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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[@lateatthegame7918]

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

[@rosylife8576]

I have ADHD and I love Mel!!!

[@gembolding]

Fact! hahaha Takes one to know one! I'm 44 yo and I've been diagnosed only a year ago. But since then I've been able to spot ADHD from miles away in other people.. That is, if I'm not daydreaming or hyperfocused on my diner! hahahaha

[@GirlwithAdhd.]

I've got add/ADHD and our minds are pretty magical 🙏

[@ilovegoddoyou7003]

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.💕

[@melrobbins2879]

*Appreciate your comment 🙏🙏*

[@melrobbins2879]

*Text me*

[@melrobbins2879]

*[phone]*

[@VelAuguste]

Thank you

[@bee4497]

Amen 🥰☺️🤗

[@alifeunconventional1181]

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.

[@jmastro304]

Check out the book the war of art literally all about this specifically

[@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 ✨!

[@mma.y]

Yeah for some reason I find that the phone is also less intimidating than sitting down on the computer to write. So I have written most of my essays on my phone notes app or heck to a message to my best friend and copied and pasted it into a Google docs for editing later

[@Heyu7her3]

​@@mma.yCan't say that. Have adhd. Have to find a different strategy

[@em7565]

Im having trouble focusing on small screens cus there's too much distraction around it

[@samanthasponder1280]

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

[@PatriceHeadington]

I just sent this video to my Sister. My Nephew is 9 with ADHD and being homeschooled this year. It’s an experiment everyone is ready to end. Hopefully, this technique will help them all.

[@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!!

[@ericaroman5365]

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

[@Oatmilllk]

Me too! I'm diagnosed adhd, and I highly suspect I also have dyscalculia (math disorder.) I wasn't aware it was a thing when I was in school. I'm 31 now, I wish I had known sooner. It would have saved me years of chronic stress

[@Marste72]

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.

[@AntiSocialExtrovert323]

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

[@711Slurpies]

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

[@stacytulloch3902]

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.

[@lalunarosa]

I'm exactly the same, i often have to just write my essays by hand then type them even though that adds another task it stops me from editing as much and just letting the words flow!

[@KiloCares]

I’m exactly the same 😢

[@KiloCares]

Add on confidence issues ugh writers block 😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@arthpandey4895]

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

[@jamiegilbreath6772]

This is how I got all my essays done in high school!!! My friends always wondered how I got my essays done so fast, and this was literally my lifesaver!!! I'm so so so glad you found it and its helping you and your SHARING it because I never thought about how it could apply to other ADHD people! thank you so much for sharing

[@lissamatthews]

I need the keyboard. I've tried dictating and just...nope. I lose all train of thought when I try to dictate. But give me a keyboard, I can get every thought in my head out. Give me a keyboard and timer, and that's when flow happens for me.

[@fairytala]

Same! 25min sprints and a keyboard are how the magic happens. ♡

[@user-qm9vk8nl8g]

Dictation has changed my life. Dragon dictation software is amazing, really accurate. Costs a little but totally worth it.

[@AccelerateYourSuccess]

Is it better than just dictating in google docs?

[@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!

[@ashleycasburn5055]

This is actually very helpful! I'm a former 3D Animator now in Human Resources. Having to articulate things in writing is difficult in comparison to designing a 3D game asset! Writing does make me feel like an impostor at times, whereas talking feels right and gives me the ability to work on the different thought processes that can happen with ADHD. My iPad just became more interesting...

[@AShadeOfYou]

Hi Ashley do you only do games? Reason I’m asking is I’m developing a dog product and I wanted to have a 10 to 15 second animation with a few dogs running around wearing my dog product and I was curious as to what that might cost… not sure I could afford it but I’m really curious?

[@mollytejana]

So happy for you Mel (and Chris), and for everyone you have helped by doing this video! YAY 😁

[@majlehn1392]

I was stuck in my master thesis, and boy this helped, thank you Mel!!

