This post is Tip #3 in a three-part series on how to stay on track with your writing during the holidays. Be sure to read holiday writing tip #1 (Gift Yourself) and tip #2 (Create, Don't Consume) if you missed 'em!
---
Write During the Holidays Tip #3 - Create Momentum
It's much easier to choose writing over sweater shopping when you've made some progress with your writing project.
When you've got momentum:
- your writing is top-of-mind,
- your next steps are clear and
- you've already accomplished a significant chunk of your writing goal.
Consider the woman sledding in the photo above. She's focused solely on getting down the hill on her sled, knows exactly what her next steps are (steer clear of the trees! hold on when you hit that turn!) and has already made her way down the hill. The girl's got momentum!
You don't need to be as solely focused as she is, but trying on the image for a moment is pretty useful. Imagine you've got real momentum with your query-writing, creative writing or platform-building project. Do you feel on-task, focused and energized? Are you excited to be on the hill?
The easiest way to create writing momentum for yourself is to set aside a half-day, a full day or more to work on a specific, targeted writing goal. (Perhaps you want to send out 3 new queries. Or rework 2 chapters. Or draft a new essay and outline a few blog posts. These examples can help you design your own goal.)
Before you begin, make sure you clear your mindset and get your space, your project and your support network ready. Plan out your writing sessions. And when you're writing, use your time productively.
But be forewarned: doing a writing intensive on your own can be challenging. Line up a friend to join you. Bookend your writing sessions by phone or with Twitter. Or turn the planning and self-motivating tasks over to me. I designed my upcoming writing and coaching intensive with one goal in mind: to help you set aside two days to write -- and use that writing time well. If you're interested in joining us in December, you can learn more about my private and group coaching program here.
Imagine how great you'll feel after you clear that lingering assignment or writing project off your plate. Imagine, for a moment, how incredible it'll feel to dive head-long into drafting your new story, getting new freelance writing assignments or launching a new blog.
If you set aside an afternoon, a day or a weekend to work on your writing project, you'll create the momentum you need to stay on track with your writing--even when you're busy shopping for socks or ties or sweaters.
Your writing project will be top-of-mind. Your know which next steps to take. You'll have some solid writing progress under your belt. You'll be headed down the right slope with a smile on your face.
There's no better way to begin your new writing year.
Comments