Let’s face it, motivation is something we all struggle with. Need to write your next chapter? Well don’t worry, the dirt under your living room couch that you haven’t thought about in a year suddenly needs to be cleaned. Maybe it’s the fear of continuing your project. Or maybe you’re stuck in your own plot hole. But there are ways for you to pick up your motivation and finish that project you’re working on!
I’ve fallen much too often into the trap of procrastination. I’m not even sure why. I’ll have the exact track my book needs to be on mapped out and yet I still won’t write. It’s a problem I’m sure you’re all too familiar with.
Now let’s take a step back for a moment and think about how we can make this better. How can we motivate ourselves to finish the words needed to complete a project? Well, I’ve come up with some ideas that may help you out the next time you’re inclined to procrastinate instead of write.
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Set Aside Time for Writing
This may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes scheduling the time to write actually works. On days that you are busy, if you set aside time, you know that you only have that small window to get in your word count. It’s not a full-proof way to accomplish your goal, but it definitely helps.
Set aside time to help you write on your busiest of day. A tip on staying motivated. Share on X
Organize Your Environment
A clean environment truly helps productivity. In my organization post, I explain how to organize your environment to help productivity. And I don’t know about you, but if a room in my house isn’t cleaned before I start writing, all I can think about is that mess. So what better way to make sure you have no distractions than to make sure your house/writing room is clean so you can get back to work.
Focus on One Scene at a Time
Write down all the details you can think of for a scene before you finish for the day. That way, when you go to write the next day, you’ll have a complete outline of how you want the scene to go. There won’t be any room for second-guessing or thinking through minuscule details because you’ve already put in the hard work.
Find Someone to Talk To
Having someone to talk to really makes a difference when it comes to writing. Either a significant other, friend, or critique partner, anyone that you can talk about your project with and bounce ideas off of. Talk to someone you are comfortable being honest about your doubts as a writer so they can motivate you and help you through the dark and lonely times.
Talk to someone you are comfortable being honest about your doubts as a writer. Tips on staying motivated. Share on X
Write!
Well, duh! Of course, this is an obvious one. If you simply just write, motivation will surely ensue, right? Sometimes you just have to write and the productivity will flow. So go ahead and pick up that pen or open your computer and write!
What ways do you keep your motivation? What’s the biggest thing you’ve done to procrastinate? Talk writing motivation with me in the comments below!
Organizing Your Writing Life Part 1
Organizing Your Writing Life Part 2
This page may contain affiliate links. Click to read full disclaimer. I only promote products I support.
This is a great list of tips Jenn!! Really I stand behind each one. Scheduling writing time, preferably before other work is the best. And I can’t do anything in an unorganized or messy environment! I’m blessed with a writing partner and we totally go scene by scene. ❤️
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer recently posted…My First Vietnamese Immigrant Story Kept Me Rapt with it’s Language
Thanks Dani! I find that having someone to work with makes writing less lonely and more motivating.
All great advice here. I wish it was that easy to follow! It’s been a struggle lately. Some weeks, I do extremely well and write every single day. And then I’ll have a week where I write almost nothing. I’d love to get to a consistent place, but life is anything but consistent.
Thanks! I completely agree. Life is never consistent and we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves when we don’t write every day. I like to say that if I made any writing progress during the week that it’s a success. Good luck with all of your projects!