[@wigglwrrm]

Mel you continue to find all the awesomeness, thanks for sharing this. I'm gonna use the hell outta this feature. Glad you're around, the world is certainly a better place for having you in it!

[@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!!

[@barefootedqueen710]

Mel, I could cry with frustration at daily living in a mess. I do have adhd

[@gabrielavilla7308]

I’ve just started using brillia and it’s been helping me

[@wisdom-for-all]

For me, writer’s block is when my imaginary friends refuse to talk to me. Usually, distraction is the root cause. I only get writer’s block about once a day which I hope is normal 😊

[@mma.y]

When you do get writer's block it helps to take a walk or go somewhere else so your writing spot isn't associated with frustration. Bonus, typically when you go somewhere else or take a walk idea start flowing. As long as you return back to your writing area after the writer's block goes away you'll be alright.

[@film_magician]

Would LOVE to see you speak more on writing, career in writing, perusing that, or even the arts. This is great

[@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. 😮‍💨

[@peace-po1hy]

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.

[@sukaicosmica]

For me is the opposite, when I have to write something I have no problem at all, is perfect, but when I have to speak I get nervous. There are people like you that are speakers that when they need to write something they just block, I have never understood that, I always say "just write what you speak like you speak it!"... For me is the opposite, my mind gets organized when it has to write, when speaking is more chaotic, I think I get nervous.

[@1012chart]

Yes! I'm exactly the same! I'm so much more impressed with what comes out of my pen than what comes out of my mouth!

[@owen1218]

Same here, I always embarrass myself in real life conversations and am always so exact in my writing. If I dictated my speech and then read it there might be good ideas in there but mostly it would be a dumpster fire

[@emezzi8902]

Thank you so much. This is exactly what is holding me back. You came at the right time, i am so grateful for your realization.

[@izzylauria5768]

Please keep telling us these amazing ideas and hacks! I had dyslexia and adhd and I'm trying to write a law dissertation!

[@chasingwaterfalls8227]

Thank you so much for this idea! I have just discovered I have ADHD and I also have a shoulder injury. I am hoping this gives me a pathway back into enjoying writing.

[@ladybird491]

I realize that I have some ADHD, cause several times the info came but as I wrote it it lost. I notice I don't lose it that fast when I recorded it or create an outline and only think of each part of the work in it's own time.

[@tommyverse]

Love writing, always did. Indeed I’ll go a step further and say I’m a great writer…when I manage to write. Anxiety seems to manage to stop me from writing all the time. I literally have body aches from writing anxiety. I’ll try this!

[@catlasell2439]

OMG! I have to try this. I have such a hard time putting my ideas into content on paper and I think this will make a huge difference!! THank you so much @MelRobbins!!!

[@WereGreen]

Summary: - Use the dictate button instead of typing

[@vlogwithbrownie]

I’ve never thought of this! I actually have found myself creating really good plot ideas when speaking out loud but I write on my laptop or on paper. Just like you, I feel that all those amazing ideas vanish as soon as my finger touches a key or pen. I’m going to try this out and see if it changes anything. THANK YOU!

[@michaelknight3308]

You can pick up your phone in the middle of the night and edit a doc or on the fly when you're in a store...

[@janicescott598]

Oh wow!!! Just seen price!!!!

[@kathg1354]

Yes! I just started using this a bit ago and it is a different part of the brain! Thanks for putting this idea out so clearly!

[@lostjessie1]

So you just made me cry because THIS IS ME. The disconnect between my fingers and the brain, I event told my therapist about this last week. I mentioned to them, that there is this disconnect that sometimes has me sitting in front of the monitor for hours at a time with nothing to show for it . Also once I get in the "mode" if something distracts me, then it's over. It's also so debilitating and frustrating, because I know I can write. Also, It's so weird how I just stumbled upon this video because I tried dictating last week but I've been a little hesitant to really "try it" because I've tried lots of methods before and nothing has really worked. I recently started grad school after a ten-year hiatus and this was my biggest concern. I was terrified of the emotionally and sometimes physical pain needed to write a paper. During my undergrad, I was known to stay up for days (neglecting all type of self care/self respect) just to complete a written task. To be honest, I been struggling this past couple weeks with completing my papers on time. Just last night I turned in a paper a day late after I got an extension, just because I couldn't make sense of what I was writing; after a while everything looked like gibberish. I've been thinking about getting an iPad just for this reason and I currently have an old MacBook and sometimes it freezes on me because, you know, I have a ton of things open… Lol. Thank you for posting, this has inspired me to really give dictation a try, like a REAL Try.

