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2.20.2017

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!


8 comments:

  1. *totally not being distracted right now*

    But yes, I am way more productive when I'm in study hall/in public! there's way less distractions and also the atmosphere lends itself better to focusing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *is distracted with you*

      It seems like it would be the opposite of productive, but it isn't. Somehow having more people distractions leads to less electronic/book distractions.

      Delete
  2. Nice tips! Yeah... I live on a ranch, with a bigger (Busy) family.... so sometimes it can be hard to reach writing goals- but these tips are definitely smart!
    -Angela | thepeculiarmessenger.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Business is definitely a factor too. When I'm super busy, I either prioritize other things higher than writing (that should be higher) or squeeze a certain amount of writing time in.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Evangeline! I'm glad you liked it!

      Delete
  4. Oh my goodness thank you so much for this I am the most distracted writer EVER.

    Micaiah
    www.notebooksandnovels.com

    ReplyDelete

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