From Focus to Finish @2023 Wendy Scheuring
Intense focus is a more valuable than time when it comes to writing a book. You can have three hours blocked on the calendar for writing time but then spend that time surfing the web or looking out the window.
Deadlines, especially impending ones, will light the fire and get you going, creating momentum to get your book done. Some discipline to keep that fire going and a little patience help out, too.
Make sure your deadline is feasible and reasonable. Can you get your book done by your deadline and what’s your driver?
How much time will you need to spend writing each day?
You’ll need a minimum of 15 minutes. And laser focus!
When your time is limited, you have no time to waste.
Do away with the myth you need lots of time to write. Instead, focus on focusing. When you feel focused, you will want to write for longer periods of time.
Now, let’s go back to that idea of writing for 15 minutes. That number may seem short but not sweet. However, in the writing realm, 15 minutes can be a long, long time. You can accomplish a lot in 15 minutes when you are focused. So, what happens when you’re focused for longer periods of time? A lot of writing, that’s what.
When you combine a focused writing session with a deadline, writing whether you feel like it or not, you will overcome your barriers and avoid writer’s block.
So, what if you feel distracted? Don’t spend time lamenting. Beat distractions at their game. Write before you have them, when you first wake up and roll out of bed. Put yourself first. If you feel distracted upon awakening due to tasks you must complete, then go to bed earlier and get up earlier.
When your mind is free of distractions, you’ll be able to focus. You can achieve focus in many different ways. The most optimal is upon awakening, either in the morning or after a quick nap. Clear your mind by doing the things you love, such as walking, being outdoors, listening to music, meditating, etc. You can also “write” yourself out of distraction. The act of writing is meditative in itself, especially when you’re writing with pen in hand upon paper. The mind-hand connection is strong. Your thoughts slow down and you can think more clearly. You can also get out all those distractions onto the page and throw them away. Now, you can start writing with focus.
