Writing is hard work. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Here are five things you can do that will help you turn out good work more easily.
Schedule a Time and Place
Writing should not be something you “find the time for.” Schedule a specific time and place. Put it on your calendar. One client called her writing time “an appointment with my book.” Another said his was “my appointment with success.” Still another one worked in an organization where everyone could put appointments on anyone’s calendar. “Calendar Tetris” was a favorite game. He labelled his time, “Doctor’s Appointment.” Do what you must.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions are the devil. You need uninterrupted time to do good work. Turn off your phone. Better yet, put it in another room. Turn off Wi-Fi or use an unconnected computer. If you’re working at home send your children to boarding school.
OK, that wasn’t serious. But work with the people who live with you, large and small, to give you the uninterrupted time you need.
Take Care of Yourself
You know that advice about exercising, eating right, and getting enough good sleep? Follow it. You will think more clearly and write better. I’ve tried it both ways. Believe me, my friend, fit and rested is best.
Develop a Starting Ritual
Give your mind signals that it’s time to write. My clients developed all kinds of unique rituals. Some common features were meditation, reading inspiring quotes, and doing some simple exercises.
Know What You’re Going to Write First
Don’t spend precious time wandering around your writing cave, trying to come up with what to say. If you know what you’re going to write first, you can start right in. Then momentum will carry you. It’s like pushing your raft out into the river. You pick up the current and away you go.
There’s a catch. You must decide what you’re going to write in advance. The best time is at the end of your previous writing session. Quit every writing session while you still have momentum. Decide what you’re going to write next time.
Takeaways
Schedule a time and a place.
Eliminate distractions.
Take care of yourself
Develop a Starting Ritual
Know what you’re going to write first