How to get over mental blocks for good-7 best steps

Have you ever gotten stuck while working? I mean, you get to that point where you hit a brick wall, have no inspiration to keep going, and tasks you usually complete with ease become impossible to attempt. Sounds familiar? 

Well, you're not alone, and it's not unusual. Many professionals, especially creatives, have had to deal with this situation at least once during their careers, And it's typically known as a state of mental block. However, mental blocks do not qualify as a sufficient reason you wouldn't deliver your jobs when due or wouldn't dispense your responsibility efficiently.

So let's talk about how to get over a mental block and how to prevent it from occurring. Before then, let's define it.

What is a mental block?

A mental block refers to a temporary inability to recall information or perform a task that one would normally be able to do. It can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty remembering a word or name, writer's block, inability to solve a problem, difficulty focusing on a task, or an inability to come up with new ideas. 

Mental blocks are not to be treated with kid gloves, especially if it occurs often. It could make you lose your job, clients, and deadlines and affect your productivity and performance. If left unchecked, a mental block could slip into worse physical and health conditions like depression,  etc., so learning how to overcome mental blocks and how to get rid of mental blocks should be a life skill every professional should know. It would come in handy when you least expect it.

So what causes mental blocks? Let's find out.

Causes of mental blocks

Situations and factors often trigger mental block, but it usually doesn't happen. And if you're going to understand how to get over a mental block, you must first understand its triggers. So let's hit the road.

Stress and anxiety

One of the body's responses to stress is mental weakness. When the body and mind are stressed, it can be difficult to focus and generate new ideas. Stress can also cause anxiety and depression, making it difficult to find the energy or motivation to work. Anxiety or stress can impair one's ability to focus and reason properly, which might result in a mental block.

Perfectionism

We all wish to produce the best results, but there is a thin line between diligence and perfectionism. Perfectionism sets unrealistic standards for oneself, which can cause a mental block, making it difficult to start or continue a task. When you pursue perfectionism, you often get overwhelmed and lose the inspiration to get to work.

Self-doubt

This is like the opposite extreme of perfectionism; in this case, you are not pursuing perfection but are scared of your ability to get the job done. Self-doubt causes individuals to second-guess their abilities and become stuck in a cycle of procrastination.

Lack of sufficient rest

Experts recommend at least 7 hours of rest every day, not just rest but quality, uninterrupted rest. The body needs this to recover from stress and work activities. When you don't rest properly, it affects your mental and physical state, which could lead to a mental block, stress, and unproductivity.

Lack of inspiration or motivation

Developing new ideas or finding the energy to work on a task can be difficult without inspiration or motivation. This happens when someone feels bored or unfulfilled in their work or not connected to their creative process.

Distractions

Workplace distraction is becoming a matter of emergency, and people need to be more aware and intentional about avoiding distractions. Recent reports have revealed that over 80% of workers get distracted at work. This is a problem because it affects performance and can result in mental blocks. Distractions may include notifications on the phone, an unorganized workplace, and chit-chats from colleagues, friends, or family for those who work remotely.

So far, we've explained what a mental block is and the factors that trigger it; the next stop is how to get over mental blocks.

How to overcome a mental block

Mental blocks can be a frustrating and disruptive obstacle in our lives, preventing us from achieving our goals and reaching our full potential. However, with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to overcome these blocks and regain our motivation and focus. Here are some steps to teach you how to get over the mental block.

Identify the root cause

The first step in overcoming a mental block is to identify the underlying cause of the problem. This may be related to a specific task or project, or it may be related to a broader issue such as stress or anxiety. Understanding the root cause can tailor your approach to address the specific problem.

Take a break

Sometimes, the best way to overcome a mental block is to step away from the task or project for a little while. Taking a break can give your mind a chance to rest and recharge, making it easier to approach the task with renewed energy and focus.

Change environment

A change of scenery can also be a powerful tool for overcoming a mental block. If you've been working on a task for a long time in the same location, try moving entirely to a different room or even a different location. Sometimes a change of environment can help to stimulate your creativity and break through the block.

Focus on the process, not the outcome 

When we're stuck in a mental block, it's's easy to become fixated on the result and lose sight of the steps that will help us to achieve it. Instead of focusing on the outcome, try to focus on the process of working towards it. You can work through the block one step at a time by breaking the task into smaller, manageable steps.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for overcoming a mental block. By bringing awareness to your thoughts and emotions, you can better understand what is causing the block and how to move past it.

Reduce your workload

Ofte people get overwhelmed when there is so much left to do, and instead of getting inspired to pull through, our minds go blank at the thought of the unfinished work, which can lead to anxiety and mental block. 

So what do you do?

Be intentional about reducing your workload or employ smarter ways to get things done. This may include adopting smart, automated tools to handle certain tasks that would normally take a long time to handle manually.

One such tool is Workee.

Workee is a smart solution for freelancers and professionals who work by appointment and are looking to work more efficiently. With the Workee tool, you can access a smart CRM system that gives you a holistic overview of your business contacts. It allows you to sync and reach your clients whenever you want to from one place.

Workee also integrates a finance management hub that helps ensure you have a record of your business finances. You can also issue automated invoices and get paid directly. The good part is that Workee is compatible with stripe and even PayPal. So connect your PayPal account and start managing your finances directly from your Workee dashboard.

Beyond finances, Workee also helps you manage your business by providing a smart scheduling system that allows your clients to book you at a specific time of your choice. So you don't have to worry about bookings, schedules, or even setting up meetings. Workee handles all that and still sends reminders to keep you up-to-date with your schedules.

Get a support system

Reach out to a friend or professional for help and support. Sometimes, having someone else to talk to can help to put things into perspective and provide a fresh perspective on the situation.

To conclude

These are some steps that can help you to overcome a mental block. Remember, mental blocks are a normal part of the creative process, anit's's important not to get too discouraged by them. With the right approach and mindset, you can regain your motivation and focus and move past the block to achieve your goals.