[@Oatmilllk]

You're story is very similar to mine. I hope everything worked out for you

[@Sanaamahmood114]

Mel this is pure gold. Thank you so much for sharing 💛

[@johannnna93]

People have been laughing at me when I have been dictating my text messages. When I found out that I could dictate instead of writing text messages it all became so much easier. I went from ignoring texts and not opening them at all, to actually text people back and that is huge for me. But It haven't crossed my mind that I could do that with my book too. Thank you Mel ❤️

[@amyshiller-brown4735]

I love this so much. I'm exactly the same. If I have to put together a strategic presentation that will be shared by powerpoint, I just shut down. I can't do it. There's nothing there. My breakthrough is that I can get a stack of white paper, the crappy kind in the photocopier and just start getting my ideas down. One per page. Then I can organize and sort and bucket after it's all out. Move the ideas around (like you did with your finger). It is a total game changer. Not sure why it took me until 50 to figure it out. Argh. Now I'm going to try the dictate button too. Thanks Mel.

[@vaniLLawite]

That's great Mel! So happy for you 💓. And I'm the quite opposite, I have a hard time to speak out something that makes sense, but when I write/type it's like I'm a different person 😁

[@tylerstooksbury3050]

Im also Dyslexic and ADHD. I've been a musican for most of my life. I can sing, but I've always struggled to write lyrics. It's like no matter how hard I try, I can't stay engaged in the process. I've used dictate to text for writing long messages and it really really helps. THIS WORKS SO WELL FOR SONGWRITING. Thanks Mel!

[@rokeeblyn1428]

Same omg bro. Sometimes I think I’m not meant to be a writer, but I truly love it, my brain just thinks everything is horrible.

[@Dipsuuu]

This is awesome, thanks for the video Mel! I kind of feel this sometimes but its where one part of my mind doesn't allow me to write my things down but when I put my thoughts on paper, it just flows better. I guess its different for everyone what is blocks them until you experiment, and this video really helps understand that everyone has a different mental/writer blocks.

[@the3dotsguy...610]

you can hear the creative mania in her voice... I love it.

[@fluffymushy9]

I use voice recorder much more than a journal for my own healing and inner work, it's far easier to get it all out. I have ADHD too.

[@Flitttix]

I love how fascinated she is and this is definitely not clickbait

[@yanibeldarity1787]

Wow thanks!!! Definitely is a help I have been feeling really bad since I felt my creativity on writing was gone, I had so much to say however it became difficult to write or have the words that really describe the feeling and the true... I’m getting my computer out of the closet for sure...

[@MarleneMeier]

I have ADD and I've always had issues writing papers etc. Amazing idea!!! So excited!!!

[@giohex]

I found this video when I was working on commissions and struggling with writers block, and you know what. I'mI'm going to try it. I'll edit with an update

[@PROFMUHAYATV]

Totally agree Mel. Looking forwarrd to your book. You have changed my life. Thanks Mel

[@bee4497]

Yo this is actually such good writing advice, thank you!!! My adhd is very happy 😊

[@TinaThevarge]

Thank you so much for this! I have ADHD and rheumatoid arthritis, so typing isn’t always fast enough to keep up with my brain. Handwriting can be a struggle as well. Going to see if dictation will help me get things out faster.

[@donnabray8289]

Yes! When I speak a thought out loud, it is very insightful. Then when I try to write down what I said...magically the words change and it doesn't have the same significance. The act of writing something down changes my thought process completely.

