Welcome to another monthly blog post about writers and the mayhem we get into!
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Today I'm going to talk about distraction. To be fair it was this month's suggested question but it hit home, so I'm running with it ;).
Everyone in every field has to deal with distractions. It's part of life. But,
for writers, who sometimes are writing-avoidant (aka most of us at one point or
another) distractions can be a serious danger.
Whether you're a plotter a pantser, or somewhere in
between, staying focused on the world you're creating is important.
Family members, pets, roommates, and total strangers can
all throw that off.
Not to mention to lure of social media.
Even with no one in the house, aside from a sometimes
pushy cat, I can get massively distracted by social media.
The urge to get that little hit of dopamine from an
interesting or engaging post--or a comment or post from a friend, is hard to
avoid. “Just one more check,” we say as we hit the pellet bar again. Even when
we know there’s nothing worth being pulled from our work, we have to make sure.
There’s a reason why when people study rat behavior that
the random reward creates the most clicks on that pellet bar. If we’re never
sure when something good will be there—we keep clicking over.
So, distraction is bad.
How do we address it? I’ve heard of ways to lock out
social media on your computer for a period of time. I haven’t gone there yet,
but might eventually.
Right now, I use my progress to determine when I can have
a distraction break. X number of words done (or chapters edited), and I get a
break.
I also break up my writing with stretches and eye breaks
(looking off into the distance for 20 seconds).
And I’m starting meditation which, while not specifically
aimed at distractions or writing, does help build focus.
I recently lowered my daily word count goals, but am
finding the less I give in to distraction—the more I can accomplish. Who’d a thunk
it!?
What about you—how does distraction impact your writing?
What have you tried to help with it?
Thanks for coming by and happy IWSG Day!
It makes sense to lower your word count--I didn't even think of that, but I think I will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteIt does help! :)
DeleteI can see how lowering your word count goal could help you write more because you're not under as much pressure. I set aside time to read blogs most days but don't look as social media sites when I'm writing or busy doing other things.
ReplyDeleteIt's sort of freeing--and yup, still productive. I am so envious of your ability to avoid looking at social media! I'm working on it.
DeleteI need to work on the physical (and mental) breaks from the computer screen. These old bones get pretty stiff. Using a word count/page count accomplishment for a goal is a great incentive. Just make sure it's attainable so you're not self-sabotaging.
ReplyDeleteI so hear you! I love having my timer to remind me to look away and walk around a bit.
DeleteThank you--luckily my current goals are very workable. I don't always hit them, but forward movement of any type is GOOD! :)
Happy IWSG Day! I've tried the word count goal, but honestly just kept feeling like a failure. I have tried using the blockers on my computer to stop looking at social media etc. When I'm at my computer I try to block off time that I'm only allowed to write and nothing else. That does tend to work for me.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Those are two things I've learned over the years--different things work for different writers. And pivot as needed. I'm glad you found something that works!
DeleteIt's so hard when we have to market ourselves. I find myself pulled into the marketing aspect more than writing these days. I need to find a better balance and I think switching the order of things might work. Like your reward of social media after hitting a word count!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! I've had to move marketing and all business activities into their own day. They get one day a week, and mostly I keep to that.
DeleteHappy IWSG Day, Marie! I have to break up my writing to be able to keep at it. For one thing, I find it difficult to sit for long, and for another, I find moving from task to task in increments allows me to focus better. I'm aiming for 10 minutes of writing every day. I nearly always end up writing for much longer. Have a great May!
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I think figuring out what works for us is so important! Thank you-- have a great May!
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