Time squeeze is pretty much the problem of our times.
Whenever I run a survey, it’s the number one challenge for content creators.
Plenty of ideas – not enough time to action them.
So when you do commit the time, getting into the flow quickly and easily is so important.
Flow helps to:
- Be clear about what you’re doing.
- Start straight away.
- Stay focused.
- Produce something worthy of your efforts.
When you’re pressed for time, the last thing you want is to stare at a blank screen.
There are a lot of ways to get into the flow.
You might not know this.
Listening to music helps us relax and being relaxed can bring on flow.
It’s got to be music we enjoy.
Being in a better mood likely means that we try that little bit harder and are willing to stick with challenging tasks. The Conversation
It can’t be too wordy, too loud, too fast or it’s a distraction.
They say introverts are less likely to benefit from listening to music but I’m an introvert and just putting in my headphones flips me into writing mode. I usually listen to Focus@Will, a music service based on neuroscience for productivity.
You might not know this either.
The most important part of writing is what you do before.
Setting up ideas, concepts and projects so they’re easy to work on.
My approach looks like this:
- Keep notes of anything interesting and when possible, create an outline with draft title, most important points and the key message.
- Sort the ideas into categories. Mine are Mindset (encourage people to write brilliantly and authentically) and Behaviours (show ways to improve writing and communicating).
- Use highlighting to show what’s ready for writing and what needs work.
- Create a schedule to work on the top three.
- After each session, list what’s next. Do it clearly so I can see what to do next time I come to write.
You probably know this – but do you do it?
Maintaining an effective writing environment is crucial.
Psychologist Benjamin Hardy writes about environment as one of the ‘hidden keys to success’ in Willpower doesn’t work.
He says we can structure our environment for focus and productivity.
What do you need?
A quiet place? A bustling, noisy spot? A desk, a table, laptop on your knees with feet propped up?
There’s no right but there are wrongs – such as trying to make do in a space that’s not the best for you.
Choose your preferred space and keep it set up with tools (computer, headphones, pen & notebook) and supports (drink, snack, a view, a comfortable seat).
It’s about giving your brain the signal to switch into creator mode as soon as you get into this space. Your space.
Are you giving the right signals?
