Three Quick Tips for Writing Through Doubt-Monster Attacks

​I’ve had a handful of people in my life tell me that they wait to write because they’re in a dark place, or they’re sad, or they feel like they’re not good enough. 
 
I have a lot of people tell me that they’ve stopped writing because they can’t seem to get into the mood they want to be in for their focus project. 
 
That’s all totally fine, especially if you’re a mood writer. I’m not one to push people to do things they don’t want to do (in most cases, anyway).  BUT. If you really do want to write that book or build your skills as a writer, then I encourage you to keep at it. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing THREE quick tips that I would recommend to anyone who wants to be a writer (who may also struggle with actually getting words on the page).
 

1. Commit.
   Even if you spend ten minutes a day staring at the page, or writing garbage that you know you’ll never keep, I implore you… write it. Stare at the page. The important thing when trying to build any good habit, especially at the beginning, is to commit. Tell yourself you’re going to set aside the time to focus and try, not just once, but consistently. You’re building the habit, and the more you work at this, the easier it will become. 
   
   Along with this note, part of committing is putting down distractions. During my writing time, I have my phone with me (because I like to run a stop watch to see how long I write for and how many words I can get in that time), but I do not answer phone calls or texts, I do not open my internet browser, I do not even think about looking at my social media. All of that can be done later. If there's something I need to research, then in my manuscript, I write in all caps: OKAY BREY - RESEARCH THIS THING WHEN YOU COME BACK. Research does not go into my actual writing time (though it is a very important part of the process).
   
   
2. Be consistent.
   The hardest thing about starting a new good habit is picking it up again after the first time, even if the first time was successful. Many people tell me that they don't write because they struggle to come up with the words they want to say, or to find the flow, or to even get inspiration, but if the drive is there and they really do want to write something, I tell them this: The more you practice the muscle, the better you will get.
   
   It's kind of how I feel with yoga. I suck at it. I'm not flexible, and the breathing specifics feel like rocket science to me (I know... it's just breathing). But every time I try it, I get a little bit better. That muscle stretches a little more comfortably, and the breathing doesn't feel so weird. My balance is a little bit better. The same is true for writing. Sure, you may need some help (just like I need those yoga for beginners videos to guide me), but you can get there with consistent practice.
   
   And when you're drafting, the focus should never be on whether what you're writing is any good. If that's your focus, you're going to get stuck. The getting it good part comes later. For now, just focus on the putting words on the page bit.
   
   
3. Set your goal where you can see it. I like to put my goals on my calendar (which I look at a gazillion times a day), or on a sticky note on my desk. The most helpful way I’ve set reminders is by setting alarms for times of day where I know I’ll have at least a few minutes to work on something. Find what works best for you, where you can be reminded consistently, in a way that will prompt you to just sit down and give it a shot. Those reminders help a ton, and for days where the motivation just isn't there and I want to hit that snooze button or toss that sticky note, I just think... "Give it five minutes. I'll just write for five minutes, then I've at least tried today." Most often, that five minutes turns into something much bigger. 

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter holiday, and I'll write again next week!