For productive writing sessions, you need to do some pre-planning. Like most of us, you probably struggle with having too much to do and too little time. So, you need to make the most out of your writing sessions. This won’t happen 100% of the time, but a little preparation has a massive impact.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree
and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
-Abraham Lincoln
You may be thinking, “I’ve got a lot to do. I don’t have time for pre-planning sessions.” Hear me out. This will supercharge your next writing sessions.
Preparing before writing has allowed me to shift from taking hours to write everything (blog posts, articles, book chapters) to now churning out content at a much faster rate.
I’m referring to content that’s written in my true voice. Content that doesn’t feel like a dentist is yanking on a wisdom tooth to get it out onto the page; it just flows.
I’m guessing that you have a lot to do. The faster you figure out how to write in flow, the better. And doing a little prep before you write, will get you there. You’ll save time in the end. Writing in flow is faster and feels easier and more in sync with your true voice.
So, here’s how to have the most productive writing sessions:
Tip #1 for productive writing sessions: remember your why
Think about your why in 3 parts:
a.Why are you writing this (for yourself)? What is the reason why you feel you need/want to write it? Your reasons may vary. A few examples: it will help your blog branding or it feels healing for you to write about the topic or you want to practice consistently writing on a particular subject.
There are a thousand possible reasons why. Only you know the reasons specific to you and your goals. Dig deep and get clarity.
b. Why are YOU writing this? I’m not repeating the same question; hear me out. What is the reason why you feel you have the experience/knowledge/calling/whatever to write it?
c. Why will you be writing this for your readers? Why do your readers need/want to read this?
Your why is the foundation of flow. Take the time to get clear about every piece of writing attempt. In taking the time, you’ll even get clarity about things that need to go into the piece to match your intentions.
Tip #2 for productive writing sessions: complete all research before you start writing
Any research you need to do for that writing session should be done before you start. Writing and researching are two separate processes. Trying to combine the two only breaks up your state of flow. You want non-stop writing without interruptions (more on that under #4).
Tip #3 declutter your mind
A calm clear mind allows for more focused writing. Meditation and writing in my writer’s journal both work for me. For you, it may something else. It can be as long as a 20-minute journaling session or as short as taking a few deep breaths. Find a way to get calm. This is a way to transition from daily activities into writing. It’s a way to quiet the mind and body.
Then, try to maintain that calm while you write. Turning off social media, call, and email notifications all help. You want your mind to be as calm and focused as possible.
Tip #4 gather your tools
Gather your tools before you start.
Examples of tools: writing-music-playlist, a favorite candle that you always light before you write, tea, water, whatever you do to create the ideal writing environment for yourself.
Tip #5 declutter your environment
“Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus. The visual distraction of clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory.”* Per Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
I know where I write best, and I go there. Every. Single. Time. Before writing, I make sure that the environment is clutter-free. I clear my desk and only write with the most essential things around me.
I’ve tracked my writing and I know that a clear writing desk is the best place for me to get into flow. Do you know the location that works best for your writing flow?
Tip #6 Warm up
As mentioned above, I write in my writer’s journal every morning before I start my ‘professional’ writing. This is like a creative warm-up for me, and sometimes it even sparks writing ideas.
If you don’t like journaling, you can do a mental warm-up. Simply reflect on the topic idea, what you’ve already written, the outline, etc.).
Tip #7 minimize the possibility of interruptions
Tell family/anyone in the house you’re about to write and do not want to be disturbed. Put a note on the door if needed.
Do whatever you can to minimize distractions and interruptions that can disrupt your writing and state of flow (more on that coming up).
Tip #8 do not edit
Writing and editing are two separate processes. Do not try to do them at the same time. If you edit while you write, you are judging your words as they hit the page. You’ll make slow progress. Let the words flow.
Set aside significant time to edit and while you’re writing, reassure yourself that you’ll be combing through the text and fixing errors and fine-tuning. Focus on getting the words on the page.
Tip #9 remove your phone from sight
This one is so important I made it a tip of its own. Most of us are glued to our phones. Just having it within our range of vision can distract us. Unless you’re waiting on an urgent call, phone off (or on silent) and away from your working space.
Tip #10 aim for flow state
Flow state is that state of being where you’re in deep focus, time flies, and you’re most creative. This is where your best writing comes from.
It’s the ultimate place where the words flow freer and it’s not such a strain to write. We need every tip, tool, and habit to build a routine that gets us there.
Tip #11 stay in the flow state
They say it takes on average 15 minutes to get into flow. Have you ever thought about what that means for your writing?
It means every time you stop writing and oh, say, get up for water or coffee, check social media, randomly open your fridge and stare inside for no reason, you’re breaking flow.
It will then take another 15 minutes to get back into it. Ouch! Or what likely happens is that you never even reach flow because you keep stopping to do something else before you get there.
Don’t be a flow-breaker.
Aim to stay there for as long as you can, without jumping to something else. But as I explained in the article on deep focus, to get there, we often have to go through a stage where we feel bored or antsy or tempted to switch to something else. Stick with your writing. Get to flow.
If you want to become a prolific writer, you must get into flow state often and stay there.
Productive writing sessions require some preparation, but it’ll be worth it.
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