Welcome to Day 125 and...How to Get Out of a Writing Slump...
If you're like me, after all the food, the family, the couch time, even some black Friday shopping, it seems like you've been doing everything under the sun except writing. So now that my anniversary, birthday and holiday week is coming to an end, it's time to make some adjustments to get my writing effort back on track.
Holiday or no holiday, if you've been in a writing slump, here are 7 to dos, to get more pages, more scenes and more chapters done...
You might have seen a few of them from my Day 115 - What to do When Things
Aren't Working and some are brand new.
Try one, a few or all.
1. Table Most Tasks on Your To Do List
If you're an over-doer and a list writer like me, your To Do list is usually full and prioritized. The trick to recharge your writing is to get out your list, and however many items you write down for the day or the week, make sure at least 33% of them should be about your writing. If you're feeling really motivated on a particular day, make it 50%. But the bottom line is that your writing goals should be on that all important list and...most of them should be in the top 5.
2. Plan, Plan, Plan
Set out a weekly and daily plan. How many words...how many and which scenes will be completed. Focus on where you're at today and set goals of completion for the week's end.
3. Set a Writing Time & Show Up With Purpose
Make and keep a daily start time for your writing. And then within that time, set either a designated end time or task completion end time - and if you need to, start small. For example if you're just getting back to writing and you're still feeling unmotivated, start with 15 minute intervals or editing 1 paragraph. Work to rebuild your focus and fearlessness in increments and then expand them to longer time frames or larger tasks.
4. Get Moving
Get your mind and your body fired back up with some good old exercise and plenty of water. Exercise gets the O2 circulating in your body which boosts your energy and focus. Add in drinking lots of water to keep you hydrated to combat listlessness and fatigue.
5. Get Inspired
Read a blog post from your favorite author or pick up one of their books and re-read a favorite scene. Immerse yourself in their success and then spend some time dreaming of your own future success.
6. Get Rewarded
Dig in and get to work and when you've met some small goals or checked some To Dos off your list, indulge yourself with a treat - a great cup of anything from Starbucks, some time on social media, a small purchase you've been wanting...I'm a big believer in rewarding hard work.
7. Don't Give Up - Toggle Through
I love the power of the toggle. Consider working on multiple scenes or projects - like a book and a daily blog - if you get stuck on one, just toggle over to the other and keep working. If you hit a lull on that one, toggle back and I can almost guarantee you'll move easily through the place you found yourself to be stuck in the beginning.
Commit today, right now, to getting back in the game...
"If You Don't Change, Nothing Will Change."
Here's to Being All In,
Maggie
Follow me on Twitter @AuthorMaggie #busywriterslife
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