Maybe It's Time to Pause...

The past two weeks I have found myself hitting blocks of all sorts. 

• Writer’s block.

• Energy blocks.

• Motivation blocks.

• Name the block, and I’m pretty sure it has shown up. 

Each of these causes me to feel a wee bit (or a big bit) frustrated, because blocks get in the way of being productive. There is a whole lot that seems to need my attention right now; being anything less than productive feels counter-intuitive. 

I know I’m not alone in this. As human beings, coming up against blocks from time to time is normal. The question is, what do you do when it happens?

What I‘ve come to realize is that when I hit a block, there is very little point in “toughing it out” or trying to push a metaphorical ball uphill. I mean, I could dig my heels in and go for it. For example, I could just start to type randomly as a way of getting unstuck when faced with writer’s block. Or, I could power through and complete a project while operating on energetic fumes without inspiration. In either case, there will definitely be a “product” that gets created. But the block itself won’t actually go away. And the product or project isn’t likely to reflect my original inspiration.

So, what’s the solution?

Here’s what I’m learning: when I’m faced with a block, I need to stop.  Because there’s always something else that needs my attention, and the block (whatever it is) is simply a way for me to focus on what’s actually needed.

• It might be that I need to rest.

• It might be that I need some food.

• It might be that I need to use some different energy.

• It might be that I need to move. 

• It might be that I need to work on something else.

Essentially, blocks of any sort are often signposts in disguise. When faced with what appears to be a block, what I need to do is let go of any “striving” energy I have, step back, evaluate and course correct. In other words, it doesn’t serve for me to ignore the block or try to push past it. The better way to be – ironically, the more productive way to be – is to stop, look and regroup. When I do this, the block will transform, and whatever it is that was feeling blocked will naturally start to flow.