The last time in your life when creativity seemed to come effortlessly was probably in your childhood. It was easy to draw, write, and craft, and you never had to question your ability to do those things.
As you grew older, creating became trickier. You realized it can’t be triggered simply by the desire to do so or by pressing a magical button that starts the flow of ideas. Your writing process began to depend on the inspiration that never seemed to come when you needed it most.
You stare at an empty page, wondering how to get the creative juices flowing again.
A syntagm “productive writer” may sound like an oxymoron, but turning these words into your reality is quite feasible. Get ready to take some notes as we get ready to analyze some of the best ways to become a more productive writer.
Step 1: Make the distractions disappear
We live in an era that opened up a world of endless possibilities for us. We are happy to explore and benefit from them, as these opportunities can often help us become better professionals and better people. However, many possibilities can easily turn into distractions when given a chance, and this is something you must stop in its tracks.
Dedicate the time of day to writing and make sure to “kill” all the unnecessary distractions. For most writers, leaving their phones in another room seems to work like a charm. Stick to Internet browsing that is necessary for your work, and leave some music on if it helps you concentrate.
Step 2: Design your own writing routine
Essay writer content specialists swear that creating “writing rituals” helps them focus and work more productively. The best thing about this is the possibility to create a routine that works for you specifically.
If you’re a freelance writer, you’re in luck. Whether you work from home, a coworking space, or a local coffee shop, you get to determine where you sit, what you listen to, what you drink, and how you manage your time.
If you’re a full-time employee tasked to write content, you can create a specific routine, too. Decide which hours are your most productive ones and which coworkers you like to talk to during your breaks, as they always inspire you to contemplate ideas and analyze different concepts.
Step 3: When you can’t write, read
Although trying to power through a writer’s block is always advised, we all get stuck sometimes. If you tried your best and the words simply won’t come out, let it go. Grab a book or read a newspaper, visit a blog you like to catch up with or listen to an audiobook.
Bear in mind that what you read doesn’t necessarily need to be about what you write. Relax your mind and let it follow the trail of thought another writer has to share.
Step 4: Don’t push yourself too hard
Persistence is an admirable and crucial trait of many productive writers, but knowing when to stop is just as important. Torturing yourself to write a number of pages through the night simply to exercise discipline isn’t always the best possible course of action.
Work hard, but don’t push yourself too far. Mental and physical burnout will get you nowhere, and staying rested and healthy is vital at all times.
Step 5: Practice writing without making it a chore
If you tend to feel hostility toward that empty page that seems to mock you by refusing to absorb any of your thoughts, it might be so because you began to see writing as a chore, rather than an exciting journey it truly is.
Writing isn’t always easy, but don’t let it become a burden you wish to unload as soon as possible. A walk through the park, a coffee date with your friends, and a movie night at home can be excellent times to write your thoughts and ideas without perceiving writing as a bothering chore.
Final Words
Although sudden “hits” of clarity when words simply flow from your soul and into your pen or keyboard are going to come and go from time to time, waiting for the inspiration to strike will not get you far in your writing career. In the words of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
The road to becoming a productive creator of any kind is not always going to be clear and marked to lead you where you want to go. You need to carve the path for yourself, and persistence and hard work will get you where you need to be. Implement these 5 effective tips in your writing routine and your goal will be a lot closer, making you more confident to go on and achieve your goals.
About the Author:
Isabell Gaylord is a journalist and editor from the US. In her free time, she enjoys meeting people who inspire her, practicing yoga and walking around the city. Isabell is fond of writing. Meet her on Twitter.