If you get distracted easily when you're writing, please don't think there's something wrong with you.
You're not a bad writer. You're not someone who's doomed to procrastinate and never finish anything.
Writing is hard work. It takes energy and, even when you really enjoy what you're writing, it's all too easy to end up turning to something a little more mindless ... like scrolling through social media, reading webcomics, watching YouTube videos, or similar.
It can also be tough to stick with your writing if you're all too aware of all the other things that need to be done. Maybe you have a pile of laundry to put away (I'm faintly astonished just how much laundry our family of four produces). Maybe your desk is rapidly disappearing under a sea of empty mugs, post-it notes, and snack wrappers. And it's tough to
ignore those looming chores while you're writing.
Timers can really help. And if you haven't given them a go, I'd challenge you to try them out this week.
Here are 3 different ways you can use timers to help you focus:
#1: Write in Timed Chunks
This is the main way writers use timers: to focus for a set period of time (usually somewhere between 15 - 45 minutes).
First, set a timer. (I use Alexa, or I search "set a timer for X minutes" and Google runs the timer for me)
Then, write until the timer rings. (If you get stuck, pause, and take a few minutes to think, or write notes. DON'T start checking emails instead!)
I find this a hugely effective way to focus, particularly on my freelance work. Plus, running timers lets me track how much money I'm making vs time spent, helping me figure out which types of work are paying me the most per hour.
#2: Use Timers to Limit Your Breaks
Do you ever take a quick five minute break from your writing ...
... only to find yourself still scrolling through Facebook after half an hour?
It's easy to lose track of time when you're on a quick break. By setting a timer at the start of your break, you can be intentional about how long a break you want to take. The timer acts as a reminder to get back to what you were working on.
#3: Remind Yourself to Start Writing With a Timer
If you want to get in the habit of writing at a particular time of day, a timer (or simply an alarm) is a great way to get into that habit.
For instance, you might decide that 8pm - 9pm is your writing slot ... but you often end up doing chores or watching TV until you suddenly realise that you're halfway through your writing time. Having a timer or alarm that goes off at 7.50 or 7.55 gives you a few minutes warning to transition into your writing session.
If you haven't used timers to help you with your writing, I'd encourage you to give it a try this week. You might be surprised just how much it helps you focus.
If you've tried out one type of timer before, but it hasn't really worked for you, pick a different type from the list above. Give it a go and maybe you'll find it's much more effective.
