NicoleToday, I’m going to take you through the top 3 writer’s problems, and one tip for each to get you writing again.
# 1: No time to write
# 2: No accountability
# 3: Lack of focus
When you scan this list, what’s your biggest problem?
Most writers struggle with an overlap of these, and if one is “sorted”, the next problem appears.
And you get stuck again.
You’ll end up with half-written books, chapters, and articles.
When I was stuck with my PhD, I had all those problems. I actually did have time to write, but I wasted it with conferences, over-researching, or sitting frustrated in Cafes in front of a blank screen.
Here are simple, proven steps that helped me.
Stop solving problems.
Make them tiny.
When you read the below, make sure to notice
• any resistance
• aha-moments
• or excitement to write again
The inner critic might hate all my tips to keep you stuck 😱).
Problem #1: No time to write
Every single writer I’ve worked with has said they have no time to write.
Solution:
• Start slotting 25min writing slots into your week, one per day to start with.
• For each slot, write down a tiny goal (e.g. open document and read it; brainstorm the topic; write a paragraph of 100 words)
You would be surprised how easy writing is if you stop craving full days or weeks reserved for writing. All you need is 25 minutes.
Problem #2: No accountability
We all love external deadlines. You stop overthinking, you ignore the inner critic, and you just write because the clock is ticking!
But what there’s no deadline for your book or article? You miss that rush of adrenaline, and you procrastinate.
Solution:
• Create accountability that feels ‘real’ by informing other people of your goal
For example:
• email your collaborator and tell them when to expect your draft
• plan a nice event like a concert and tell your friends you’ll only join if you send them something 3 hours before
You’ll soon find out which people are ‘scary’ enough for you, so that you keep your promise. As a coach, I set such deadlines with my 1-1 clients and they keep them; in my 90-Day Accelerator everyone gets an accountability buddy.
Over to you. Who might you pick for a tiny deadline to try this out this week?
Problem # 3: Lack of focus or flow
Imagine you made time to write. You protected that slot fiercely. Then you sit at the desk, and nothing comes. (And then you tense up and feel bad).
Solution:
• Create a flow ritual. 3 tiny actions that you take before each writing slot (e.g. get coffee, write down a goal, start a timer, put on specific playlist).
• Alternatively, join a guided co-writing group where you set a goal together and put on a timer. Nothing like group pressure to make you write!
Why does this work?
Because you take tiny steps into the writing session that tell your subconscious it’s easy, rather than stressing about “wanting to write 2000 words all at once”.
I have my own flow ritual (tea, playlist, timer) and in my 90-Day program everyone finds their own ritual. Plus, we write several times during the week together.
What might your flow ritual look like? Who might you write with on zoom or in person?
There are 4 more problems …
# 4: No daily habit: You lack routines and keep loosing time
# 5: Ineffective writing: You reserve writing time, and do something else
# 6: Other obligations: You’re overwhelmed and burned out
# 7: Perfectionism: You rather procrastinate than face the fear of ‘bad’ writing
You can see how I solve them all in my 90-Day Writing Accelerator. Just check out the webpage and steal my systems and components (or join if you have a budget!).
Early enrolment with a super early bird discount is open now, exclusively for early bookers (30 % off, limited to 5 places).
Apply here
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
