This is the final Writing Raven Author Solutions article on increasing your productivity as a writer. We hope you’ve enjoyed this series and added a new tool (or two) to your writing arsenal.
If you need to catch up with the series, start here: From Procrastination to Prose: Boost Your Writing Productivity with These Tips
Or find your place with this handy Index:
Article 2 Plotting Your Path: Crafting and Crushing Your Writing Goals: https://writingravenauthorsolutions.substack.com/p/plotting-your-path-crafting-and-crushing
Article 3 Unleash Your Writing Potential: Productivity Mindset for Authors: https://writingravenauthorsolutions.substack.com/p/unleash-your-writing-potential-productivity
Article 4 Just Do It: The Power of Commitment to Elevate Your Productivity: https://writingravenauthorsolutions.substack.com/p/just-do-it-the-power-of-commitment
The last component to building your personal productivity formula is commitment.
Commitment relies heavily on your mindset and goals, but without it, you’ll never finish a story, see it published, or achieve your dreams (even those that aren’t about becoming a published author.)
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy says, “Small, smart choices + Consistency + Time = RADICAL DIFFERENCE.”
Butt-in-chair, fingers-on-keyboard
If you want to be successful, it will require you to commit to your writing.
Writers have to write. This is your choice.
Commitment over time leads to radical productivity.
Productivity leads to success.
When you feel inspired, it’s easy to hit the keyboard. When you use your goals as your roadmap, you worry less. You become more productive and confident.
Writing down your goals and sticking to them as much as possible is commitment.
So are a host of other things:
Taking classes
Attending workshops
Reading
Scheduling writing time into your calendar
All of those elements are part of your commitment to your craft.
Boosting productivity as a writer requires a structured approach
How to create structure? Establish a writing routine.
- Set aside dedicated time each day to write something. You can’t edit, format, or sell what you haven’t written.
- Consistency is key, so try to establish a routine that works for you.
- Choose a time to write when you are most alert and focused. This could be early in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening, depending on your natural energy levels.
- Break down your writing projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set specific and achievable goals for each writing session.
- Identify and minimize potential distractions in your writing environment. This may include turning off social media notifications, silencing your phone, or finding a quiet space to write.
- Consider using productivity tools or apps that block distracting websites during your dedicated writing time.
- Give yourself small rewards when you reach milestones or complete tasks Positive reinforcement helps reinforce your commitment to writing.
Remember, the key to boosting productivity is finding a routine and approach that works best for you. Experiment and be flexible with what works for your personal writing style and preferences.
Being a storyteller is the best job in the world. No one can tell a story like you can and the world needs your stories! There is a lot of negativity and “the sky is falling” mentality in our world, but please don’t let that keep you from giving us your stories. We need them more than ever now.
To sum up:
When you work with, instead of fighting against, your high- and low-energy days, and combine that with your personal GMC, your life will change.
You’ll see better results, higher productivity, and enjoy life more.
Each accomplishment, big, or small, is important, and identifying them and celebrating your success will create momentum.
Momentum makes your boat go faster (see the previous article on Goal setting). You’ll attract more people and opportunities that are in alignment with your goals, and your productivity will increase easily and exponentially.
Daydream more.
Prioritize your top three goals for each day and focus on them.
Schedule writing time into your calendar and create a habit of writing regularly.
Use a planner to set yearly, quarterly, and monthly goals. At the end of the year, you’ll have a journal of your progress and be able to see your growth.
Avoid toxic people, media, and situations that upset you. They are poison to your muse.
Stop overthinking and sabotaging yourself.
Being a storyteller is an incredible vocation. Never forget that your stories can change a life. They can inspire, entertain, and uplift.
You have an incredible talent, so embrace it.
Show up at your keyboard and show us, and yourself, how far you’ll go this year.
On New Year’s Eve 2024, look back to this moment, and acknowledge how much you’ve grown.
Then…get ready to set goals for 2025 and beyond. Here’s to your productivity!
May 2024 be your best year ever,
Misty & Sam
Writing Raven Author Solutions
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