Distraction is the enemy of creativity. Especially writing, which seems to attract distraction like a magnet attracts iron shavings.
Two frightening facts:
- The average person is distracted every 40 seconds when working at their computer.
- On average it takes more than 23 minutes to get back on task after these interruptions.
That’s not good!
Here are some ways to beat writing distractions, from the Publication Coach Blog, at How to harness the power of distraction free writing:
- Reduce your goals. Make your goals smaller, more reachable. Too-big goals can become barriers that invite distractions.
- Write first. Write in the morning, before you do other things. For many people, those first few hours of the day are when we can best stay on task.
- Do your research before writing. Separate research and preparation from writing. When you do this, the endless rabbit-trails of research won’t bother you while you write.
- Turn off your technology. Shut down all the conveniences that interrupt you, like your phone, or those tempting little beeps when emails arrive. It can all wait. Many of our tools now have distraction-free modes, and there are also apps that can give you the quiet you need.
- Find an accountability partner. Knowing you’ll have to report your progress to a human being can really help you stay on task. Find a partner or a group that can be that for you.
