Do you ever sit in front your laptop, or notepad and pen, if you are old school like me, and feel as if you are at war with yourself? This, my friends, is called procrastination. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you are not alone.
Most of us are guilty of procrastination from time to time. We are only human, after all. We may suffer from crippling self-doubt, feel fearful, believe we are too busy, or make endless excuses.
So, if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your Twitter feed for the hundredth time today, here’s what you can do to kick procrastination in the butt.
TIP AND TRICKS THAT WORK FOR ME
Think about who your target audience is. What is it they want? Imagine you have a good friend that needs something, and you are the only one who can help. Now picture your readers having nothing to read. They are waiting for the cavalry to arrive. Psst, the cavalry is you. Get on that horse and deliver the goods.
Allow yourself a reward. A reward can motivate. Think of a puppy in training, waiting for a treat. If I can get 1000 words written today, I will buy myself that pair of earrings I’ve been eying off for a while.
Talk to another writer. You know the old saying? A problem shared is a problem halved. Tell them what it is you want to write and bounce ideas off one another.
Try to remove distractions. Turn your phone off and make sure it’s out of view. Tell your family you are going to write and don’t want to be disturbed. (If you have toddlers or needy puppies like me, God speed lol)
Develop a writing routine or ritual. Something you do every time you sit down to write. Light a lovely smelling candle, put on your favourite slippers, make your favourite beverage. Do something that tells your creative brain, OK, it’s time to write.
Join a writer’s group. This makes you accountable for getting something down on paper in time for the next meeting.
If you have published books, remind yourself what you have already achieved and remind yourself that you can do it again.
Break down your writing goals into baby steps. One foot in front of the other is always better than not moving at all.
I hope these tips help you get your piece written. Remember that horse? It’s just waiting for you to climb aboard and tell it where you need it to go. Giddy up!
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