Sticking to writing goals can be challenging when life gets busy. We always have too much to do every day. And there seems to be no time to just sit and write.
What’s worse, we may be tired and stressed out by the time we start writing. This is especially the case if we work full time or have other responsibilities.
The good news is that there are strategies we could put in place to help us write regardless.
Here are some strategies that can help:
Set realistic goals:
Be specific about what you want to achieve and make sure your goals are attainable given your current schedule and commitments.
Prioritize your writing:
Make writing a priority in your daily routine. Schedule specific times for writing and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
Create a writing routine:
Develop a writing routine that works for you, whether that’s writing every morning, during lunch breaks, or at night before bed.
Use writing prompts:
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, use writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing. There are plenty of resources online that offer daily prompts to inspire your writing.
Find an accountability partner:
Find a friend or writing group to hold you accountable and provide support and encouragement.
Track your progress:
Keep track of your progress and celebrate small wins along the way. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Be flexible:
Life happens, and sometimes we need to adjust our goals and plans. Be flexible and kind to yourself if you need to take a break or make changes to your writing routine.
Write in small increments:
When you’re short on time, try to write in small increments, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Over time, these small increments can add up to significant progress.
Eliminate distractions:
Minimize distractions as much as possible when you’re writing. Turn off your phone, log out of social media, and create a quiet, distraction-free environment where you can focus.
Be prepared:
Keep your writing materials handy so you can jump into writing whenever you have a few spare minutes. This might mean carrying a notebook with you, or keeping a writing app open on your phone or computer.
Use timers:
Use a timer to keep yourself accountable and make the most of the time you have available. Set a timer for a specific amount of time and challenge yourself to write as much as possible during that time.
Take breaks:
Remember to take breaks when you need them. Breaks can help you recharge and come back to your writing with renewed focus and energy.
Celebrate your successes:
Celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your writing goals.
Be kind to yourself:
Finally, be kind to yourself if you miss a writing session or don’t make as much progress as you’d like. Life happens, and it’s important to be gentle and forgiving with yourself when things don’t go as planned.
By using these strategies and finding what works best for you, you can stay on track with your writing goals even when life gets busy.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to achieving your writing goals. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing your writing, and finding support and accountability, you can stay on track even when life gets busy.
Most of the time, if we can get into the habit of writing, we will write much more consistently. So, aim to set the habit of writing. Just show up every day and do even a bit of writing. That is your ticket to success.