I love writing. It is my passion, and has become my livelihood. Too often I become distracted, and don't get as much written as I would like to or need to. Does anyone have any tips on staying focused when writing?
Schedule your writing time the same way you would schedule an important appointment... and then treat it as though it's just as important. If you take it lightly, you'll have a harder time keeping focused. Sometimes having a list of goals around (long term and short term) can help too, because it reminds you that you're actually working towards something.
Goals are mandatory. People without goals always seem to wake up one day and wonder why they are not doing what they want to. Set goals, utilize lists and make accomplishing current items a priority in your life. Your problem is common among all sorts of people, not just writers. It's a mindset. Once you figure it out, you'll achieve optimal production throughout your life.
Its different with me, the money motivates me, when i have some spare time ill still ocassionaly check for more work to earn a few more $$. But breaks are essential if you want to stay sane so just take time off between every few articles and focus on other things.
sometimes you need too pull the plug for a while in order to stay focused. Then, when you go back to work later you look at the things with different set of eyes if I can put it that way.
Totally agree with the different set of eyes comment. A professor told me that once and it has proven valuable advice time and time again.
I often find that if I read some article or other story, it helps me to get motivated. And as said above, schedule your writing time....but.... for me if I am set to a certain scheduled time, I feel more pressured to write something. Instead, I keep a notebook beside me at all times, and if and when I have an idea, I write it down. That way I am able to come back and finish my thought when I have more time. Good luck!!
It helps to do something different from what you are working on. If you are doing some research, switch to another project where you will be writing, making changes, doing final edits, or some other task. If all your projects are in the same stage, change topics if possible. So even if you aren't stopping for a real break from your work, you are introducing some variety.
I think it helps if you can find some fellow writers in you local area, writing groups or whatever, and meet up wit them for a chat on a regular basis. I find that nothing motivates me better than hearing about what other people in the same field are doing.
I think about the money. Nothing keeps me focussed more than pay day! Also, the reward system. I think what I can do when I have finished for the day. Nothing hacks me off more than working in what should have been my 'free' time.
Work in an environment where you will not be distracted. Silence distracts me. So, for me, that means cutting the tv on or listening to some music. If there's something that motivates you to write, expose yourself to it those times when you don't feel focused. When you just don't feel like writing, don't make yourself do it. Otherwise, it becomes more of a chore than an enjoyment. The exception, of course, is when you have deadlines to meet. When you can, complete client work when you feel the most motivated.
I don't write but I lose focus sometimes, here is a few things I do. Quit working and do something fun for a little bit then come back ready to work Listen to music helps take your mind off of things (might not work well for writers though) Keep a clean work environment it helps you concentrate (I have trouble with this one lol)
I'm a writer as well. I consumes me if I don't answer the people in my head. So I have to write everyday. I don't have the luxury of scheduling an appointment for myself. (That would be great!) So I keep a journal, notebook, voice activated recorder--anything I can get my hands on to record my ideas or chapters, everywhere I go. So when I have a free moment, standing in the grocery line, waiting for a red light or traffic jam, I write. I even keep a notebook in the bathroom! I know hilarious. Good luck!
Girl, when I am looking at your avatar I am so focused that I am starting to think of using similar tactics when writing.
This may sound lame but everyday I wake up, pop open notepad, and type in a list of things I would like to do that day, and first on the list is the things from the previous day I couldnt finish. Its an excellent way to stay focused
Taking time off from writing helps. When it gets too much, just take an hour or two off and do something you enjoy doing. That rejuvenates the mind and you come back to writing with a vengeance. That's what I do. Before going to bed each day, I make sure to keep the next day's work typed into an excel sheet. We tend to get distracted or lose focus when we don't set goals. Have a goal and stick to it, no matter what.
If I'm drifting away from concentration I stop what I'm doing for a moment,stand up and go do something that distracts me for a while. When I come back, I read everything I have written so far and that helps get back on track.