It’s happened to the best of us, often more than once. You start your writing career (or side hustle) with heaps of motivation and excitement. The notion of getting paid to write can be quite appealing, especially in the beginning.
Over time, the novelty begins to wear off with every article, blog, or chapter you write. It’s not long before you become demotivated and lose interest in writing altogether. Sound familiar?
Like any job, it’s possible to get burned out when you write, especially if you do it for a living. The good news is that your creative spark may not be completely stubbed out. To restore your motivation to write, try these simple tips:
Avoid Long Breaks
It can be difficult to get back into the swing of things when you take long breaks between writing sessions. Even if it’s just 10 to 20 minutes, take the time to write every day. Daily writing helps the brain view this activity as a routine, making it easier to get motivated.
“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”
-Jodi Picoult
Set Small Goals
Sitting down with the intent to write thousands of words can be mentally overwhelming. Before writing a single word, set a small, attainable goal. Maybe you want to write one stellar paragraph. Once your fingers start typing, you’ll likely find that you’ve written two, three, or even half a dozen paragraphs.
Write First, Edit Later
Editing can be time-consuming, especially for writers who tend to be nitpicky about their word choice and sentence structure. However, the foundation of creative writing is simply getting the words out. Don’t stop to edit your work or spend time overthinking certain word choices or sentences. Just get your story down and go back and edit later.
Join a Writing Community
While many writers enjoy the tranquility of working at home, some miss the social interactions of traditional jobs. Participating in a writer community with other like-minded individuals can help restore your excitement for writing. It can also keep you accountable, especially if you enjoy sharing your writing progress with others.
Revamp Your Writing Space
Remember the first time you set up your personal office and how excited you were to start writing? Well, you can get this thrill back by changing your environment into something new and inspiring. Organize your desk, place inspirational quotes on your walls, or give the room a splash of fresh paint. The right atmosphere can help get those creative juices flowing.
Practice Self-Care
When you work from home, it can be hard to separate your work life from your personal life. You may find that you spend far too many hours in front of your computer, even if you’re not actively writing. Set firm work hours like you would a traditional job and stick to them. In your off hours, practice self-care. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, take nature walks, exercise, visit a masseuse, take long baths, or anything else to relax.
Work Outside the Home
Consider the reasons why you’re having trouble writing. Maybe it’s your environment. Are your neighbors loud, making it difficult to concentrate? Are you distracted by duties in your home, such as chores that need to be done? Try working outside the home, such as at a coffee shop or library to see if a change in environment helps.
Use Motivational Tools
The right tools can help get you motivated to continue writing. The Pomodoro Timer is popular among writers for this reason. This easy-to-use timer app works on mobile devices and desktops and can help you better manage your time. Set the timer for 20 minutes and see how much you can get done in that timeframe. You can also set short and long breaks.
Reward Yourself
If you have kids, you’ve probably used rewards to motivate them to complete a task. The same concept can apply to adults. For example, set a goal of writing 500 words a day for five days in a row. If you achieve your goal, reward yourself with a trip to Starbucks, a new blouse, or a night out with friends.
Get Creative
Suffering from writer’s block? Find some creative outlets outside of writing. Getting motivated to write can come from many sources. Journaling is one activity that can inspire and generate ideas. Drawing, painting, photography, and listening to music can also serve as inspiration. If you enjoy the great outdoors, go for scenic hikes or take a trip to the beach.
How to Stay Motivated to Write
No motivation to write? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to complete this time-consuming activity, but most will tell you the reward is worth the effort. How do you stay motivated to write? Share in the comments below!
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