At times, we may not feel like writing. We feel unnecessarily bogged down by life’s everyday grind at other times. But even then, that’s still not a good excuse to let yourself cast aside writing altogether. Even when you swear you’ll finish that great writing idea or finally complete that novel you’ve been working on for ages.
Life’s not easy, and that includes the writing process. But what can be made easier is our attitude towards the process. We can either trudge on along to the sound of our own drum, or we can mope around and get absolutely nothing done. It’s really a personal choice we consciously make, even if we hate to admit it.
To begin, the first helpful writing tip is likely the most obvious. Ready for it? Good.
1. Stay Productive
I understand taking a break every once in a while is necessary. But when you know your time is limited (no matter your age), you just know that you must get the job done.
Our personal work is our greatest creations (including children if you are blessed to be a parent). So we should take great pride in everything we do towards making our work the best it can be. No matter how grouchy you feel or how tired you may be: take at least 20 minutes out of your day to dedicate to your personal hobby.
Even the littlest progress in your life is still progress being made, especially if in those 20 minutes, you create an inquisitively great idea. That’s what makes writing unique; you will undoubtedly have those moments where the words and sentences you construct just flow. It just works in ways you didn’t think were possible.
The second helpful writing tip I can offer you?
2. Be Honest with Yourself
Do you feel like sometimes you can go days, weeks, months, or even years without writing? Well, the truth of the matter is this: only you are responsible for the gap in your writing time.
There’s nobody else to blame but yourself. Self-blame can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’re going through a rough (and I mean rough) patch in your life. You know what I’m talking about, those moments in your life you’d rather forget entirely. Yeah, those moments.
Third helpful writing tip to get you motivated:
3. Be Organized
Keep a calendar of all your meetings, work hours, childcare time, cooking, cleaning, errands (the list goes on and on). Admittedly, it never gets easier as you get older either. I’m speaking from experience!
You see, when you make a list of your “must-do” chores, you get a chance to visually see where you’re free time rests. Believe it or not, every person has a few minutes out of their days reserved just for them.
This is the best way to organize your day (god-willing nothing comes up out-of-the-blue), some time for your personal works of art. Don’t compromise on your work, and don’t be sorry either. It’s your creation, and you only get to make it once, so make it right the first time.
The fourth helpful writing tip is a bit of a doozy. Ready for it? Well, if you aren’t, roll with the punches!
4. Stay Dedicated
Be 110 percent dedicated to your craft. When I say this, I mean, don’t make any excuses to avoid creating beautiful works of art.
You are the only person who truly has your own back, so make sure you’re looking out for yourself. Don’t fall into the all-too-common pitfalls of despair, demotivation, distress, boredom, or even contentment. Because at the end of the day, you could lose it all – and that would be a shame if you just started building upon your dreams and aspirations.
The last bit of advice comes from a personal place in my heart. It’s something that I’ve lived by since I was a child. Ready for it? I’m positive you’re not prepared!
5. Honor Your Imagination
Imagine all of the unfortunate souls out there who have to suffer in silence.
Let this thought sink in your brain a little more.
Just imagine adults who slave away their lives working in sweatshops across the globe. Adults who once had dreams and aspirations that must now support their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and other family members by working excruciatingly long hours just to make ends meet.
The less fortunate people in the world will never get the same chances or opportunities as you or me. They will never know what it might one day feel like to successfully create something out of nothing and to be recognized by it (no matter how small or large the scale is).
Just remember these types of people whenever you’re feeling down. This should help you readjust your outlook on life.
After all, we only have a limited amount of time in life, so let’s make the best of it.
Forever in Your Debt,
Leon R.M. Auguste
Leon R.M. Auguste 