I wrote about my occasional “painting blocks” in 2024, where described how I work through them when I’ve lost confidence.
I was listening to a writing-related podcast recently, and one of the hosts asked the other: “Who is the author you read when you forget how to write?” And with that statement the pod immediately had my attention because that’s exactly how I describe my blocks.
I forget how to paint.
The podcast duo then had an interesting discussion about inspiration and process, and how both help them work through their blocks. Listening to them, I was amazed at how similar their fears and their coping mechanisms were to mine. They would turn to basics. They would eschew frills and flowery language. They would break down larger pieces to sentences or search for a single “right” word to break through (and since I am a former editor who LOVED my thesaurus, I could relate).
Their discussion also led me to consider other kinds of skills and work. Be it physical or mental, we all have points where doubt creeps in, and actions are stopped and slowed, as we fight through whatever it is that makes us feel like we have “forgotten” how to do something.
I think there’s one common point for all of these blocks and their resolution.
Problem-solving.
Sometimes our brains get stuck on a problem, and we have to back up and figure out how to solve that it, perhaps with a different approach, but also with resolve. So, when you break through the block, there’s relief, but also satisfaction for having solved the puzzle.
So here’s to finding a modest problem to solve. Keep it small and manageable, and it will do wonders for you.
I’ll close with a tip: What’s the perfect laboratory for this type of problem?
A sketchbook.