I have to admit finding motivation to write every day can be a struggle. On many days, it is a matter of self-discipline to sit down and write.
So today I’d like to offer some suggestions that can help move us (I’m talking to myself here too) from the arena of self-discipline to being truly motivated every day.
First, let’s not forget what I said last month about what motivation is—the reason behind what you do.
Visualize your end goal and fuel it with the emotions of that end goal. Use self-talk like “I’m so excited about the positive impact my books have on the people who read them. I really enjoy writing every day.” Visualizing that end goal and all that it means for you will put a foundation to that motivation.
Experiment with various tools of writing.
Are you more of a speaker? Try dictating your daily writing.
Google Docs has that option and its free. To turn on voice typing go to your Google Drive and open a document, then use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S or go to Tools → Voice Typing.
Rather than using your notebook/laptop/desktop/phone, try paper and pen or pencil. There is evidence that this method sparks more creativity than using technology.
For those who are more visual, get wild and use different colors and different types of markers.
Take note of your environment.
I do most of my writing in my office/bedroom at my desk on my desktop, which is at an east-facing window. The window affords me the feel of being in nature.
But you can be sure that as soon as the weather is fit to sit outside I will take either my laptop or paper and pencil and do some writing outside. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine sparks my creativity and refreshes me physically at the same time (sunshine offers Vitamin D).
Experiment, if you can, with different locations to discover your sweet spot. Track your word count and physical and emotional energy level to help you determine your productivity during each writing session. Places to try:
- At the park, the zoo, the beach, your front or back porch
- The library
- Your favorite coffee shop or cafe
- Various rooms (and chairs) at home
- In your car
Consider the time of the day.
Our energy level differs throughout the day. Daniel Pink discusses this at length in his book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.
Studies have shown that the majority of people go through a slump during the afternoon hours. The brain performs different types of tasks better during the slump hours than the tasks it performs best during peak energy levels.
If you work a 9-5 (and most do), it might not be possible for you to write during your peak energy levels. But there’s nothing stopping you from writing during those times on your days off. Try various times of the day, just as you try various locations.
Try writing before you go to work and in the evening (perhaps after the kids are in bed). That way you’ll discover what works best for you on work days.
Experiment with sound.
Most of the time I like to listen to music as I write. But it has to be music without words. That’s because the words of a song mess with the words I’m trying to form in my brain. I listen to movie soundtrack CDs or log on to Pandora and shuffle my movie soundtrack, Big Band, and classical stations.
Do you need
- Silence
- White noise
- Background noise
- Music.
There are numerous free and paid apps that provide background noise (check out the link below). Or use your favorite streaming music site. Again, experiment to find what works best for you.
Summary – Enhance your motivation to write.
- Motivation is the reason behind what you do.
- Find the writing tool that’s best for you.
- Find your creative sweet spot—physical location and time of day.
- Spur your creativity through sound.
Try some of this, if not all. Who knows what you’ll learn about what sparks your creativity and motivation to write. Turn off your inner editor while you write and allow yourself the freedom to experiment and try new things.
For further reading:
- “The Benefits of Writing with Good Old Fashioned Pen and Paper”
- When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink. Look for it at your local library or on Amazon.
- “The Science of Background Noise and the Best Sound Apps for Work, Sleep, and Relaxation”