As freelance medical translators and writers, we've all experienced those frustrating moments where the words won’t flow or the perfect translation seems out of reach.
Whether it's battling writer's block or deciphering a complex term, feeling stuck can disrupt your productivity and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Getting stuck is a normal part of the creative and professional process, and there are strategies to help you push through.
1. Step away and take a break
Accept that you're stuck for the moment and give yourself permission to take a break. A short walk, some fresh air, or even just stepping away for a coffee can help refresh your mind. Often, when you stop forcing a solution, your subconscious mind starts working on it in the background, leading to breakthroughs when you least expect it.
Allowing your brain to rest often leads to "aha" moments when you're away from the desk.
2. Break the task into smaller pieces
Sometimes the feeling of being stuck stems from the overwhelming nature of a big project. Rather than focusing on the entire document or article, break it down into smaller micro-goals. Instead of aiming to translate an entire section, aim to translate one sentence. Instead of writing an entire paragraph, write one key idea.
Micro-goals are easier to tackle, and each small win creates momentum that can get you moving forward.
3. Revisit your research
When you’re stuck, take some time to revisit your research materials. Reread articles or consult glossaries and terminology databases. Sometimes, reviewing the original sources can help clarify difficult concepts and provide the inspiration you need to move forward. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by an entire project, become a detective for that one term or phrase.
Treat it like a puzzle where the pieces will come together once you’ve focused on the specifics.
4. Use your network as a resource
Reach out to your network of fellow translators and writers for a second opinion. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a quick brainstorming session with a colleague can help unlock new solutions. Collaborative problem-solving not only helps you overcome challenges but also strengthens your relationships within the freelancing community.
Think of your network as an extension of your problem-solving toolkit.
5. Change your environment
The mind is deeply influenced by the environment. If you've been sitting in the same spot for hours, try switching locations – whether that means moving to a different room, a café, or even working outside for a while. A simple shift in your surroundings can help stimulate creativity and allow your mind to approach the task from a different angle. Try using specific locations for different types of tasks. For example, reserve one workspace for creative tasks and another for more technical work.
Associating locations with specific activities can help trigger the right mindset.
6. Use a timer and the Pomodoro technique
If focus is your issue, consider using timeboxing techniques like the Pomodoro method. Work in focused bursts – 25 minutes of concentrated effort followed by a 5-minute break. This helps you tackle work in small, manageable chunks and often breaks through the inertia of feeling stuck. Even if you don’t feel inspired at the start, the rhythm of timed intervals can kickstart your focus and creativity.
Timeboxing creates urgency and rhythm, breaking larger tasks into sprints.
7. Reframe the problem
When you’re up against a difficult sentence or concept, try reframing the issue. Instead of seeing it as a barrier, view it as an opportunity to experiment. Ask yourself: Is there another way to express this? Could I simplify the explanation while still preserving the technical accuracy? Sometimes a subtle shift in mindset from frustration to curiosity can open new pathways to a solution. Experiment with different ways to tackle a problem.
Shifting from “I have to get this right” to “Let’s explore possibilities” can release creative blocks.
8. Freestyle it
Perfectionism can be paralyzing. When you’re stuck, it can help to freestyle or freewrite. Start translating or writing without worrying about accuracy, flow, or structure. Think of freewriting as a mental warm-up exercise. It’s about removing the pressure to be perfect, which can open the door to new ideas and smoother writing later on.
The goal is simply to get something – anything – on the page. Once the words are out, they can be refined, edited, or reworked.
9. Reassess expectations
It’s easy to get stuck when you’re chasing perfection. Sometimes, setting unrealistic expectations can create unnecessary pressure that stifles your productivity. Instead of focusing on getting every sentence perfect, concentrate on making steady progress.
That first draft doesn’t have to be flawless; it just needs to exist.
10. Stay patient and persistent
Finally, blocks are a natural part of the process, especially in fields as demanding as medical writing and translation. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be patient and recognize that working through these blocks – rather than avoiding them – will ultimately help you become a more resilient and adaptable professional.
Accepting the block as a temporary phase allows you to treat it with curiosity and persistence, rather than frustration or defeat.
Getting stuck is an opportunity to explore new strategies and perspectives. Each time you encounter a block, see it as an invitation to adapt and grow in your craft. You’ll not only overcome the immediate challenge but also build a toolkit of strategies that will serve you well in future projects.
