Writing is one of those activities that is really nice when it’s finished, but feels somewhat agonizing during the process. It’s very similar to working out. After you’ve worked out, you feel really great at what you’ve done, and though you’re a little worse for the wear, you’re filled with endorphins. Writers enjoy having written, but the act of writing can be exhausting, intimidating, and overwhelming. However, similar to exercising, the more often you do it, the easier it becomes. Over the years, I’ve developed a few ways to trick yourself into writing that make it a little easier to get started.

1. Create a Pleasant Environment

If you have a really unpleasant writing assignment, pair it with an environment that’s particularly enjoyable to you. Play some soft music in the background. Light your favorite candle. Grab your favorite drink. If you have to write about a subject you don’t enjoy, the least you can do is make everything else as pleasant as possible.

2. Unload Your Thoughts

Sometimes it’s hard to get your brain thinking about what you’re supposed to be writing about because it’s too busy thinking about other things. Set a timer and write about whatever comes to mind for 5 minutes. It can be anything from a grocery list to how you feel about what your best friend said to you last night. Whatever comes to mind, write it out. At the end of the 5 minutes, you’ll be able to focus more easily.

3. Set a Timer

If I’m really struggling to write something that I know will be due soon, I set a timer for myself. Sometimes the hardest part of writing for me is just getting started. If I give myself a low commitment, it’s much easier to start. I’ll set a timer for 5 minutes and tell myself I just have to get words on the paper (or screen) for that amount of time, and they don’t even have to be good words. Sometimes 5 minutes is all I do. Most of the time, however, I get into the flow and write much longer than this.

4. Lower Your Expectations

Lowering your expectations takes so much pressure off of yourself. Instead of thinking, “I came here to write an entire article and so I must do it all at once,” you can tell yourself, “I came here to get some thoughts out about this subject.” It’s a lot less demanding and your brain will be more cooperative. Knowing that something doesn’t have to be incredibly cohesive and flawless right away helps me to get started.

5. Concentrate on the Current Task at Hand

I’ve noticed that if I’m looking at a blank page, knowing that I’m going to need to turn it into 10+ pages of writing, I can easily feel overwhelmed and not know how to start. The best way to move forward is to break the task into smaller chunks and only concentrate on one small chunk at a time. Here’s how I break up my writing into smaller tasks.

Start with one phrase

When I come up with ideas for blog posts, I’ll write one phrase that encapsulates the idea into a subject line and save it for later. For the blog, I save it as a blog post draft. For other writing, I’ll save it on my phone or computer. It helps to keep all of your writing drafts in one place, whether that’s Evernote, a Word document, or simply a Notes app on your phone and computer.

Once I write in the working title, I usually don’t start writing immediately, but I know that I’ll come back to it eventually. Most of my ideas come while I’m driving or working or reading and don’t have time to flesh out the entire thing. If I write one phrase that encapsulates the idea, I know that I’ll remember the gist of what I wanted to talk about and can come back later. This allows the subject to stew in the back of my mind until I’m ready to come out and flesh out the ideas a little more.

Add a few points

The next step in the writing cycle is to flesh out the idea with some main points. One could use the word “outline” very loosely here. An outline be one word each or a couple sentences for each point. My brain hates feeling forced into writing, so I only write down what comes to me instantly. If I feel inspired to write more, I might put down a few sentences under each point, but only if I’m inspired. Then I walk away.

Next, “just add a few thoughts”

Later on, I’ll come back to the outline and think about what I have to say for each of the points. Then I’ll just write down a few thoughts under each. Oftentimes, these turn into full-fledged paragraphs just on their own. If they don’t, I don’t sweat it. It usually means I need to think about something more or get myself into a better frame of mind.

Turn the thoughts into a Rough Draft

Once I string together a few thoughts into paragraphs, I have a rough draft, which can later be molded and shaped into something more final. The hardest part of writing for me is to create something out of nothing. If I have something to start with, it’s much easier to keep working. With this rough rough draft, you can go through and add in thoughts that are missing, explanations, and illustrations. Before you know it, you’ll have a complete draft.

Look for errors

All that’s left is editing. Some people– okay, most people, do not at all enjoy the act of editing. I think I’m one of the exceptions here. It might be helpful to you to reframe it in to another phrase so that you don’t dread it as much. Tell yourself that you’re just looking for errors, or checking the flow of the paper. Maybe it would help you if you just told yourself that you’re reading it through someone else’s eyes one last time before you put it out there.

I find it’s best to give yourself a few days, if possible, between writing the rough draft and editing. Fresh eyes help you see your work in an entirely different light. You’ll also be more capable of catching errors that you missed before.

Phone a friend

If you’re writing something important, it’s best to get a second pair of eyes on your work, even if you’ve already edited it yourself. Before you hit ‘publish’ or ‘send,’ ask a friend to read over it for you real quick. If it’s something really important, like a cover letter for your grad school application, consider hiring a professional to look it over. If it’s in their specific niche, the editor will have  unique insights for you and be able to offer you help that your friends and family can’t.

6. Give Your Brain a Break

Now that you’ve gotten a complete writing draft, give yourself a pat on the back and a break. Writing can take some serious mental energy, especially if it’s not something you do regularly. In time, your ability to churn out words will grow, but remember to go easy on yourself as you’re getting started.

Leave a comment and let me know what the most difficult writing task was for you. Did you trick yourself into writing or just muscle through it?