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How do you focus when you're distracted?
We face all sorts of those nasty little distractions (okay some aren't nasty like my baby for example). From work, to personal lives, to rejections, to acceptances! All of those things can take much needed focus from our actual writing. Even blogging! *faints*
Here are some simple tips to keep that butt of yours in the chair!
- Plan ahead. Meaning, carve out that time to work before the day even starts. Actually writing it on your calendar can give it the importance it deserves.
- Turn off all the distractions. Some we can't - like babies - but some we can! Like the internet. Or the telephone.
- Write down your goals and check them off as you go. Seriously. Studies show that if you write it, you're more likely to accomplish it. Also the more specific the better, so break it down into parts and if you check them off you feel like you're really getting somewhere!
- Make yourself accountable. If you tell others you'll feel a lot worse about not doing it. My writing buddies (Leslie Rose and Julie Musil) and I have a policy where we share our monthly writing goals with each other. I love those guys!
- Recognize how important it is to you. I'm not complete if I don't write. I know that about myself. So if I don't make time, I'm not the only one that suffers. My family doesn't get the complete me if that makes any sense. Also, don't forget that blogging and all are AWESOME but they don't take the place of actual writing. ;D
Got any other tips to add? Share! Oh and did you get my little pic? He he. If not watch the movie UP!!!
Oooh, I get the squirrel now! Congrats on the cover--it's so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI just posted today on writing for my non-writer friends, because maybe now they will stop distracting me! ;)
Yes Yes Yes on #5. That's totally me, too. My kids are very understanding about this (most of the time). As is my hubby. I bought me a MacBook for Christmas so I can write on vacation. Yep, I even need to work on my WIP while on vacation. :D
ReplyDeleteSQUIRREL!
ReplyDeleteI love you too, Lisa *hugs*
If I really want to get anything done, I must turn off the Internet, TV, and email. When I take breaks, I check for messages. Otherwise, forgetaboutit :)
Love this. The story I'm working on right now, well, I'm at a place that's not coming easily, and it's easy to avoid working on it. But I need to because it's beginning to affect other parts of my life.
ReplyDeleteTimely post! I struggled this weekend with a post for my new blog - shamelessly listed below - as well as a short story that HAD to get out and my current WIP. Of course, there was also preps for meeting with the tax guy, spending time with hubby, laundry, groceries, dog walking UGH! I'm printing your post and hanging in front of the computer!
ReplyDelete(http://nofilterinstalled.blogspot.com)
I need to focus on #5 more and write. I do like writing lists. It keeps me focused on what I need to get done in writing and blogging.
ReplyDeleteThe last one is so important. Sometimes I'll take a writing break and get so cranky only to realize the moment I start writing again...oh...duh...I'm a writer. I NEED to write.
ReplyDeleteI always need to take a bit of time after I reach a writing milestone to get recharged and caught up on all the things I've neglected. But then I do set hard goals for myself in terms of completing a project. And I put the writing first. If that means I have to stay up until 3:00 am a couple nights a week, then that's what I do. And I do the same type of goal exchange every week with Clara Kensie! It really does help me stay focused.
ReplyDeleteI need to get better about tuning out the squirrel-like distractions. I don't know how you do all you do, LIsa! Respect.
Hugs,
M.
Oh, man! I was SO ADD last week, I could barely get anything done. Turning off the distractions is a big one. Making a list is another. Great stuff here, LG! Hope you got it done~ :o) <3
ReplyDeleteThese are really amazing tips! I really should work on #5 more.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I'm very boring. All I do is make lists and check off what I do when I do it. I don't necessarily have to go in order, so that adds a little "excitement" to my system, doesn't it? Tell me yes.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any babies to turn off, so all I can do it unplug the phone.
My dog would be going nuts over that picture, but I try not to share my laptop with her. LOL!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your cover love and thanks for the tips on keeping BIC! For me, if I can't make myself sit and write, there's usually a reason and sometimes I just have to give myself permission to be lazy for an hour or a day or even a week.
I didn't get the reference to UP (need to watch it again?) but the squirrel made me think of distracted squirrel Hammy from Over the Hedge.
ReplyDeleteI need to try that writing down goals part. It's so simple.