As writers, we’re often our own worst enemies. We set ourselves up for failure with habits that hinder our creativity, stifle our productivity, and lead to frustration and burnout. The good news is that we can break free from these patterns and develop new habits that serve us better. In this post, we’ll explore some common writing habits to break and provide actionable tips to help you overcome them.
The Perfectionism Trap
One of the biggest obstacles to writing progress is perfectionism. We get caught up in making our work perfect, sentence, or word perfect, and as a result, we never actually finish anything. This can lead to a cycle of self-doubt, fear, and paralysis. The truth is, perfection is an unattainable goal. Your first draft won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. The goal is to get your ideas down, not to create a masterpiece from the get-go.
So, how do you break the perfectionism habit? Start by setting a timer for 10 or 20 minutes and challenge yourself to write anything other than “I don’t know what to write” during that time. Write badly, write nonsense, write whatever comes out. The goal is to silence your inner critic and tap into your creative subconscious. You can also try freewriting, where you write whatever comes to mind without stopping or worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence. Another tool that can help is writing sprints, where you write as much as you can in a set amount of time, say 25 minutes, and then take a break. Essential Chapbook Writing Tips can also provide you with more guidance on this aspect.
The Distraction Epidemic
We live in a world of endless distractions. Social media, email, phone notifications, and the internet can all derail our writing sessions. It’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of “just checking” something, only to find ourselves hours later, wondering where the time went. To break this habit, you need to take drastic measures.
First, identify the biggest distractions for you. Is it social media? Email? Text messages? Whatever it is, eliminate it while you’re writing. Turn off your phone, log out of your email, and close all social media tabs. Use tools like website blockers (such as Freedom or Cold Turkey) to help you stay on track.
Create a writing sanctuary: a space dedicated solely to writing. This could be a quiet corner in your home, a local library, or even a coffee shop. Make it a space where you can focus on your craft without interruptions. Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, or listen to music that helps you concentrate.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
- Set clear goals for your writing sessions.
- Use a timer to stay on track.
The Fear of Failure
Fear of failure can hold us back from taking risks, trying new things, and pushing ourselves to new heights. It’s natural to feel this fear, but it’s essential to recognize it’s holding you back. So, how do you break this habit?
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. – Steve Jobs
The key is to focus on the process, not the outcome. Instead of worrying about getting published or winning awards, focus on the joy of creating. Remind yourself why you started writing in the first place. What do you love about it? What do you hope to achieve? Focus on the journey, not the destination.
Another way to overcome fear is to reframe failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every rejection, every criticism, and every mistake is a chance to improve and become a better writer. Remember, even published authors face rejection and criticism. It’s part of the game.
Conclusion
Breaking writing habits takes time, effort, and patience. It’s not a one-time fix, but a continuous process of self-reflection, learning, and growth. By recognizing and addressing these habits, you can overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and achieve your writing goals. Remember, the most important thing is to keep writing, and with persistence and dedication, you’ll see improvement over time.
Lastly, remember that writing is a craft that requires patience, persistence, and passion. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Instead, focus on the progress, learn from your mistakes, and move forward. Don’t let fear, perfectionism, and distraction hold you back from realizing your writing potential. Stay focused, stay committed, and most importantly, keep writing. For more insights on self-publishing, check out Self-Publishing Like a Pro: Insider Tips.