Flow Found in Stop, Yield, Go

The stop, yield, go signal helps vehicles negotiate highways and creatives handle flow. How? As the saying goes, it’s all about timing. Creatives can take a tip from everyday street light fixtures to time their energy and materials organization. This act alone maximizes the potential for ongoing fluid writing experiences. Ever wonder about the tri-colored traffic light’s history? Why were all three needed anyway? See more here to find out: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/three-signal-traffic-light
Stop in the Name of Love
Just as Diana Ross and the Supremes crooned, sometime creatives need to stop in the name of (self-) love for best results. Valid reasons to stop writing include:
- lacking the data needed to write a report – like statistics
- finding a person to help fact-check public opinions and their root sources
- trying to rush putting materials together with an artificial deadline
- needing interviews to flesh out an article
- seeking additional physical experiences prior to creating a plot, character, or setting
Furthermore, it is smart to hold off writing when exhausted. Do some mundane office tasks. Take a nap. Or break a lull with these tips posted earlier: https://wewriteitright.com/playtime-helps-adults-enter-flow/
When to Yield to Flow

So, rested creatives work better. Makes sense. And, preparing facts, figures, and additional media supports creativity, too. However, what if there is a nagging feeling that something else is missing. Here is when warm ups work wonders!
Take time for pre-writing exercises helps to avoid jitters that lead to creative block. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Then, go! If you need a prompt to start, try:
- what I mean to say is…
- the resources I still need to create this piece include…
- the person(s) I can ask for help is (are)…
- one day I will look back on this and say…
- the thing that is holding me back is…
- one more thing…
When It’s Time to Go

The materials are collected. Check. And, the research is complete. Yes? All the nervous angst got thrown down into a spiral notepad. Finally, it’s time to create. If the product is formal, go with an outline, notecards, and other graphic organizers. It ensures accuracy. With a piece that is creative, simply work with circled words or phrases from the quick write during warm ups. The flow will show, because it is time to go.
Here’s to growing your flow,
Marisa