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Saturday, April 9, 2011

How To Focus

This time of year with the promise of summer just around the corner and a hundred things still on my to-do list, I tend to get a little bit scattered. Some days I don't know whether I am coming or going.

So I have revisited a few solutions to my problem. Now I have capitalized on my writing time and have more free time to spend on my dreaded to-do list.

Below I've listed the quick fixes that anyone can use:

1. Headphones-I always assemble some sort of playlist when I start working on a new MS. Music always helps get my creativity flowing and it relaxes me.

2. Un-plug-Now don't panic. It's only for a little while and I promise the blogoshpere will still be there when you get back. Again, I told myself this over and over again when I was forced to do this very thing.

3. Find you own space-This is very important. Set aside a small area (or a large one if you have it.) But make it yours and yours alone. Have everything you need right there at your fingertips. My family knows when I go to my space to work that I'm basically on an island surrounded by sharks and they can't get to me.

4. Set aside a special time-I have a set amount of time set aside each day for me to work. It's not a lot, but without the constant interruptions I get so much more accomplished.

5. Give yourself permission-Give yourself permission to take breaks from your writing. Give yourself permission to celebrate even the smallest of victories. Just give yourself whatever you need you need in order to be successful in your writing venture. Though nothing in my crazy life is foolproof, these fixes have helped me tremendously! So now it's your turn...when your world is spinning out of control, how do you focus? Have a great weekend everyone!

12 comments:

SueH said...

I so agree with this!

And having permission to take a break is a salutary reminder to feed the inner 'self', in order to enhance the later 'output'!

SueH

Talei said...

Love your list. Unplugging and finding special time!! * nods head* yes please!

KerriAnderson77 said...

This post was right on time; I often find myself writing on the living room floor while the baby plays, on the kitchen counter while the kids eat or I am cooking, in my bedroom while the kids nap or at the park while they play. I don't have a designated spot or time out time when and where I can write. I am a mother of 6 and I DO need that time out to just write without interruptions or distractions. Unplugging is difficult, but it is necessary to be able to focus on my MS without Twitter Tweeting in one window, Facebook facing me in another and my cellphone vibrating. Good advice.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Taking a break is the hardest one for me, I think. When I can't get focused, I want to force it -- and while that might produce some writing, it's rarely anything worth keeping. Sometimes, forced writing even takes me in the wrong direction and contributes to future problems. Anything I force ends up deleted eventually.

You'd think I'd learn, huh?

Thanks for the reminder! I needed it today!

Tiger85 said...

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Unknown said...

These are wonderful! I agree with them all.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Great advice...I need to be more vigilent on setting time aside each day to write and unplugging. I'm always worried I'll miss something if I do that. I only blog at night, so it doesn't interfer with my daily schedule. :)

Ellie Garratt said...

Excellent advice, especially about the headphones and unlpugging!

Ellie Garratt

Baiba said...

I stay focused almost the same as you. Music always helps. Sometimes I even think I'm addicted to it. And finding my own space is also good. cause it's mine. all mine and I can do whatever I want.

Rosalind Adam said...

Item 2 is a wise but tough one. If only I had the willpower to unplug from the blogosphere I know I'd get so much more writing done.

Kenda Turner said...

Great reminders here :-) #3--find your own space, for me often includes going for a walk. Then I have space to think, work through a scene problem, etc. Almost never fails! Also like #5, give yourself permission--permission to enjoy whatever progress you make, no matter how small.

I might also add a #6--remember that tomorrow is another day :-) The time will be there as long as you don't give up...

LTM said...

you're right. It worked for me last year, and now heading into summer, I know what to expect. Good one~ :o)