Writers: what are your best tips for avoiding procrastination? (gathering ideas for a blog) Thanks!

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  • https://writershq.co.uk/12-ways-to-kick-procrastination-up-the-absolute-bum/ blog has been published - thanks to all who contributed :)
  • Hard tasks in the morning when I'm awake... Easier tasks in the afternoon when I'm feeling more likey to slack.

    If there's a task I absolutely need to do, I get my friends to prompt and remind me/hold me accountable. Sounds daft but it works!
  • Thank you so much for your contributions! I'm making a listicle of these and others I've sourced - if I use yours I'll credit you in the blog, DM me by end of Monday if you'd like your advice removed or anonymised :)
  • @Claire Pearce thank you Claire - love your point about writing with others
  • Bills. Take a look at them and before you know it the muse is back in the room!
  • Set reasonable goals, for example: writing half of an article on one day and the rest on another.
    Also, do take breaks as and when you need to.
  • Having some kind of regular practice makes way for ideas when they come. Write with other people. Have everything you need to write with/on etc accessible. Hope these help!
  • @Narah Millanaise that's great advice, thanks
  • Definitely have a break from whatever is stopping you from writing (the four walls, the screen etc). Get outdoors, do something new and different, anything that takes your mind off what you're worrying about and procrastinating. For example, when I've got to write a story I'm finding really tough, I'll take a loong walk and maybe a tea/coffee to really enjoy some peace then see if I can re-focus :)
  • Start writing SOMETHING. It might not even be remotely linked to what you need to do but that freeflowing expression can often help to just limber up the joints and progress into action on what you actually need to do.. I recently was reminded 'motivation doesn't create action, action creates motivation' and this is proving true for me more and more each day.
  • Hi Poppy!

    Clear the mind, meditate, go for a walk, etc, such as other self-care and relaxing practices i.e. recharge your batteries then you will have all the energy, motivation to get started and get sh*t done.

    Inspiration is also important, I cannot and dont want to procrastinate if I am inspired. I want to work.

    Feedback from others on your work can also help start taking action asap. On the other hand, feedback from teh wrong people can trigger procrastination. So know who you are and whose opinion matters to you.

    Also, thinking that you are good enough, trusting your skills and abilities would allow you to be productive as you have the confidence and want to show your work, not hide behind procrastination.

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