5 Steps to Stop Procrastinating on Your Writing
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It happens to all of us, despite the best intentions. We make plans, we set writing goals – and next thing you know, we’re staring at the end of another week where we haven’t done as much writing as we’d hoped (maybe even none at all).
Of course, sometimes we need to take a step back, and allow a fallow period. This may be necessary especially between drafts, or at the end of one major project before beginning another. A break is fine, but if you find it hard to get going again, you may need to find new ways of motivating yourself.
If you’re stalled in the middle of a project, journal to try to figure out what’s really going on. Ask yourself, “What is keeping me from writing right now?” Set a timer, and keep writing – don't take your hand from the page (for best results, do this by hand). You may just find the answer while writing!
Whatever the issue, beating ourselves up doesn’t make us more likely to write. Setting new goals, with no real resolve behind them, just sets us up for more disappointment in ourselves.
So, what can we do to help us get back into writing?
Resolve to recommit to your writing – Resolutions get a bad rap, and for a good reason. We’ve made too many in the past, and failed at keeping them. But resolve is not a bad thing. Resolve is simply making up our minds to do something, and directing focused energy toward that goal. Too often, resolutions fail because there is no sustained, focused energy behind them. The first step to getting back to writing is to think about the smallest thing you can do to bring yourself back to it. Then set a time and a date, and follow through.
Prioritize your writing – Which can mean many things, but mainly: decide that it is your most important thing to do in the day. Or if it’s not the most important, decide where it is in the hierarchy. Don’t play games with yourself, saying it’s important but not actually doing anything toward making it happen. Acknowledge your possibly complicated feelings about it, allow yourself those feelings – and then set a time to write, and mean it. Ideally, you will be able to do it first, before anything else. This may mean committing to go to bed earlier, so you can get up earlier. If you’re a night owl writer, you’re going to have to work hard to not let exhaustion and busywork lead to procrastination day after day. Know your challenges, and make a plan to adapt.
Make it more fun – Stop thinking of your writing as “work” and think about how your writing time is your time to commune with your own creativity and imagination. How is your writing space? Is it conducive to creative play? Is it comfortable? An inviting spot to spend time in? Can you take a few minutes at the beginning of your writing session to do something different and fun, with no serious stakes? When all else fails, think about how good you’ll feel when you’re done with your writing session for the day!
Remind yourself of your WHY – Whether it’s why you write at all, or why you’re writing this specific project, it’s helpful to remind yourself every once in a while of the reason you’re invested in it. Reconnect with that deeper why. It seems like we rarely do that, and it’s so important to keep ourselves motivated and determined.
Lean on your writing community – Whether it’s a writing group or a writing buddy, having some form of accountability can be key to maintaining productivity. You can lean on each other, set goals, and talk through any issues coming up in your writing. Or just agree to a quick check in! It doesn’t have to be a big deal, but any kind of community can be very helpful in maintaining your commitment.
Following these steps can help reignite your urge to write. What are some other tactics you use to overcome writing procrastination? Let us know in the comments!
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