Struggle with ADHD or Writer's Block? STEAL this trick. | Mel Robbins

Do you struggle with Writer’s Block or staying focused?

This simple trick LITERALLY changed my life. I can’t wait to share this with my three kids. I wish I had known about this when I was in college and law school.

I’m currently writing my second book (exciting stuff 😉) and between my ADD and dyslexia, I’ve been having a hard time sitting my ass in my chair and writing chapter after chapter.

One afternoon I couldn’t find my keyboard that hooks up to my iPad so I was forced to use the dictation feature… Holy shit. I wrote the intro to my book in 11 minutes flat-- something I had been stuck on for over a month.

If you have trouble forming creative thoughts while typing or writing, try hitting the little microphone on the keyboard on your phone or tablet. Or try using Siri on your laptop. You might find, like I just did, that dictating allows you to let your creative ideas flow. ’m telling you, this is the best thing since sliced bread.

Put a 🗣 in the comments if you’re going to try this trick!

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[alifeunconventional]

OMG I AM SOBBING! You absolutely just changed my life. I can’t believe this never occurred to me. I’ve been sitting at my desk for days, staring at the computer, distracting myself with anything other than the task at hand.

[lateatthegame]

I’ve only recently just come across Mel and I just knew she was ADHD. We can always tell one of our own :)

[novveltech]

When you are thinking of creative ideas and then you have to type it out, you are engaging in task switching, which people with ADHD do not do well. Additionally, you are switching from Default Mode Network (where creativity is generated) to Task Positive Network (TPN), where you are focused on a specific task. This explains why writing our creative thoughts down can be so mentally taxing as we are switching not only the task we are engaged in, but the mode our brain is in. I never thought about this until I saw this video. You are a genius Mel! I would be interested in how Dr. Hallowell captures his ideas. That would be an amazing interview @Mel Robbins!

[ilovegoddoyou]

To anybody who's reading this, I pray that whatever is hurting you or whatever you are constantly stressing about gets better. May the dark thoughts, the overthinking, and the doubt exit your mind right now. May clarity replace confusion. May peace and calmness fill your life. Amen.💕

[gardenstateknicks]

As a screenwriter, dictation has helped me plot out the actions that need to happen in a story. Once that's established, writing and improvising spoken dialogue is much easier because in the back of my head, I know what the conversation has to lead to. Thank you for this!

[elinemadeleine]

100% relatable. I wrote 1/3 of my PhD on my phone so far. It’s the only way to get thoughts out without myself deleting everything right away. ADHD ✨!

[bextaboyd]

This legit changed my life. I was drowning in Uni assessments and googled...how to overcome writers block and this popped up. I smashed out the last of my assignments in a flash and did so much better than I hoped for!!

[Marste]

I love this. I love that you are willing to share such a clear and helpful and possibly life changing tip. Someone else may have sat on this secret and revealed it in their book, not you Mel. You give so much and I appreciate you. You've helped me abundantly.

[WereGreen]

Summary:
- Use the dictate button instead of typing

[CokeSlurpies]

This is exactly what I've been doing for the longest time. I'm so glad that this is useful for others with ADHD as well. And I was using this before I even was diagnosed. It's so amazing how all of our brains work So similarly and these methods help us all so effectively. I love you all and I hope the best for you all

[samanthasponder]

My 8 year old son with ADHD uses voice text on his Chromebook. It has been a lifesaver.

[PatriceHeadington]

As I watch your video I realize I’ve been using this technique for a few things I do. I’m a content creator and I want to ramp up how much I produce. I’m about hit the record button and see how the words add up!!! Thank you Mel! I so appreciate you putting yourself out there and being vulnerable. You help so many people. I am incredibly grateful for you.

[AntiSocialExtrovert]

"do you realize i've been trying to write this for a month?" how did u get inside my life lmao <3

[donijoneslive]

OMG! You just literally changed my life! I am also supposed to be working on my second book and I have not even got past chapter titles because every time I think about sitting down to write my brain freezes up. This is genius.

[ericaroman]

I would love to see more videos on how you work through your dyslexia and adhd, from a personal and professional standpoint.

[stacytulloch]

Its the opposite for me.. I am not a talker by nature. I actually organize my thoughts better when I write., so dictating doesn't work that well for me. I also have Adhd and what's weird is that I go faster writing my outline long hand first yes slowly writing it out on paper. Because my adhd brain is constantly distracted by trying to correct all the errors I can't ignore the errors so it takes forever to complete. When I do it long hand I just write and it flows somehow I make less mistakes and I am able to focus better on finishing the task.

[peace-pohy]

Mel you're an amazing human being... N honestly most speakers, as informative as they are, are more into money, ego n popularity (which is fine ) ...You, however, are a very caring human being - & that's real impact.

[RosheenQuynh]

The irony of it all for me is that I've always found writing my thoughts much easier than saying them out loud. Lately, I'm stumbling over my words and struggling to find words I want to say, just in conversation (but also writing)! I fail to describe things in detail and my whole creative flow is just absent. 😮‍💨

[arthpandey]

as someone who has mild adhd and suffers from writer's block often this video was a great help. thank you so much Mel. i will definitely try this next time I encounter writer's block. love<3

[AShadeOfYou]

I love seeing your husband and your kids in your videos it just seems so natural that they’re there because you’re at home and to be honest I’ve always felt like you seem a little isolated when you do your videos and I don’t see your kids or your husband or the dog doing little cameos. I’ve always wanted to write a screenplay . And I’m finally doing it, I finally have something to say…I’ve been doing it by hand and sometimes I just can’t get my ideas down fast enough before I lose what it is I want to say and how I want to say it so I think this is a great idea and since I do have an iPad I’m going to now implement this! Thank you so much for this suggestion!!