[@AmandaWanowskiTube]

You have literally described the pain o feel every day at work when I have to type up reports

[@annajones5057]

I have plenty ideas for books but the content never meets the paper. Lol I do have adhd and it’s very difficult to deal with when no one in my immediate circle quite understands it. Thank you for… the info on the dictate feature , I had no idea that it existed and I’ll find this quite helpful. Thank you so much !☺️ My dreams of becoming an author might actually come true !!!

[@gomathinarayanan2020]

This has exactly been my problem. Thank you for sharing the tip

[@FernandoJQuevedo]

Thank you for this I been struggling for year trying to write my PhD Thesis. I will try this out as soon as possible

[@alexjustine33]

I think I found the answer to finally stop struggling with starting my writing. When you mentioned loosing creative flow due to messing with keys, holy moly. THIS IS WHATS WRONG WITH ME 😅

[@DamienLavizzo]

That ADHD tendency to have deliver entire presentation-worthy diatribes off the dome on command lol, I love it

[@Ilias24.]

crazy I had exact shit today. Now I use distraction to get inspiration out of it and getting up earlier.

[@amy5832]

Oh my god! That was an eye opening idea as I was struggling with the writing my Masters Research paper for 2 years now and I am going insane to always think that I am working on it as a Turtle 🐢 And my ideas which I would like to add just flew away with the typing on the laptop thing! I am Really and tremendously Grateful for sharing your experience with us.. Thank you so much 😘 😍 🙏 😌

[@sha4kosa2md77]

فهميني الطريقة الي قالتها

[@akosuaaddo985]

It makes sense! I am going to try this tomorrow morning! A little rest, and I will be ready to go! Wow!

[@Sarah-ht7cs]

Life changing for this ADHD gal! I absolutely hate to write. But I just wrote the first draft of my "artist statement" for my website. I had been procrastinating for MONTHS!!! I have never, EVER been able to write a first draft of anything without heavily editing it. 😜 Anyway, I got my first draft, it's a total mess, and I'm SO PROUD! 👍

[@annderose2547]

Thank you what a great idea I will try it tonight.

[@eugeniamoreno5846]

Will try this with schoolwork for sure. And keyboarding absolutely does NOT use both sides of your brain in that way that handwriting does. So no surprise that dictation vs. typing would have similar benefits! Yea, Mel!

[@Chickenooble]

Going to try this soon. My youtube channel growth has been abysmally slow because I have a hard time producing content and I think it's because it takes me forever to write my scripts. Recording, editing, etc. all takes time, but writing is the hardest part for me. Now I don't think I have a solid enough stream of consciousness to just speak about what I want to say in the video, so I definitely need to dictate my thoughts, then refine it on my document, then re-speak it as a voice over. But hopefully, this helps me overcome my brain block! :D

[@miriamblasco4003]

For me it’s writing my thoughts on paper. If I get an idea for a new scene, it feels so much harder (definitive) if I type it and I freeze, but when I write it on paper I can keep going and going. Eventually I type it out and I can develop it further or edit it to make it prettier, but the idea has to go on paper first 💕

[@fayecummings1189]

Great tip. I will try. I have distracting thoughts that float in my mind when I try to focus on work related writing. Personal, free writing I can do at the drop of a dime. But work related writing, it takes me a minute to focus totally. I eventually do, but after a lot of mental jumping around. I will try this method to see if it helps.

[@dmtdreamz7706]

They looked forward to that moment with joy, but without haste, not pining for it, but seeming to have a foretaste of it in their hearts, of which they talked to one another. But when they looked at me with their sweet eyes full of love, when I felt that in their presence my heart, too, became as innocent and just as theirs, the feeling of the fullness of life took my breath away, and I worshipped them in silence. Their children were the children of all, for they all made up one family.

[@veneratlazulum2033]

The problem is I think visually and in feelings so I have no idea how to turn those things into words. Like I'll have this scene in my head and I'll know how the audience is supposed to feel during it and kind of what they see, but the dialogue and descriptions can't convey this.

