How focused are you during your writing sessions?
If you've got an hour to write, say 6pm - 7pm after work, what exactly happens during that hour?
Do you sit down, ready to go, and write solidly ... or do you end up dragging
your heels, checking Facebook, making a cup of tea, and ultimately only typing a few sentences?
It can be really difficult to focus when you sit down to write. I know I always feel some resistance to getting going, especially if I'm beginning something new. Today, I wanted to suggest some simple things you can do to improve your focus:
#1: Have a Clear Goal
Know what you want to accomplish
during your writing session. That might be "write 500 words of Chapter 3" or "edit Chapter 10" or "plan short story for competition". Whatever your goal is, write it down. That way, when your attention wanders, you'll be able to bring it back to that particular goal.
#2: Set a Timer
However long your writing session, set a timer while you're writing. For me, the timer is like a promise to myself: I've told myself I'll write until
the time is up, so I feel guilty about switching my attention to anything else!
If you're writing for 45 minutes or more, try breaking up your session into two parts. That way, you can have a short, planned break midway, to help you restore your focus. Writing can be hard work.
#3: Take Care of Physical Needs
I know this sounds basic, but it can sometimes be difficult to
remember!
Spend a moment focusing on your body. Is your chair comfortable? Are you hungry / thirsty? Do you feel too hot / too cold? Physical discomfort can be a real distraction, so deal with it right at the start of your writing session.
#4: Turn Off Your Internet Connection
I've said this one plenty of times before, and I'm sure I'll continue saying it – simply because it's so quick and effective. Turn
off your wifi or unplug your computer from the internet. If you need it, you can simply switch it back on. But this way, you'll be much less likely to "just check Facebook quickly" while you should be writing.
#5: Listen to Music or Ambient Noise
Unless you live alone, you've probably got some distractions going on within your home – children playing (or arguing...), a spouse watching TV, a flatmate chatting. Whatever
it is, it'll stop you focusing.
Put on headphones, and listen to your favourite writing music ... or, if you prefer, use a site like
Nosili to play ambient
noise.
#6: Acknowledge and Label Distracting Impulses
All too often, when I'm writing, I'll think about checking Facebook or picking up my phone or sending an email. Maybe I'll have hit a tricky bit of what I'm working on – and my brain is casting around for excuses to do anything else!
If this happens to you, try briefly acknowledging and labelling that impulse. Think to yourself, "I'm tempted to
check Facebook right now." This helps you step away from the impulse and recognise it ... instead of simply obeying it without thought.
Ultimately, focus is a choice. You might think that some writers are just better at focusing than others: that's because they're in the habit of doing so. Next time you write, choose to focus. (And feel free to email me and let me know how you got on!)
