Like all writers, I get stuck sometime. I am a world-class procrastinator. But I know letting a draft simmer makes it better. So it is important to get started before the day of the deadline.
Try these tricks the next time you feel unmotivated:
- Put in 20 minutes
- Start anywhere
- Make an outline
Start early
When you know the job is going to take hours or days, or you have any confusion about what is needed, it can be tempting to put off starting. Facebook and emails are so tempting! Here’s what I do: I make myself spend 20 minutes on-task. I re-read the source info, make notes, do needed research, etc. Before I even have to dive into the writing, I am often in the flow. If not, I go to Facebook for 10 minutes and try another 20 on-task.
Write anything
The best way to begin: sit in the chair, put your hands on the keyboard, and start composing. Even if your first line is “I don’t want to do this. I would rather be on my bike. I am scared to start because I am not sure of the key message.”
Your start might be terrible, but keep going, and you will soon see a path into the topic, get a creative spark, or realize how you can say it more clearly. As my favorite Goethe quote goes:
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
Use an outline
A simple outline — it doesn’t have to follow proper outline form — can get your thoughts in order and illuminate where to begin. It can help you decide what to leave out, how to transition between messages and more. Writing the outline is itself writing, so it can put you in the flow.
Procrastinators are not lazy, as this article explains. But knowing that doesn’t get the work done. When a deadline is bearing down and you feel uninspired, “faking it ’til you make it” does. For more tips and our latest updates, visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn!
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