Today we’re going to talk about practice #2:

Set up a dedicated writing space that is free of distractions.

Let me ask you something. Have you ever tried to write in a space that you use for other things like eating, entertainment, or playing computer games?

It may seem convenient at the time, but what you’re really doing is signaling to your brain that you should be doing all those things at once. The environment where you write has a powerful effect on your ability and motivation to actually get the work done.

This is why it’s important to try and write in a space you only use for writing.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Even a simple table will do—or a broom closet if you need! When you work in that space, the environment tells your brain it’s writing time… not eating time, entertainment time, or sleeping time.

It is also helpful to set up your writing space so that it’s free from distractions, which includes clutter. There is nothing more conducive to great writing than a clean, neat, organized desk free from the clutter of everyday life.

In addition, it’s also helpful to shut off as many distractions as possible from our digital devices. It’s hard to concentrate if you constantly have pings from your phone going off while writing.

All this may sound like a tall order, but you can start simple. In fact, I’m in the process of creating a whole separate office for myself. I find that I write much better away from home than at home. I may end up just building an office in my basement.

Even if you don’t have extra space in your home or apartment, you can do something as simple as sit at the kitchen table or somewhere else in the house. The awesome thing about being a writer is that you don’t need much… just a writing tool, a chair, and a table or desk.

Question: Do you have a dedicated writing space free of distractions?

The post Writing Habits Practice #2: Set Up a Dedicated Writing Space appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Most people listening to this podcast are located in the United States, so let me focus on that crowd for a second.

Part of our culture here in the U.S. is what we call the “Protestant work ethic.” Even though not everyone is religious, or even Protestant, we still abide by this standard today. The Protestant work ethic basically says that we believe the way to a more fulfilled and God-honoring life is by working ourselves to death.

Americans love, love, love to work. While many other countries take a more balanced approach to life, Americans measure themselves by how much their work and achieve. It’s true in many other parts of the world as well, but it’s especially prominent in the U.S.

This attitude carries over to our writing as well. We feel a tremendous sense of guilt if we’re not creating or producing on the level we feel we should. But is the solution to being more effective and creative just working more? Or is there another way?

Anne Lamott said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes—including you.” What great advice. If you’re feeling burned out or tired, don’t try writing more. Try taking a nap or unwinding—anything to reset your physical, mental, and emotional thermostat.

As they say, sometimes less is more. There is no glory and honor in working yourself to death. Unplugging for a while might be the very best use of your time right now.

Daily Question: If you’re feeling burned out, what is a way you can unplug in the next 24 hours?

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