We’ve all had our dreams crushed by schoolwork, but nothing seems to hurt us as much as writing an essay on a topic we couldn’t care less about.
Sure, in an ideal world, we’d just write about stuff that excites us, but the reality is – the ideal world doesn’t exist. In the real world, we have to do tedious things and write about topics and ideas that we don’t find interesting. But how? How do we do it?
Well, it’s not easy – we’ll tell you that much. But here’s how you can start.
Why Aren’t I Interested?
The solution is always at the root of the problem. Look at the topic from a different perspective and ask yourself why you find it boring? You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from just a tiny bit of soul searching.
Identifying the problem will help you come up with a solution. From our experience, the following “problems” are the ones you most often have to overcome:
1. I Don’t Know Anything About It
Ignorance is bliss? Well, not in this case.
Having little to no knowledge on a topic you should be writing about is the single most common reason we can’t seem to pick up the pen. After all, how can we write about something we know nothing about, right?
Sure, but here’s the catch – you can easily learn. Allow yourself to read up on the topic, and you’ll find that as you get deeper and deeper into your research, your senses will start to tingle. Is that excitement that’s creeping up? It might just be.
2. It’s Not Appealing To Me
Oof, a tough one. But, here’s the thing – no one’s forcing you to like it.
Don’t pretend to be interested in the topic if you’re not. That’s a recipe for failure. Fortunately, you can come up with an engaging piece of the written word even if you’re not passionate about it. Assume an unbiased or a critical position and see what comes up.
3. Everyone Already Covered It
An over-exhausted topic can be a drag to write about.
You may have wanted to explore something new and invigorating, something no one has dabbled in so far, and yet you’re stuck with a generic, chewed-up topic everyone and their grandma has written about. So, what do you do?
You improvise. You make it a challenge to write something unique. Challenges are fun and exciting. We’re sure you’ll come up with something.
4. I’m Exhausted
While we’re on the subject of exhaustion – being tired and overwhelmed does not seem to help, does it? So, what do you do?
You prioritize rest!
Sure, that’s much easier said than done. Relaxation isn’t exactly written on one of the balls you’re juggling, but you have to find a way and unwind and clear your mind. Writing comes easy when you’re fully fresh and unwary, so take some load off. It’ll help.
How Do I Overcome Writer’s Block And Just Start Writing The Essay?
At this point, you’ve identified the problem, you’ve found a way to overcome it, you’ve sat in front of your computer and voila – you can’t write.
Writer’s block has got you cornered, and you can’t seem to find a way out. Is there even one?
Sure, there is. Here’s the map.
1. Structure Your Workflow
Self-discipline is vital at this point.
You can overcome writer’s block by structuring your workflow. Set it up in a way that allows you to check small things off of your list to give yourself a sense of progress. Also, having a schedule helps.
For example, start by drawing a simple mind map. Branch out your main idea for about 15 minutes, and then move on to the next 15-minute task – whatever that may be.
These little victories will put you in a productive mood, get your creative juices flowing, and before you know it – you’ll have a rough draft on your screen.
2. Find Inspiration Someplace Else
Drawing inspiration is what artists and writers did for centuries, so what’s stopping you from doing the same? Read what someone else wrote on the topic and pluck a few things here and there – that’ll get you in the mood.
What you can also do is visit this website and have them type something up for you.
Allow someone else’s work to fire you up. That’ll get you going.
3. Remove Distractions From Your Surroundings
Skip past this one if we’re wrong, but we’re just going to go out on a limb and say that TikTok is probably not the best source of inspiration for the particular task at hand.
Remove the distractions from your surroundings when you sit down in front of your computer. You don’t need anything interrupting your work. Brew a cup of coffee, play some Lo-Fi jazz, and put your phone on silent.
4. Just Write Something Down
Just write.
Even if it’s footnotes or extremely rough thoughts – write them down. Even if it’s the worst piece of the written word ever put to paper – write it down. You’ll have plenty of time to come back to it later.
Simply writing down your thoughts will get you in the mood. After a while, you’ll just get in the zone, and the words will just flow right out of you. You’ll have written a thousand words before you even realize it if you just do this.
5. Polish It
Naturally, you won’t submit the first draft of your work. Nor second. The third one’s also probably going to need some work, too, but hey – you’re pretty much done at this point.
After you’ve scribbled your way to the end, the only thing that’s left to do is polish your work. Re-read and re-write your sentences, re-arrange your paragraphs, add, delete – do whatever. Ponder the flow and structure of your essay until it sits right with you.
And then…
Pull Back And Admire Your Work
That’s it! You’ve done it!
It was hard. Grueling if we’re being completely honest. But hey, look at it – you’ve written an essay on a topic that bore you to sleep the first time you thought about it.
You’ve conquered your disinterest, you’ve done your due diligence, and now, the only thing that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and admire your work.
Well done.
