How to Defeat Those Pesky, Yet Enticing, Distractions

I'm a very distracted person.  At any given time, I can simultaneously think about the 50,000,000,000 things I have to do while scrolling through Twitter for hours.  Or I can sit through chemistry class thinking about how I'm going to write 2k tonight and then go home and binge watch tv.

So how do you keep distractions away?

1. Turn off all Internet.

ALL INTERNET.  Tragic, but necessary.  (Don't do it now, of course.  Finish this post first. :D)

2. Write in a public place.

This might sound like the exact opposite of good advice, but for me, at least, it works.  I write my best during study hall.  I have a set amount of time and a page count goal (because have to hand write it).  I have to purposefully tune out the people around me and immerse myself in my storyworld.

3. Motivate yourself.

What distracts you the most?  Reading?  TV shows?  Twitter?  Instagram?  Schoolwork? (no, do your schoolwork.  Don't listen to that last one.)  Tell yourself if you write for X amount of time, you can read/watch TV/go on social media.

4. Skip this scene and go back to it later?

Are you distracted easily because you're stuck?  Skip this part and go back to it later.  For now, at least, you won't be distracted.

5. Get the stuff you have to do done before you write.

Maybe you are distracted by all of the real life stuff you have to do.  Get it done and then go back to writing.  You'll be surprised how freeing this is.

6. Un-overwhelm yourself.

Sometimes the amount of pressure we put on ourselves to get everything done in an inhuman amount of time is ridiculous.  I know it would be great to write 10k in 1 hour, but it's not realistic.  Maybe set yourself time goals instead of word count goals.  Or better yet, figure out when you want this draft to be finished.  If you need to write 50k in one month, write roughly 1800 words every day.  That's a lot easier than writing 50k in 2 days.

7. Word War

You'd be surprised how much of a motivator competition is.  Try Write Deck.

Are you a distracted writer?  What anti-distraction tips do you have?  I would love to hear your thoughts!