Three Simple Yet Effective Ways to Motivate Yourself to Write

Summary

The article outlines three strategies to boost writing motivation: setting up a reward system, maintaining a list of writing topics, and reading inspiring articles from admired writers.

Abstract

The article "Three Simple Yet Effective Ways to Motivate Yourself to Write" acknowledges the common challenge writers face in finding the drive to write. It suggests that by implementing a reward system, where one enjoys a treat after completing writing tasks, writers can incentivize their work. The second strategy involves compiling a list of engaging topics to choose from, which can be revisited to spark inspiration. Lastly, the article recommends reading the work of admired writers to gain motivation, emphasizing the influence of quality writing on one's own creativity. These strategies aim to help writers maintain consistency and find joy in the writing process.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of positive reinforcement, suggesting that rewards can effectively motivate writing efforts.
Keeping a repository of potential writing topics is advised as a method to combat writer's block and provide a variety of subjects to engage with.
Regularly reading the work of esteemed writers is not only inspiring but also serves as a catalyst for one's own writing endeavors.
The author shares personal experiences, such as enjoying an aromatherapy bath as a reward, indicating a belief in the importance of self-care and personal rewards in the writing routine.
There is an emphasis on the idea that even small writing-related activities contribute to overall productivity, suggesting that progress can be made even on less productive days.

Set up a reward system

Pretend you are in school, and you have to complete your school assignments or homework to get a reward.

You wouldn’t offer a reward to a child who hasn’t completed their homework, right? They usually receive it after. You can treat your writing in the same way — push yourself to do the work first to see the rewards later.

Pick up something you can look forward to at the end of the week. It could be a relaxing movie time with your family. It could be more time on social media. It could even be a little something you buy yourself from the store (adults are also kids inside, so it works!)

For me, for example, I like to pamper myself with a relaxing aromatherapy bath with candles at the end of each hard-working week — usually Friday.

Make a list of topics to write about

One way I motivate myself to write is by creating a list of topics that interest me. I have a lot of ideas, and each time an idea strikes my mind, I write it down and store it on my folder on my computer.

Each time I go on the computer I can see my folder and browse through a list of topics. Looking at the topic list spurs me to action, I pick one and start writing.

Read articles from writers you admire

Reading someone’s work, especially if it’s high-quality, serves as a huge inspiration for me. I read articles on Medium from the writers I follow and I glean a lot of motivation from them.

Pick a few of your writers on Medium that you admire the most, and read their articles regularly. Make reading your daily habit.

One of my favorite writers, for example, is Sinem Gunel. She is such an inspiring motivational coach. Her words ignite action and I can’t thank her enough for that. Every time I read one of her articles, I want to put everything aside and start writing! It is a reminder that words can influence our behavior and our actions.

Keep in mind, there will be times when you don’t accomplish a lot on any given day, but you can still write by putting your ideas down, making a list of topics that interest you, creating outlines for your topics, etc. Those little steps you take also count as writing.

If you follow those three simple strategies every day, your motivation to write will increase. So go ahead and start today.

Three Simple Yet Effective Ways to Motivate Yourself to Write

Writing can be tough but there are ways to make it easier

Set up a reward system

Make a list of topics to write about

Read articles from writers you admire