Sometimes the ideas just don’t seem to flow. You can’t just give up, but the mental block seems insurmountable. Instead of trying to crash through, try these tactics for getting around it:

• Freewriting. Open up a blank document and write whatever comes into your head for a few minutes. Don’t go back and change things, and don’t censor your thoughts, just let your mind roam on any subject (not necessarily the problem you’re working on). You may stumble on a solution. Even if you don’t, your mind will feel more relaxed when you get back to work.
• Work on a few smaller tasks. Put the problem aside and devote your concentration to something small and easy. You’ll develop confidence and momentum with a few successes.
• Explore something different. Get away from your task and research a new skill or subject. You’ll exercise different parts of your brain, and you may find an unexpected connection that relates to your situation.
• Look to past successes. Think back to similar problems you’ve solved. What did you do? What could you adapt? Even if they don’t apply directly, revisiting previous solutions will remind you that you’re capable of finding the answers you’re looking for.