7 Tricks to Writing When You’re not in the Mood

Writer’s block is a real thing, and no matter how good you are at writing, there are certain times where you just cannot bring yourself to write. There are several factors due to which you feel distracted or simply not in the mood to write. It happens to everyone, the experts, novices, and beginners! 

Whether you are writing content for your blog, writing your book, or a research paper, at times, it gets difficult even to complete one single sentence. No matter how urgent the deadline, you become distracted by the smallest things like sleep, food, or simply a text message. These distractions can be trouble for a writer. 

There are moments where you can write a lot in a little time, while someday it gets hard to even focus on what you have to write. If you are facing such a problem or find yourself too distracted to concentrate, here are a few tips that you can follow to stay consistent and focused: 

  1. Set Small & Achievable Goals 

Whatever it is that you are writing, it is recommended that you make small and achievable goals for yourself. Depending on the type of piece you are writing, divide it into smaller pieces; for example, you can sort the headings/ chapters first and then move on to each heading categorically. 

Small goals give you a sense of achievement and fulfilment, and you won’t even feel guilty about not doing enough. It is also a good confidence booster to achieve a small chunk of your goal. 

Your goals can also be dependent on timelines. If you have a strict deadline to meet, you can make goals such as 1 page per day or 500 words per day. Having small achievable goals can help you reach them faster without feeling the burden of doing “a lot.” 

  1. Dedicated Space 

The environment has a great impact on your work, especially when it comes to writing. To write something, you need to be really focused and free from distractions. If you have kids at home, then it is difficult to sit in one place without getting distracted. 

Depending on your circumstances, choose a dedicated space where you can sit and focus on what you have to write. You can have a work desk at home or go to a nearby coffee shop with fewer distractions to focus on your piece. The main point is to have a place where you can easily concentrate just on your work free from distractions.

  1. Schedule & Timeline 

You must allocate dedicated time for your writing and add it to your daily schedule. The time you want to give depends on your schedule, but it is better to write with a fresh and clear mind, which is why it is better to start earlier in the morning. 

You should stick by your schedule and do not commit to any other thing during those hours. 

For example, if you have decided to give 2 hours daily to your writing, then make sure your cellphone is switched off, and you are actively focusing on just your article. Not having an allocated time can lead you to procrastination, which is why having a schedule is important. 

  1. Preparation

Before you start writing and feel completely lost, it is essential to give yourself some time to research and prepare for what you are about to write. To write about something, you need thorough research about the topic with facts and stats. 

If there is a deadline that you have to meet, then make sure to spare a few days just for the research and jot down the brainstormed points beforehand. If you have your homework done, it will be easier for you to focus on your writing piece.  For example, you are a guest blogger, and a client asks you to write about carpet cleaning. Although you are unfamiliar with the topic, you can get it done after doing some research online. 

Pro Tip: If an idea comes to your mind anytime during the day, which you could add to your article, then note it down somewhere for your reference.

  1. Give Examples from Your Life 

Whenever you read something with examples, you try to relate those with your experiences and try to put yourself in that situation. One way to grab the reader’s attention is through examples. 

Writing an article with real-life examples can be interesting for the writer as well as the reader. The more relatable content you can write, the more interesting it gets. Fact-based stories are always interesting for the reader and get the reader involved in your piece. If you are new to this form of writing, you can enrol in courses and training programs to learn more. 

While thinking of examples, you would find yourself totally invested in the piece that you are writing, and chances are you would want to write more about it. It is important to quote real-life examples to engage the reader.

  1. Reward Yourself 

Rewarding always helps; set milestones for yourself, and once achieved, you must reward yourself with something that gives you the motivation to do more. You must acknowledge your little achievements and look at them while moving forwards. 

The rewards totally depend on what you want to do, but you can reward yourself with that Netflix TV show that you’ve been desperately wanting to see while writing your article or hang out with friends after you are done with a part of your article.

  1. Give Yourself a Break 

If you are continuously occupied in your writing, chances are you will get bored and fed up, which isn’t a good thing for your creativity. To write good content, you need to be fresh, happy, and relaxed as well. 

Giving yourself small breaks throughout the day or give yourself some days off to bring back the motivation and inspiration to write is a great idea.

Writer’s block? Not Anymore!

These are the few tips which you can follow to bring yourself to write even when you don’t want to. Staying focused is important while writing gets monotonous at times; if writing is your profession, you cannot afford to procrastinate. Taking little breaks, setting achievable goals, rewarding yourself for completing goals, and choosing a calm place to write are some pro tips that can help you concentrate even when you are not in the mood. 

These are the tips I use to kick start the writer in me; what are your secret tools? 

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