It’s surprising how often you need to apply some psychology to yourself to get motivated. Sacha explains here a method she uses to make herself more productive as a writer. Although not quite the same, I think it’s worth sharing here my own technique for getting myself started.
I am one of life’s great procrastinators, and tend to put things off until there’s a deadline. When it comes to sitting down and writing, I can also find lost of things to distract myself with – social media being high on the list. So when I do sit down to write – whether it’s a blog post, a review for my local theatre, or a story – I always have a note book beside me. And in that notebook I jot down the time. And below that time, I jot down the time in 5 minutes or 10 minutes (what can I say? I like variety), and repeat that for usually about an hour. So if the first time I write is 7:00, the last time will be 8:00. Then I start to write.
At 7:10 (using the example above), I make a note of my word count. At 7:20, I do it again, and so forth. What always amazes me is how often the word count rises with each new 5/10 minute segment. And as that word count rises, so too does my sense of achievement and my motivation.
It works for me, so it might also work for you. And so might Sacha’s approach. We’re all different, so it’s worth trying them both.
Have fun with them
I am struggling for time again. I missed my writespiration by a day last week, and I am writing this post far too late on Sunday night. Time is a constant problem for me. How do I balance, full time employment, with being a mum, wife, keeping a house, trying to stay fit and healthy so I don’t have a heart attack, write novels, and keep a blog? Basically I can’t, much as I like to think it, I am not actually super woman.
I’ve written before about being more efficient as a writer, 10 Life Hacks For The Efficient Writer. But with the onset of some sleepless nights with our toddler I am waning more than somewhat. Posts are late or, non existent and so is my motivation. So my writing BFF Ali and I have been trying something new together. Sprint writing.
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I’ll have to try that one day Graeme! Sounds like a good motivator. 🙂
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It works for me. I’m really bad at getting started, but once I’m up and running it usually flows. To be honest, by the time I get to the 20-30 minute stage, I often forget to update my progress because I’ve slipped into the zone.
Thanks for commenting, Marje.
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Yes once your in the zone it’s hard to stop! 🙂
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Thanks for the reblog Graeme, interesting approach, I guess seeing the first 10 mins of procrastination is motivation to get your butt in gear… hence the count goes up.
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Most of the time, yes…
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I like that. I tend to write short posts and read them as well. It has to be fascinating to read a long post.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this one, Meredith
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In case you wondered, I did understand your meaning of sprinting.
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I’ve always been a fan of double-meanings, but I didn’t know there was one for sprinting – so I guessed you did!
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Are you jesting? A burst of speed or activity, as in writing.
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Okay. Obviously didn’t think that through.
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Thanks for the tip, Graeme!
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As if you need any tips… You’re clearly writing a lot more than I am! But maybe that’s because you burn the midnight oil.
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