1. Distractions – Kids could be playing, neighbors could be blaring loud tunes, or your roof could be leaking. Whatever the disturbance, you need to get your writing done. Period. To focus on writing, silence the sounds, move to another location, if possible, or try earplugs, music, or white noise to drown them out.
2. Obsessions – Maybe your inbox calls to you every five minutes. Perhaps the Facebook page on your desktop caught your eye. Or, you feel the urge to snack whenever you even think of writing. Lead yourself not into temptation — even for just five minutes — to get some prose on the page.
3. Excuses – Sometimes, if we tend to procrastinate, we blame other things for our lack of accomplishment. Whether or not the dog truly ate your homework, you have to look yourself in the mirror and face that you didn’t get it done. Don’t let excuses get in the way.
4. Problems – We all have them. There’s always someone who’s worse off than you are. If you don’t let obstacles prevent you from moving forward, you’ll start to get things done and clear the path to success.
5. Concentration – Sometimes, we just can’t focus on writing. If you’re struggling to finish a piece, writing in five-minute bursts can ease the way to the end.
Quotes
“Words are a lens to focus one’s mind.” ~ Ayn Rand
“I focus on the writing and let the rest of the process take care of itself. I’ve learned to trust my own instincts and I’ve also learned to take risks.” ~ Sue Grafton
Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.
Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com
