Fostering Productivity - Coming From Someone Who Definitely Needs The Advice
As a writer, my natural state is writer’s block and procrastination. I swear I spend more time staring at a blank screen than I do writing most of the time. And while I know that this isn’t the case for all, or even most, writers, I want to be totally transparent. It takes me forever to write anything of substance! Sometimes it feels like the environment and circumstances must be perfect for me to write. So, that gets me thinking; what is the perfect environment?
Keep in mind: these are things I do to help myself stay motivated and productive, and everyone works differently!
The Cosmetic
For me, my physical appearance often ties in with my mood, thus also affecting my motivation. It sounds silly, but feeling pretty can really help when I’m in a writing rut. Ever heard of romanticizing your life? That’s what I’m saying. Romanticize your writing! Romanticize the process!
I start with an outfit. Sometimes, I even try to match the clothes to the story! A skirt, a pair of jeans, a cute sweater- I dress up my avatar! A favorite writing outfit combo of mine is a comfy (but still cute of course) sweater and a long, flowy skirt. Doc marten boots, or maybe my orthopedic black boots because hey, I’m a 21-year-old that needs custom inserts in my orthopedic shoes. But they’re still cute! I of course add a variety of bracelets, earrings, and rings to the look before applying some light makeup.
The Setting
Dressed for a little café outing, I’m ready to get to work! If I am in the sort of cooped-up-in-the-house mood and can’t bear to work at the dining room table, which, let’s face it, is pretty much every time I set out to get a ton of work done, I head to a café.
My usual haunt is Barnes & Noble. I fill up my tote bag with the necessities; laptop and charger (my computer dies in about 15 minutes, I need a new one), notebook or two, pens and sticky notes, earbuds…etc. Then, I’m off to the café!
One venti iced mocha (decaf, no whip) and maybe a ham and cheese sandwich later, I am sitting pretty and poised at the table in the corner with my laptop open and earbuds in. I often listen to music in foreign languages (so I don’t get distracted by the lyrics) or some form of ambient jazz.
The Inspiration
Once all that is settled, the simple (not) task of becoming inspired is all that remains. Now, it depends on what I am working on at the time what I turn to for inspiration. Sometimes, I watch writing vlogs on YouTube or writing content on TikTok before I start on the keys. If I am writing a blog post, for instance, I often flip through short form videos showing a writer’s process, writing routines, and day-in-the-life clips. Watching others work at their writing gets me in the mood!
If I am in more of a poetic mood, I tend to open Pinterest or even my camera roll. Imagery, art, music, anything more abstract really gets the poetic juices flowing for me. Sometimes I sit and stare out the café window, watching people go by and trees sway, (yes, I look dazed and confused, whatever) and I start by writing what I see. Something interesting always comes of it!
Writing a short story or working on my novel requires a bit of extra nudging for me. I have an entire Pinterest board and Spotify playlist dedicated to my novel-in-progress, and when I need to get into it, I turn on that playlist and scroll through my board of inspiration. I often look over my notes for the story frequently before and during the writing process.
So, there you have it! My productivity recipe! Now, again, this is all things I do for my personal process, and I am in no way saying this is the one and only way! Everyone has a different process that works for them. However, if any of this could help a fellow writer get a little more done and feel better about their workday, I’d be satisfied. Keep romanticizing, keep writing!
