A lack of discipline is not a valid reason for not writing. Few human beings are disciplined by nature. Thankfully there are simple steps that can empower us to overcome our lack of discipline and create the art that we’re capable of.
Step 1: Embrace restrictions
You are not productive because of distraction. When we remove distractions we clear a path to productivity. On my phone I use my Airplane mode and on my computer I use the Freedom App to turn off internet access. By limiting your access you are giving yourself access to your full creative ability.
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You’ve trained yourself to be distracted and it’s time to train yourself to be focused. Embrace restrictions. A fenced yard allows a child to play, create and live in safety. “I need to research using the internet” is an invalid excuse for leaving your browser open because writing and research are different activities. Give them separate spaces just like your brain gives them different places to function.
Step 2: Clear off your work space
There’s a napkin dispenser to the left of my screen.
It’s a distraction. Anything can be a distraction when you’re creating. Don’t leave your phone out, even if it’s on airplane mode. You’ve trained yourself to look at it. You need to focus on the keys and your thoughts. Everything else needs to go. A clear space will empower you to create clear writing.
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Step 3: Write on a clean slate
Formatting matters. Line spacing matters. Spelling matters. Font choice matters. None of them matter right now though. Right now you need to write so the only feature your program has that you care about is the “it helps me write more” function. If your program doesn’t help you write more than you need a different program. It is worth every penny to get a writing program that empowers you to write more words.
Scrivener and its simple compose mode is the best place for you to write. If you’re writing on a tablet you can use iaWriter to sync with your Scrivener file. Save 20% with the coupon code SELFPUBLISHING thanks to my good friends at Scrivener.
You lack discipline. Join the club. Now get back to writing.
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