How to Fight Procrastination as a Writer
Figuring out how to fight procrastination as a writer is a struggle that all of us have dealt with at some point or another. You can’t get your book published…until you write it…
So pushing through those times when you either have total writer’s block or just really don’t want to write can be challenging. If you can write even 250 words per day, then you’ll have a nearly 100,000 word novel ready to publish!
So, without further hesitation, let’s talk about five methods for how to fight procrastination as a writer.
1. Start small
Sometimes, the best way to power through procrastination is to just get moving…
Instead of sitting down to write for a set amount of time, give yourself an out.
“I just need to write one sentence.” After you write that one sentence, ask yourself, “How about another?” Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
The key to making this work is to always give yourself the capacity to say, “Ya know what? I’m done.”
More often than not, you will want to keep going. Or inspiration will strike suddenly. And you will want to keep going. But giving yourself an exit plan without feeling bad can do wonders for freeing up your brain!
2. Don’t be afraid to steal
Listen, I know you think all of your ideas are unique and original…but when you write in your specific tone of voice…you are just stealing from yourself.
So, at best, you are a sneaky little thief taking ideas from yourself.
You rapscallion 😏
Most writers are readers, though. So, if you are trying to find out how to fight procrastination, look no further than your favorite book, blog, etc.
Most times, these will offer up some level of inspiration.
But, taking it one step further, don’t be afraid to take a whole piece and copy/paste it into a new word document. Then, rewrite the entire thing.
Is this stealing? 100%.
Is it plagiarism? No, because you are going to rewrite the entire piece. And you may not even use it yourself! It’s just to help you get those creative juices flowing!
Pro tip: do this with your own writing. Find a scene you didn’t especially love, copy/paste, and rewrite the whole thing. You never know…you might even like the rewrite better!
3. Write up a value statement
Sometimes, we just need a pep talk.
So, preferably before you start writing, write up a value statement.
Take just a little bit of time to put into writing why you do what you do and the value you provide to others can do wonders for your confidence.
- My characters connect with readers to help them wrestle with their real-world problems
- My story brings joy to others
- I help people find joy through my writing when they are feeling down, depressed, or defeated
- I provide reflections of real life situations to help others have the courage to face their own tough situations
- I am helping people understand a perspective different from their own
These various affirmations will help you go a long way to knowing how to fight procrastination. Positively encouraging yourself by understanding the value you bring to your future readers squashes and fears and doubts you may have and inspires you to start writing for others and not just yourself.
4. Assess your mental and emotional environment
If your value statements aren’t pushing you forward, then it is time to evaluate where you are at mentally and emotionally.
Sometimes, we are either emotionally constipated or suffering from a brain cold.
These are two terms I use to describe when something is going on in our life that is creating a block in our natural processes that typically allow us to function in creative ways.
Emotional constipation happens when we aren’t dealing with our own emotional well-being. Maybe we are upset and are refusing to deal with it. Sometimes, we are so excited and full of joy that we can’t focus…we just want to celebrate and ride that emotional high.
None of these are your fault.
But it is your responsibility to evaluate how you are feeling, what you are feeling, and how it is being expressed.
*An important note here: please seek therapy or counseling if you are recognizing you are incapable of handling and processing where you are at emotionally*
Sometimes, we just need a breakthrough, a good cry, a confession, a prayer…and that emotional constipation clears right up!
A brain cold on the other hand, is when our brains just aren’t functioning properly or how we want them to. This can be because you need more sleep, are recovering from a physical illness, are fighting against fears and doubts.
Again, none of this is your fault.
It happens to everyone.
Sometimes, our brains really do just need a rest and there is nothing else to do but reset. Naps are a gift and recovering from your brain cold is part of the writing process!
So when you need to just reset that brain and tell your friends and family, “Sorry, I’m working,” do NOT feel bad for taking that power nap! It really is part of your work!
5. Do something else
If all else fails…just go do something else.
Can I be brutally honest here?
No one cares if you need to go take a walk, watch a movie, or have a snack. No one will know that you wrote X paragraph after doing something else.
If it helps, then recognize that it is, again, part of the work you do to create. And that’s why switching tasks and doing something else entirely is how to fight procrastination–it lets your brain focus on the problem in the back of your mind.
Playing a video game for twenty minutes can actually help you crack open that writer’s block. Just don’t let those tasks become the distraction that throws you off your writing goals entirely.
Battling procrastination is difficult
At the end of the day, fighting procrastination is hard work. So don’t feel like you have to do it alone. Find a writer’s group or a writing buddy and give each other updates on how things are going every day.
If nothing else, understand that I struggle with this, too. You are not alone.
I appreciate you reading, and if you want to find more helpful writing content, self-publishing tips, or book marketing ideas, then you are REALLY going to want to check out The Story Forge newsletter.
Otherwise, feel free to shoot me an email or check out what it takes to be a DSM Author if you want to work with me directly on getting your book published!!
As always, friend, I thank you for your time!