[@000HMY]

Microsoft Word, Google Keep uses dictation by clicking the mic 🎤 icon. Dictation is part of the software, no additional cost or learning process. DICTATION works! Thanks Mel for bringing this forward top of mind!!

[@vickigreen9545]

My 9 yr old: great stories so involved and inventive and funny, mum suggests you should write these down, reaction “no mum, I can’t write it the same” Maybe you can dictate the same my love, thanks so much Mel

[@Kangakool]

I love this idea! I’m gonna have to try it!

[@annbreadin]

Mel, sometimes you remind me of Abby from NCIS, so full of positive energy & a genuine love for what you do. I need that optimism for sure! I'm catching up, but not quite there yet...!! Sending love from the UK...

[@zipitooverkill4262]

I felt the same way when I switched from PC to pen and paper. Suddenly I can write pages and pages because I'm not distracted by the internet :)

[@ameeraz2048]

my university expects us to write essays within a short time and I noticed when im talking, I tend to have great ideas but when it comes to typing it out, I always forget and my brain would lag

[@hellokitty11432]

I wish I found this last semester, would have saved me some tears 😂 😭

[@kennycampbell6146]

Dam, and all this time I thought I had to go to the bottle to get something written. Thanks for the tip

[@robinleaf]

I discovered this maybe a month or two ago and it was so excited about it but then I forgot! Thank you for the reminder. It really helps a lot. Yes, there are issues with the dictations sometimes and it doesn't make a lot of sense. But if I get through it and can make sense of it later when I'm editing, it's just so much better to have text there that I didn't have to type. I am so resistant to typing lately. I don't know why! But maybe you figured it out, that it's just a different part of my brain. It's so much easier to talk.

[@bentleybroussard9846]

Thank you! I will try this.

[@CanadianOptionsTrader]

This is so great! I'm not a writer but it makes perfect sense to me, and I think it could be used for other creative endeavours.

[@louismarie3720]

@Canadian Options Trader. Hello, if you need help bringing your ex back (husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend) within 72 hours / any of the following: * Promotion at work * Cure for any type of disease. * pregnancy spell * Financial advance * Successful exam * Win court case WhatsApp for help right now

[@louismarie3720]

+1,,,334,,,2039,,,568

[@sandraelaine401]

I LOVE this!!

[@unconditionallymissie8368]

I’m gonna try it! I’ll let you know my friend! Thank you!

[@lodgladiesonlydiscgolf1666]

I know it’s stupid but I’m tearing up as I watch this video. Ty for sharing

[@True_Dat]

I have ADHD and I struggle to 2-300 words a day. I tried this trick since this morning and averaged out at 400 words!

[@prkzoomin6994]

Good Quote, Good things come to those who wait.

[@cookingwithlisa3235]

I use this method when I was in college to write my papers.

[@kamalkalaria]

it works for me like helll.. it really helps

[@cdb88]

I just found this on my computer! Yay! Thank you!

[@katlamb4606]

She's so right. It worked for me too.

[@CrimeTimeXY]

Doesnt matter. 5 4 3 2 1 helps!

[@masuganut2082]

It really does.

[@NeoStarImpact]

THANK YOU. I was looking up and searching a video on this. Being frustrated why it takes me somehow a fucking week to get out a 8 - 9 page script. Feeling like the biggest looser. But you are right. It's the ADHD getting in the way. I am gonna try this out. Because it sounds very promising. When I record videos with only notes it's a matter of 20 - 30 mins to get it down. I never got the idea to just use that for a first draft. In an era where Text-To-Speech is almost ancient. God you don't know how much I needed this.

[@danitasheree]

Thanks SO much for this Brilliant suggestion!!!

[@efinn]

This just started my academic career.

[@arzumardalieva3874]

You are writing life savior! 💜

[@masuganut2082]

I’ve wanted to be a writer for almost 23 years.... I hope this helps me ❤️