By Leslie Adkins
We may say we love to write, but for some reason getting started is the hardest thing to do. It’s the unspoken secret with writers—writing is actually hard! And we have to be really good at self-motivation because there is no one else to do it for us.
Often we procrastinate or try and wait until inspiration strikes--which for me happens about as often as I get hit by lightning. Amazing when it happens (if ever) but we can’t wait for it.
Break Large Projects into Small Pieces
Deciding to complete a novel, a screenplay or a non-fiction book proposal is great, but you will never get started if you don’t break that up into small pieces. Make a short plan that takes the final outcome and breaks it into manageable sections or tasks. The smaller the piece, the easier it will be to complete—everyone likes checking things off a list as done. Also, if you have a list of tasks (or scenes to write) you don’t have to complete them in order! Sometimes you feel more motivated to work on the marketing plan for your non-fiction book instead of writing a sample chapter.
Set SMART Goals
A goal is a specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-oriented statement. A goal is not “I will become a writer.” It needs to be more like “I will write at least 500 new words every day.” Or “I will complete a full edit of chapters 1-5 by May 1st.”
“I need to finish my novel,” sounds scary! How about: “I will complete chapter 10 by next Friday.”
Review your progress weekly and be flexible to change. Life has a way of upsetting best laid plans. Every week, relook at your goals and update them as necessary. My favorite quote is an old Chinese proverb: It doesn’t matter how slow you go… so long as you do not stop.
Don’t base your worth on a vague assumption. “When I get something published, I’ll be a real writer.” Specific and measureable goals help you know you have accomplished what you set out to do.
Reward Yourself
If you didn’t write this week, don’t beat yourself up. Start fresh with a new week and new goals if needed. Create a reward like “I’ll buy myself that new novel I want after I write 2,000 words.” Figure out what works for you, and set that as a reward. And maybe you need to reward your family members—if they leave you alone to write then you’ll take them out for ice cream!
And don’t use someone else’s idea of a reward—whatever works for you, that’s what you should do.
Positive Self-Talk
Many years ago I attended a seminar on positive self-talk. What I learned is that what you say to yourself, matters. Practice rephrasing negative thoughts into a positive. I am soooo tired becomes I could use more energy today. I’m having a terrible day becomes I could be having a better day. It’s about asking the world for what you want, not what you don’t want. Sometimes it sounds corny, but it works.
I have to write this article. Writing this article will make me feel successful.
Ugh, I don’t feel like writing today. Once I start writing, my creativity will come alive.
I haven’t published anything. I’m not a real writer. If I write today, I’m a writer.
I’m a failure. I haven’t written in weeks.
Life has thrown me a curve but I’m ready to get back in the game and start writing again.
Write Something Else
I don’t really believe in writers block. There is always something to write. If you can’t motive yourself to work on your novel, then take a break and write an article or a poem. Can’t get started on that short story? Write a blog post instead. Or just try some free writing. Sometimes just the act of writing something gets your creative juices flowing. Writing something, anything, can also help banish the hidden fear behind thinking “what if it’s not good enough.”
Struggling with a challenging co-worker? Frustrated with your kids or spouse? Write about that! Events you are emotionally tied to can be good motivators. You may not do anything with the piece, but it will engage you and wake up your creativity.
Encouragement and Accountability
A set schedule helps you complete your goals and get into a good writing habit. Having someone you are accountable to will truly make you more successful (and gives you a deadline!). Take a class; join a writing group; or set a call with a fellow writer every week to review your goals. Having a check-in with someone ups the pressure a bit (often we work better under pressure!). It will also keep up your spirits when you are feeling unsure about your writing. More often than not, I go to my writing group feeling like what I’d written was crap, and they would love it! Or at least give me great ideas for fixing it so that I would love it.
Write
What do I like about writing? Having written!
The big secret to the writing craft is that you have to actually do the writing. But hopefully you enjoy the act of writing. Maybe not every time but often enough to keep motived. If you aren’t accomplishing your goals, relook at them. Are they too aggressive? Are they too structured? Are they unrealistic or too big? If you aren’t feeling excited about your goals, try some new ones. If something is important to us, we will make time for it.
After a really good session of writing or at the end of a week when you accomplished all your goals, make a quick list of how you feel. Pull out this list when you are having trouble getting started. This is the best motivator there is.
www.leslieadkins.com
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