Lost Your Motivation to Write? 5 Simple Tips to Help You Find It
It happens to the best of us, but there are ways to minimise that down time and spur yourself on - without relying too much on caffeine!
Plan your day the night before
Even before you wake up when it's early, your hair is pasted to the side of your head and your eyes are still closed, and think "oh what am I going to do today and do I even need to do anything?"
Take some time the night before to think about what you would like to achieve the next day - and if possible plan just a little bit extra than you think you can manage. Not too much that it seems like you have a mountain to climb but if you push yourself just a little a little extra pressure can be good for improving your momentum. By planning your day, even if you wake up sluggish and tired at least you don't have to think "what to do" you just now have to get on and do it.
Set a deadline
Even if it's the world's smallest deadline, tell yourself that within 5 minutes you will have written something down - and it can't include your shopping list. A short deadline will spur you on. Think about those days when a deadline looms and your momentum suddenly increases tenfold towards the end. Setting mini deadline keeps lots of little encouragements along the way to stop staring and start doing.
Take small action
Your day is planned, your coffee is made and you're at your desk with a little deadline, but still the get up and go isn't there, and you start thinking about the lack of get up and go and pretty soon you're just staring, sipping coffee and doing very little. A plan will help with this because you'll know what's at the top of your list, but if you are still flagging g the best way to improve motivation is to just start doing something. Momentum breeds momentum so pick up a pen and jot notes for an article, or even better just write the opening line, telling yourself that's all you're going to do in your short deadline. You'll be surprised how when you get started, it's easier to just keep going
Reward yourself for the little things
With big projects or articles, don't just congratulate yourself at the end, but give yourself a pat on the back as you go along. From the opening paragraph to just a particular sentence you enjoy, it's important to remember that your efforts - even draft stages are worthy of a little recognition. Take a little time to tell yourself you're doing a good job rather than just thinking about the large glass of wine you'll have when your day is done.
Take 5 minutes to breath and dream
If you've tried writing a bit, tried rewarding yourself and are still managing to ignore your plan take a 5 minute break. Step away from your computer, turn off the radio and the TV, find somewhere quiet, stand for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing. Don't try and take big gasps or you'll start feeling faint, but just concentrate on your breathing - this will focus your attention. After a couple of minutes then start thinking about your end goal. Why are you writing the piece you don't want to do - is it to see your name published? Is it to earn money for a holiday? Start to visualise these things and remind yourself why you are working for them.
For further hints and tips about writing and motivation visit: [http://harrisonamy.com/2009/03/31/copywriting-basics-for-new-website] Or: [http://harrisonamy.com/2009/02/11/kicking-out-self-doubt-for-freelancers] After training as a screenwriter Amy Harrison moved into the dynamic world of online business.
Since 2004 she has gained direct experience launching and developing a number of small to large online enterprises both here in the UK and in Canada.
By blending the skill of copy writing with experience in online project management she offers a copy writing service and advice based on first-hand comprehension of running an online business.
Plan your day the night before
Even before you wake up when it's early, your hair is pasted to the side of your head and your eyes are still closed, and think "oh what am I going to do today and do I even need to do anything?"
Take some time the night before to think about what you would like to achieve the next day - and if possible plan just a little bit extra than you think you can manage. Not too much that it seems like you have a mountain to climb but if you push yourself just a little a little extra pressure can be good for improving your momentum. By planning your day, even if you wake up sluggish and tired at least you don't have to think "what to do" you just now have to get on and do it.
Set a deadline
Even if it's the world's smallest deadline, tell yourself that within 5 minutes you will have written something down - and it can't include your shopping list. A short deadline will spur you on. Think about those days when a deadline looms and your momentum suddenly increases tenfold towards the end. Setting mini deadline keeps lots of little encouragements along the way to stop staring and start doing.
Take small action
Your day is planned, your coffee is made and you're at your desk with a little deadline, but still the get up and go isn't there, and you start thinking about the lack of get up and go and pretty soon you're just staring, sipping coffee and doing very little. A plan will help with this because you'll know what's at the top of your list, but if you are still flagging g the best way to improve motivation is to just start doing something. Momentum breeds momentum so pick up a pen and jot notes for an article, or even better just write the opening line, telling yourself that's all you're going to do in your short deadline. You'll be surprised how when you get started, it's easier to just keep going
Reward yourself for the little things
With big projects or articles, don't just congratulate yourself at the end, but give yourself a pat on the back as you go along. From the opening paragraph to just a particular sentence you enjoy, it's important to remember that your efforts - even draft stages are worthy of a little recognition. Take a little time to tell yourself you're doing a good job rather than just thinking about the large glass of wine you'll have when your day is done.
Take 5 minutes to breath and dream
If you've tried writing a bit, tried rewarding yourself and are still managing to ignore your plan take a 5 minute break. Step away from your computer, turn off the radio and the TV, find somewhere quiet, stand for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing. Don't try and take big gasps or you'll start feeling faint, but just concentrate on your breathing - this will focus your attention. After a couple of minutes then start thinking about your end goal. Why are you writing the piece you don't want to do - is it to see your name published? Is it to earn money for a holiday? Start to visualise these things and remind yourself why you are working for them.
For further hints and tips about writing and motivation visit: [http://harrisonamy.com/2009/03/31/copywriting-basics-for-new-website] Or: [http://harrisonamy.com/2009/02/11/kicking-out-self-doubt-for-freelancers] After training as a screenwriter Amy Harrison moved into the dynamic world of online business.
Since 2004 she has gained direct experience launching and developing a number of small to large online enterprises both here in the UK and in Canada.
By blending the skill of copy writing with experience in online project management she offers a copy writing service and advice based on first-hand comprehension of running an online business.
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