How to keep your concentration - tips for writers

How to keep your concentration - tips for writers

• 2.
  First things first… Theseare worrying times. If you can’t write or you’re unable to write as much as you’d like – give yourself a break. Attend to what matters most. However, if you want to write (for comfort and routine) or because you have to – there are actions you can take to keep focused. In general, whatever distractions you have, the best way to deal with them isn’t to fight them but manage how you respond to them.
• 3.
  Tip 1 -Keep a distraction diary • Start to notice what distracts and interrupts you from your writing • Observe, note down – don’t judge • Log all your distractions – on the inside and outside
• 5.
  Tip 2 -Practice obstacle thinking • Now you know where your interruptions come from you’re already better prepared • What positive, pre-emptive actions you could take to avoid them? • Create a distraction battle plan. Brainstorm as many ways as you can to manage your distractions…
• 7.
  Tip 3 –Get a ‘when-then’ plan • ‘When-then’ plans connect two behaviours together • They’re useful at making things more routine • For example…
• 8.
  When I write,then I’ll leave my phone in another room. When my writing time gets co-opted in the morning, then I’ll write for 30 minutes in the evening. When I feel unfocused and anxious, then I’ll meditate, do some yoga
• 9.
  Tip 4 –Use constraints • It’s easy to get distracted when you’re in an unfamiliar work environment • Constraints and challenges work because they focus the mind
• 10.
  Use Pomodoro!  Seta timer for 25 mins  Write and do NOTHING else  Have a 5 minute break  Repeat!
• 11.
  Tip 5 –Accept and park anxious thoughts • Our concerns are either practical or hypothetical (what if?) in nature • Put aside some ‘worry time’ each day • When you’re distracted by an anxious thought, accept it, note it down - then park it • Set a timer for your worry period. Go through your notes to address each - either coming up with a plan or accepting and moving on
• 12.
  That’s it fornow… Don’t feel bad if you can’t write. Accept it, these are troubling times. Your writing will always be there. If you want to write, don’t fight your distractions, manage how you respond to them. That’s the key! Find out more about Prolifiko, download lots of free resources and sign up to our newsletter at prolifiko.com. @beprolifiko Facebook/groups/prolifikologists