Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Distractions and How to Avoid Them

I think distractions might just be a writer's worst enemy. It's important for a writer to have complete focus over their work. And distractions such as the internet, cell phone, TV, music, a grumbling stomach...you name it...can make it difficult to reach goals and really write your very best.

I've done a lot of research about what has helped writers and authors stay focused. A lot of them use the same techniques and I have found that just simple actions of discipline can make a huge effect on how much writing I get done in a day.
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I'd like to share some of the biggest distractions I deal with each day, and a few ways that have helped me stay concentrated on my writing.

Fear

 To be honest, the biggest distraction and obstacle that I face every day, from the moment I wake up, is fear. What if I can't do this? What if my writing is horrible? What if I'm doing this all wrong? What if people won't like this? Sadly, if your mind is constantly filled with all these 'what ifs', then it will be much easier to put off your goals and not even try.

How to avoid it...

The only way I can rid myself of these negative thoughts is to question myself why I am doing this. Why am I pursuing this path? Why do I want to be an author someday? Why am I a copywriter? The answers are always the same. Because I love it and I can't ever imagine myself doing anything else. The more I write, the more I grow as a person. Because God has given me this gift and opportunity, and I shouldn't waste it.  I may still have a few of those 'what ifs' in the back of my mind. But because I have good reasons to continue writing, then it's much more worth the risk of failing, than just giving up. 

Internet, Cellphone, and TV

So...while researching all the common distractions that writers deal with daily, I found that the above are probably the most common. I think it's a no-brainer that all three will make it difficult, sometimes impossible to not only write, but focus on any type of job or project you're working on. It would also seem like common sense to simply avoid the internet, cellphone, and television while writing.

But it's amazing what a big temptation it is to open up Facebook or Twitter (Pinterest is my biggest weakness), or quickly respond to a phone call or text. Or sometimes even quickly just flip through the channels on TV to see what's on, then end up spending all day watching episodes of your favorite show.

How to avoid it...

Sometimes I only turn my phone on silent and that helps keep way the temptation to look over at it when I have a notification. But not always. I have found that I can completely divert my attention to my work, when my phone is completely powered off, and my door shut. I've read that other writers will turn their internet off while they write as well, getting all their research done beforehand. 

Writing by hand is another way to keep away any sort of distractions the computer will provide. Sometimes during my lunch break, I'll read an hour in a novel. I need to be careful though, because once I'm comfortable and into a good story, it can be hard to get back to my writing. 

I think you just need to know what works for you. Figure out the best way to rid yourself of these distractions, then reward yourself afterwards. When the day is over and you've reached your writing goal, then maybe that would be a good time to pin some fun pins, read a novel, or text your friends, and spend time with your family. 

Scattered Thoughts

When I was a little girl, I had a huge tendency of daydreaming during school. My mind would wander away instantly from mathematics to stories I made up in my head. I'd create characters and worlds instead of paying attention to multiplication. Thankfully, the older I got, I learned how to self-discipline myself a little.

But...I'm not going to lie...I still have a difficulty with day dreaming. While I'm supposed to be writing a chapter, researching, or marketing...my mind will wander to all the other books I want to write someday. Or I'll think about some fun event I just attended and how awesome it was. Or a good book I've been reading. Then my mind will move on to all the things I need to be getting done in the week and I end up stressed...especially since all I've been doing is sitting here thinking about everything except for my writing project!  

How to Avoid It

I'm still working on this one...how to avoid daydreaming. First of all, I really hope I'm not the only one that struggles with this one. And second, I would love to hear different advice on how to keep your mind focused on one thing at a time. I have realized that when I get up right away, have my devotion, and get an early start to my day, I can concentrate way better. That way, my mind is clear and fresh. When I start in the middle of the day, it's much easier for my thoughts to stray into five different directions.

I concentrate a lot better after I run as well. Exercise is a great way of clearing the mind. Also...I totally cannot think when my room is a mess, or my desk is untidy. Staying organized is vital for me to stay focused on my work.

I have read other ways of avoiding distractions while writing, such as: finding your 'writing place', picking out and sticking to a time to write each day, not comparing yourself to others so you won't feel overwhelmed or discouraged, etc. It's all about finding what does and doesn't work for you.

I would absolutely love to hear different ways that have helped you avoid distractions! Please comment and let me know. 

Next week I will write a post about unavoidable distractions. When your day or week does not turn out as expected, and learning how to react and still reach goals amidst the craziness of life.