Most writers and infopreneurs think of talking as a form of procrastination, something that actually prevents you from sitting down and writing and working.
In one way, this can be true. However, the right sort of talk can actually encourage persistence and build on your creativity in your writing.
If you are looking for motivation to overcome obstacles, or encouragement to keep going, there is nothing better than talking with like-minded individuals.
Joining a writing group, or online forum discussion can be extremely helpful. Whenever you are struggling to write, jump online or arrange to meet someone from your writing group. Sharing what you are feeling and the difficulties can help you to regain perspective about writing.
Like any trade, writing has its ups and downs. It can be difficult to pick yourself from a down when you work by yourself. Human interaction is the key to finding yourself and your motivation when things get tough. Finding like-minded individuals who have similar struggles can help you get through the tough times and regain your focus and concentration.
I’ve had writer friends suggest article ideas when I’ve had a mental blank, or suggest websites that provide mental stimulation that encourage creativity again.
I’ve also had writer friends ask for advice and have enjoyed the benefits of experienced writers who share their own experiences of getting through the depression and frustrations which can be as much of the lot of writers, as can the joys of achievement.
Indulge in a short break from looking at the blank computer screen to send an email to a friend or chat in a writer’s forum, and you will frequently find that you are better equipped to persist through the tough times.
Writers must generally write alone for the best creativity, but that doesn’t mean we have to battle through the hard times alone.
Understanding yourself and how your mind thinks can also help you to persist in hard times. Many sociologists have completed studies on the impact of self-talk and mind chatter. Basically, the general theory is that we believe, enact on, and propagate the same information we send our brains.
If the mind chatter is negative, you will generally struggle and find everything hard. If your self talk is positive, you will generally find the tasks easier. Sometimes it can be as simple as changing the refrain from “I’m having a bad day” to “I can do this”. Think of the children’s story of the Little Red Engine (“I think I can”, “I know I can”, etc).
If you find you are having a difficult day in writing, give yourself a short mental break. You may find exercising beneficial too, as it releases endorphins and the ‘feel good’ hormones.
Come back to your computer refreshed and reinforce every positive message to yourself you can. Break the cycle of negative mind chatter and you will definitely succeed.
The other thing you can do to encourage yourself to be persistent in your writing is to give yourself incentives to work hard on your writing or creativity. Give yourself a mini-challenge of completing a particular task within an hour, and give yourself a small treat as a reward when the task is complete. Share your joys with your writing friends, as well as your struggles, as this will encourage others within your group on tough days too.
Start the right sort of talking to help yourself break free from the doldrums and come into the light of creativity in your writing. You can do this!
My next post is the start of the I in HABITS. Make sure you don’t miss it…
