#134: How To Stop Procrastinating: 5 Productivity Tips For Writers
Mar 19, 2024
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Discover practical tips for writers to boost productivity, overcome procrastination, and manage time effectively. Learn about time blocking, prioritizing tasks, avoiding multitasking, and developing consistent habits. Start implementing these strategies to evolve into a more productive writer.
Identify your most productive hours and structure your day around them to enhance focus and accomplish more.
Begin your day with intentional routines to set a positive tone for productivity and avoid spending time on tasks that do not drive significant progress towards completing your novel.
Deep dives
Time Blocking Your Day for Maximum Productivity
Identify your most productive hours whether early morning, afternoon, or evening and structure your day around those times. Dedicate specific blocks of time for creative tasks, administrative work, and meetings to ensure optimal productivity. By aligning your tasks with your peak energy levels, you can enhance focus and accomplish more each day.
Mindfully Starting Your Mornings for Productive Days
Begin your day with intentional and mindful routines that set a positive tone for productivity. Factors like stress or chaos in the morning can affect your overall productivity outlook. Consider incorporating activities like enjoying a cup of coffee, taking a moment for yourself, and setting a calm baseline for the day to enhance your overall productivity and mindset.
Prioritizing Important Tasks for Effective Progress
Avoid spending time on tasks that do not drive significant progress towards completing your novel. Focus on prioritizing essential tasks that add value and propel you towards your writing goals. By discerning between busy work and tasks that truly advance your manuscript, you can direct your efforts more efficiently.
Focusing on One Task at a Time for Enhanced Productivity
Engage in single-tasking to improve focus and efficiency in your writing process. Multitasking can lead to decreased productivity and lower work quality. By concentrating on one task at a time, such as writing without simultaneous editing, you can streamline your workflow and foster better creative output.
“It's really important to focus on the big picture story first and not worry about granular details that you can figure out later.” - Savannah Gilbo
Get more done in less time, overcome procrastination, and become a master at time management with these 5 super simple productivity tips that I’ve been using daily for the last 10 years.
[01:07] What is productivity and why does it matter?
[04:44] How to time block your days in a way that works for YOU—plus, what this looks like for me (spoiler alert: I’m a night owl so I do my best work at night!).
[10:49] Tips for prioritizing your most important tasks so you don’t get stuck in the weeds doing things that don’t move the needle in terms of finishing your book.
[17:12] Why multitasking is NOT the answer to higher productivity—and a few surprising ways writers multi-task without even realizing it.
[27:26] Cultivating these habits is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. If incorporating all five tips seems overwhelming, experiment with a single tip this week. As you progress, incorporate additional habits and eventually, you'll evolve into a more productive writer.