avatarMartina D.

Summary

The article provides strategies for increasing writing productivity without compromising quality.

Abstract

The article "Write 5x More Content With These 5 Small Changes" suggests that writers can significantly boost their content output by adopting a few strategic habits. It emphasizes the importance of working on multiple projects simultaneously to maintain productivity, advocates for the use of shortform writing to refine clarity and efficiency, and outlines a systematic approach to writing that includes distinct phases for research, writing, and editing. The article also stresses the need for breaks to prevent burnout and suggests preparing for the next writing session while still in a state of flow. These techniques are presented as remedies for writer's block and keys to unlocking a writer's full potential.

Opinions

  • The article posits that even prolific writers struggle, but they have effective strategies to overcome mind blocks.
  • It challenges the common belief that multitasking is detrimental to writing, suggesting that having multiple writing projects open can be beneficial.
  • Shortform writing is highly recommended as a tool for honing writing skills, particularly for new writers.
  • The author advocates for a structured 3-step writing process (research, write, edit) to avoid common pitfalls and improve the overall quality of the writing.
  • Taking breaks and allowing for processing time is considered crucial for maintaining a fresh perspective and high-quality output.
  • The article advises against becoming a "writing machine" and encourages strategic experimentation to extend focus and flow.
  • Preparing for the next writing session in advance, while still engaged with the current work, is presented as a way to maintain momentum and avoid ruining the best work.

Write 5x More Content With These 5 Small Changes

Send your writing through the roof without sacrificing quality.

Take five. /Photo: Megan Ruth

You don’t need years of writing experience on a hundred different platforms to write rich content in abundance.

You just need a strategy.

Here’s a secret:

Even the most prolific writers often struggle to write the amount of content they do.

What’s the difference between them and writers who don’t ship as much?

They have remedies for mind blocks. When these remedies don’t work, they have cures.

And as with any change, the key is to start small. Feeling burntout or overwhelmed is the last thing you want. Tiny(ish) changes that have a big impact are your best bet.

Try these:

The more open tabs, the better

This is counterintuitive.

On paper, it sounds like a nightmare. But it works for 60% of writers. The odds are high your writing brain will really like it.

Work on more than one writing project at a time.

Ideally, your open drafts should be contrasting in topics, genres, or styles. This helps you keep moving even when your mind blocks one of them out.

Switch between multiple writing projects, and you can mindset-match.

This means you’re always moving your writing forward, no matter what.

Snap it short

Some Medium writers are shortform haters. I couldn’t disagree with them more.

Writing shortform articles is excellent. Especially if you are a new writer.

You need to squeeze your entire idea into just 150 words. It’s a serious lesson in writing. Treat it as a free but mandatory training.

You never know how much fluff you are creating until you try shortform. It shines a bright stage light on all your mistakes. Your writing brain feels naked after.

But if you do it right, it will rinse your writing clean. You learn about clarity, how to use words strategically, how to kill fillers. You raise your writing style awareness. And you boost your output, too.

Medium pubs like The Shortform and Shorties But Goodies! are great starting points.

Follow the proven 3-step system

I know, boring. I don’t like rules either.

But sometimes you have to let a few boring rules drive you to the exciting outcome. In this case, it’s finishing your article to the best of your potential, and on time. Here’s what you do:

  • Research first
  • Write second
  • Edit third

This system easily prevents you from falling into these counterproductive traps:

  • Realizing you don’t know enough about the topic halfway through — Think about which key points will keep your article well-rounded. Research and outline them first.
  • Wasting your writing time — First drafts are for freewriting. Don’t do anything else. No additional reseach (just make a quick note where needed), and no editing. Just write.
  • Editing as you go — The creator and the editor must work separately. When together, they distract each other and create unproductive chaos. Edit later.

Lastly, don’t forget to put at least a 2-hour gap in between each step.

Gaps are as important to your writing process as pickled ginger is to your spicy sushi. It refreshes your palate and helps to digest. Your mind needs space to do the same — process so it can come back refreshed.

Don’t ever become a writing machine

Once you find your rhythm, it’s so tempting to just keep running.

Creating momentum and taking advantage of it is crucial to meet your creative ambitions and output goals.

So, definitely take days to experiment. Observe your focus and flow window. Notice when it happens, what makes it happen, see if you can train yourself to stretch it.

Focus interval training is amazing for this — you time how long your focus typically lasts, and then train your brain daily to add 5 or 10 more minutes to it.

But only do this strategically, and not on autopilot. Don’t become a machine that mindlessly goes on and on until it drops.

Better learn how to make your time yours.

Prep while you still have steam

I used to have an unsustainable schedule.

When writing, I often didn’t stop until my brain was fried. Still in that state, I’d then scroll back up and do damage to my writing (I thought I was editing).

Costly mistake. Don’t make it. It could ruin your best work.

Instead, notice when you feel like you might be approaching the end of your focus window. When your mind is far from scrambled yet, but you’re starting to feel slightly off.

Stop right there.

Stop while you still know what to write next.

Then prep for your next writing day — make a note about the next sentence or paragraph you’re going to write. Let the words marinade in your mind.

Start again tomorrow.

Join us on Momentum to build the online traction your work deserves.

Join Medium for unlimited reading, or to earn money writing

Writing Tips
Creator Economy
Mindset Shift
Writing
Productivity
Recommended from ReadMedium