In our previous blog, we shared four tips to help you start your writing process. One of the things we discussed was getting excited about your topic. But let’s be honest, we don’t wake up each day feeling excited and inspired to write. It’s not always easy to get into the writing zone. Sometimes we need encouragement to keep going.
Here are five tips on how to stay motivated while writing.
1. Write every day
I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it works. The goal is not to force yourself to write, but to establish a routine and develop daily writing habits. In James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, he said, “What you repeatedly do (i.e. what you spend time thinking about and doing each day) ultimately forms the person you are, the things you believe, and the personality that you portray.”
Set aside a specific time every day for writing and pick a specific place or a spot where you can focus. Set a word count goal and a timer as a motivation to get started. Make writing a habit by committing to it every day until it becomes second nature.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” - Jim Rohn
2. Get rid of distractions
If you’re writing with a pen, turn off your Wi-Fi or put your phone on silent mode. If you’re writing on your laptop or computer, turn off your notifications. You may also want to consider using writing apps that can help you stay focused on your writing.
“You can’t do big things if you’re distracted by small things.” - Anonymous
3. Read a book
Grab a book that you can get inspiration from. It can be a book by an author you like or something that is outside of your usual genre. Reading a book relaxes your mind and lets your imagination run free, which can help spark new ideas.
“Books are mirrors: You only see in them what you already have inside you.” - Carlos Ruiz Zafón
4. Reward yourself
Keep track of your progress, set small milestones and reward yourself for reaching them. Take pride in all your progress, no matter how small. For instance, when you meet your word count goal, reward yourself with your favorite food or treat yourself to your favorite activity.
“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. Remember your WHY
Be clear about your WHY. Why did you want to become a writer? What inspired you to write a book? Why do you want to share your story? Whenever you feel unmotivated, remind yourself why you started writing in the first place.
“If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY.” - Simon Sinek
Share with us in the comments below if you know of other ways to keep writers motivated.
At IABX, our mission is to promote and empower independent authors. We strive to provide useful and valuable information to do just that.
Feel free to send us an email at info@iabx.org if you have any comments or suggestions. We would love to hear from you!
Missed the past weeks' Wednesday Writing Tips? Check them out here.
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