{"id":17130,"date":"2020-07-19T12:43:20","date_gmt":"2020-07-19T17:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lisatener.local\/?p=17130"},"modified":"2024-09-30T08:56:25","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T12:56:25","slug":"how-to-stay-focused-and-write","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/2020\/07\/how-to-stay-focused-and-write\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Stay Focused\u2014and WRITE!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo by Brittany Bendabout on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do you struggle with how to stay focused on your writing? You\u2019re not alone. Just a few tweaks can help you break through the challenge and write in a state of inspired flow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her Breakthrough in Focus<\/h2>\n

On a call with a Bring Your Book to Life\u00ae participant, she shared her recent breakthrough:<\/span><\/p>\n

As a busy freelancer she had trouble making time for her writing. When she sat down to write she often became distracted by pressing business activities on her to do list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What finally freed her was turning off her phone. \u201cI lost track of time. Two and a half hours later I realized how immersed I’d become. I didn\u2019t want to stop but I had to get some food!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She reports that the solid block of undisturbed time helped her get more focused and productive. \u201cI got much clearer on my outline and moved things around with post-it notes like you showed us in class.\u201d Her writing flowed with ease once she had a clearer outline and undisturbed time to write.<\/span><\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=”How to Stay Focused on Writing” username=”LisaTener”]<\/h2>\n

\"writing\"Having your phone on, checking email, online shopping (or even research) can distract you from making progress with your book. Here\u2019s how to stay focused on writing:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Identify typical\u2014and potential\u2014distractions<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Take specific actions to prevent these distractions<\/b>. For example, turn your phone off; write in a place where no one and no device will find you (perhaps writing outdoors); put a do not disturb sign on your door.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Plan your breaks to invigorate <\/b>rather than distract. For example, set a timer for stretch breaks or even step outside and take some deep breaths, moving your body in ways that energize you.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Read more: Check out these 7 writing productivity tips;<\/a>\u00a0 9 ways to connect with your creative muse<\/a> and 5 Ways to Get Unstuck<\/a> in your writing.<\/p>\n

    What distracts you from writing? What do you do to stay focused? Share any commitments you are making to stay focused on your writing today or this week.<\/span><\/p>\n

    [bctt tweet=”Give Your Writing Practice a Boost!” username=”LisaTener”]<\/h2>\n

    Get Your Writing Done!<\/h2>\n

    One of the best ways to stay focused and write is to create an environment conducive to writing. My most recent program helps you do just that.<\/p>\n

    Give your writing practice a boost by joining me (and my two amazing colleagues, Laurie Hunt and Sharon Burton) to write Thursdays from 11:30 AM ET to 1:30 PM ET, or Wednesdays 8-10 pm ET:<\/p>\n

    In the program:<\/p>\n