avatarLinda Ng

Summary

The article outlines six practical strategies to enhance focus and productivity while writing, including using a phone's Focus mode, maintaining a clear workspace, wearing noise-cancelling headphones, avoiding distractions from windows, informing others not to disturb, and closing unnecessary applications.

Abstract

The article titled "Here Are 6 Effective Ways to Focus On Your Writing" provides writers with actionable advice to minimize distractions and enter a state of writing flow. The author emphasizes the importance of silencing notifications and utilizing Focus mode to prevent interruptions from phones. A clutter-free desk is recommended to eliminate physical distractions and create a clear mental space. Noise-cancelling headphones are suggested to block out disruptive external sounds. The article advises against writing near windows to avoid visual distractions from outdoor activities. Communicating writing schedules to household members can ensure uninterrupted writing time. Lastly, the author suggests closing all non-essential computer applications to resist the temptation of digital diversions. These strategies aim to help writers maximize their productivity, even within short periods of focused writing.

Opinions

  • The author believes that notifications are a significant barrier to maintaining focus while writing and advocates for turning them off.
  • A clear desk is not only practical but also serves as a visual cue for mental clarity.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones are deemed essential for creating a personal sound bubble, free from external disturbances.
  • Windows can be a source of procrastination due to the temptation to watch outside activities, and thus should be avoided while writing.
  • Communication with others about one's writing time is seen as crucial for establishing boundaries and reducing interruptions.
  • The author expresses a personal struggle with focusing on writing and endorses the shared tips as effective solutions to this common problem.
  • There is an acknowledgment that even brief periods of uninterrupted writing can lead to significant productivity.

WRITING

Here Are 6 Effective Ways to Focus On Your Writing

Get into a writing flow easily

He looks pretty focused! Photo by Bahaa A. Shawqi

Here are 6 simple ways to focus and get into a writing flow.

01 — Use Focus Mode

The biggest distraction for me is my phone. As soon as it lights up with a notification, I feel like checking it. My mind wanders from writing and it’s over. There was an easy fix to this for me.

I turn off notifications! I’ve been making use of the Focus feature on the iphone. I created one for Working and I turn it on when I start to write. The sky isn’t going to fall down if no one can reach me for one hour.

02 — Clear Desk

Before I start to write, I’ll clear my desk of clutter. There’s no way for me to fiddle around with things while I’m writing because there’s nothing on my desk. All I need is a laptop, so that’s all I have in front of me. It’s also a visual cue to clear my mental space.

03 — Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Outside noises are very disruptive for me. All I need are a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and I can shut out all the distractions.

A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can really do wonders! Photo by Moose Photos

04 — No Windows

It can be very distracting to have a window nearby. The light is nice, but I find myself looking out and I end up staring at the activity going on outside. Soon, I start to veg and I lose my focus. Draw the blinds so you’re not tempted to stare out the window.

05 — Tell People Not To Disturb You

This one is easy. If you live with a lot of people, tell them not to disturb you while you are writing. It’s a good idea to set a time frame, for example, one hour. During that one hour, they will hopefully leave you in peace to write.

06 — Close All Applications

If you’re using a computer or a laptop, all unnecessary applications should be closed. Things like YouTube or Spotify should be shut down, so you’re not tempted to switch and look at it. It’s easy to get sucked into a never-ending vacuum.

It’s very difficult for me to focus on writing. I get distracted so easily and all the above tips help me focus on writing. Use one of the tips or combine multiple tips. Even if you can find 30 minutes of uninterrupted time, you can be very productive.

Which tips help you? Please share with me in the comments below!

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