The Secret to Distraction-Free Writing

The Secret to Distraction-Free Writing


The modern age has allowed humans with many opportunities in the greater scheme of things. As a writer, it is easier than ever. You do not have to pore over books and hole up in the public library for weeks and weeks because technology makes research accessible from the comforts of your armchair.

But it cannot be denied: writing seems impossible now more than ever. There are just too many distractions that eat up time and energy.

You log in to your computer to check your email but eventually give in to impulse and open a social media app. The next thing you know, you’re so deep into Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that your morning simply fades away. Your work productivity suffers. So what can you do to write without distractions?

Do Your Research First
The writing part cannot truly begin unless you have at least researched about your topic or subject. While your imagination can be impressive, it can only do so much. If you want to inject credibility into your writing, you have to sound like you know what you are talking about, especially when it comes to subjects you are not familiar with.

That is why it is important to do research. It should be the first thing you should do before you roll up your sleeves to write. Gather your sources and materials, and save them in a Word document. That way, when you finally sit down to write, you won’t need to flip back and forth between your writing tool and your browser.

Leave the Online World
To keep distraction away, you need to turn off your Wi-Fi and work offline. You can choose to close the browser and open your preferred writing tool. But if the temptation proves too much, opt to disconnect your cable or turn off the modem.

It can be hard at first, especially if you are used to consulting a search engine every time you start a sentence. You can get used to it though, and it will prove to be easy in the long run.

Turn Off Your Phone
It is not only the internet and the exciting things that go on in there that can distract you. Your smartphones can ruin your concentration as well every time it beeps or lights up with notifications.

If you really want to write, you have to turn it off or put it on airplane mode. That way, your train of thought will not be interrupted as you lay down the foundation of a story or article you are writing.

Put Up a DND Sign
A “Do not disturb” sign can do wonders. If you are living with your family or friends, it can be very frustrating if you lose your focus because they knock and suddenly appear in the doorway to ask you something. Make a rule and let them know about it so they will understand if you lock yourself inside your study and try to turn your greatest idea into a masterpiece. 

Work on a Clean Desk
A cluttered desk can be a form of distraction. Many people prefer to work on a clean, clutter-free space because it helps clear their minds. When there are too many things in front of you, from coffee mugs and bags of chips to opened books and several pens, you will find it hard not to look at them once your mind goes blank. Eliminating them will mean you can easily recover your focus and go on writing.

Use a Writing Tool
This is one of the best ideas if you want distraction-free writing. Gadgets like portable word processors are perfect for you. This tool is intended for writing text and nothing else. It is easier to concentrate on your thoughts and turn them into words if you do not have other forms of distraction.

Aside from that, a smart typewriter doesn’t have the usual navigation keys, so you don’t keep going back and forth within sections of the document. That means you have to be linear in your writing thought and think really hard about what you’ll type. You have to expend energy and a huge amount of concentration on producing continuous but coherent streams of ideas.

Set Your Goals
In order to write, and to write well, it is mandatory for you to focus. Put your attention to the task at hand and ignore the distractions around you. It would be ideal if you set a goal every time you tackle writing.

Stephen King is said to aim to write three thousand words a day. You can start small. Eventually, you will be able to find your rhythm and raise your word count. Other authors try to write eight hours a day. It is doable, and you can accomplish it as long as you have the will, effort, and determination.

Post by https://getfreewrite.com/



1 Comments

  1. Shahenda Mahmoud10 July 2018 at 18:39

    That's great. I really suffer from distractions. I will really consider your advice.Thank you

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