle thoughts and spark fresh ideas.
Try the Pomodoro Technique. Work for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. This approach can help you ease into a project without the pressure of “having to finish.”
Unwind with Quiet Moments. Ever notice how great ideas seem to strike in the shower? It’s because quiet, distraction-free moments allow your brain to wander and make new connections.
The Benefits of Using AI Tools
Sometimes, the easiest way to jump-start your creativity is by letting a tool take the first step. AI tools can help generate ideas, rephrase content, or even outline a grant narrative. It is like a brainstorming partner that’s available 24/7 - like an energetic intern waiting for a task! Now, you’re still in control—using the tool to refine and shape the content—but it can give you that initial push to overcome the blank page.
Sometimes There is No Perfect Time
Let’s be honest: there are seasons in life when finding “the best time” to work feels impossible. Family responsibilities, health challenges, or just sheer exhaustion can make it hard to prioritize anything else. And that’s okay.
On those days, just do the best you can. Take small steps instead of giant leaps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether that means delegating tasks, hiring a consultant, or leaning on your team, remember that you don’t have to do everything alone. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to keep moving forward.
The Magic of Walking Away
Sometimes, the best way to solve a mental block is to take a step back. It feels counterintuitive, but stepping away from the problem allows your subconscious mind to keep working in the background. When you return, you’ll often find new clarity or direction.
Remember that mental blocks are temporary, and inspiration will come. Grant writing is as much about patience as it is about precision, so honor your own rhythms, lean into what works for you, and trust the process.
You’ve got this!