There\u2019s nothing quite like getting into a writing groove.<\/p>\n
A writing groove refers to the state of being so focused on writing that you no longer register the world around you, and you\u2019re 100% consumed with the task at hand.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, this state of mind can be elusive.<\/p>\n
If you find you can\u2019t seem to concentrate when you sit down to write, you\u2019re not alone. Here are some tricks you can employ to help you learn to focus better.<\/p>\n
Having a routine is a great way to boost productivity, and if you\u2019re having trouble focusing, the first thing you should do is set up a writing schedule. It doesn\u2019t have to be every day, but it should be at least a few times a week.<\/p>\n
The goal here isn\u2019t to back yourself into a rigid corner with the schedule, so much as to make sure you\u2019re setting aside time specifically for writing. This isn\u2019t going to be time that you use to check Facebook or worry about your upcoming student loan payment\u2014this time needs to be specifically carved out of your busy schedule to write and do nothing else.<\/p>\n
In the beginning, you might want to play around with writing at different times, in order to find out when you\u2019re most productive. If you can\u2019t focus well after getting home from work, then try to wake up an hour earlier each day, instead.<\/p>\n
Admittedly, this is easier said than done, but over time, this will start to become a habit. Until it does, try experimenting with other methods as well.<\/p>\n
Writing and editing are two very different processes, and learning how to compartmentalize them is imperative for writers who struggle to focus.<\/p>\n
There are three reasons you need to learn to compartmentalize these two things:<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re trying to meet a word count goal, then every second you spend reading over what you\u2019ve written is wasting your allocated writing time.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s nearly impossible to get into a writing groove when you\u2019re constantly switching between the creative mindset of writing and the critical mindset of editing. The constant back and forth prevents you from focusing on the important task at hand: getting the words out.<\/p>\n
Writing is hard, and sometimes, no matter how much you love it, you\u2019ll do anything you can to keep from doing it. The desire to procrastinate could be the result of self-doubt, laziness, or just simple writer\u2019s block. Whatever the reason, don\u2019t give yourself another distraction from the writing<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re sitting down to write, it should involve nothing more than getting the word count up.<\/p>\n
That means you\u2019re not going to do any editing. Period. Of course, you\u2019re going to produce a lot of bad work. That\u2019s okay. When it comes time to edit, you\u2019ll be able to make it coherent, engaging, and something you can be proud of.<\/p>\n
Even famous and successful writers don\u2019t always \u201cwrite\u201d something great. The greatness in their writing comes from extensive revisions, editing, and re-writing.<\/p>\n
The internet is a huge distraction, and when you struggle to focus when writing, it can be your greatest enemy.<\/p>\n
You might be thinking, \u201cBut what if I need to Google something while I\u2019m writing?\u201d You don\u2019t, I promise. Research should happen either before you\u2019re writing, or when you\u2019re editing.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re someone who struggles to focus, researching while you\u2019re writing can easily become an unintentional procrastination technique.<\/p>\n
Do yourself a favor and find a way to prevent yourself from having access to the Internet. Here are some methods you can try:<\/p>\n
Meditation is great for people who struggle with focusing.<\/p>\n
Though many people think meditation is all about paying attention to your breathing and clearing your mind, it\u2019s actually an exercise in focusing.<\/p>\n
For example, when you try to focus on your breathing during meditation, your thoughts are undoubtedly going to stray. Practicing mindfulness through meditation teaches you how to identify when this is happening, and how to bring your focus back to your breathing.<\/p>\n
As you can imagine, this is a long-term solution, but it\u2019s certainly one that is proven to\u00a0improve your ability to focus<\/a>\u00a0while writing, and in other aspects of your life.<\/p>\n As a beginner, however, meditation can be difficult. Try a guided meditation program, like those available in the\u00a0Calm<\/a>\u00a0app.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a>\u00a0done on to-do lists have shown that, even when we don\u2019t finish every item on the list, simply making the list works to increase productivity and lessen anxiety about the task at hand.<\/p>\n If you apply this to writing, an outline can function in the same way.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re writing a book, story, or essay, an outline can function like a to-do list.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re writing a novel, for example, the outline can help you get from one plot-point to the next.<\/p>\n As an added bonus, an outline can help re-focus you when you get distracted, since, even if you\u2019ve forgotten where you were going with a line of text after replying to a lengthy email, the outline will be there to guide you forward.<\/p>\n When all else fails, there are apps you can use that force you to focus:<\/p>\n This program motivates you by threatening to have scary images pop out if you don\u2019t meet your word goals.<\/p>\n5. Prepare an Outline<\/h2>\n
6. Use Technology<\/h2>\n
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