Writing can be a lonely and challenging pursuit, often marked by bouts of self-doubt, procrastination and the pressure to produce meaningful work. Many writers find it so difficult that they give up, while others settle for mediocre results.
How can you change this cycle? Here are three powerful strategies inspired by bestselling motivational writers – each an expert in their field – that can help you break free and transform your writing.
The power of deep work: create space for creativity
In the 1920s, psychologist Carl Jung built a stone retreat in the Swiss countryside – a quiet sanctuary where he could think and write. Away from the demands of his practice and the noise of daily life, Jung found the clarity to create his most influential works.
This idea of intentional focus is what Cal Newport calls deep work. In his groundbreaking book Deep Work (2016, Grand Central Publishing) Newport argues that in a world buzzing with distractions, cultivating uninterrupted focus is the secret to tackling complex problems and producing meaningful and high-quality work.
You can do this by creating a space where you can ‘retreat’ – whether it’s a cosy corner of your office or a quiet coffee shop. Set boundaries. Turn of notifications. Use tools like noise-cancelling headphones or distraction-blocking apps to help you stay in the zone. When you make time for deep work, you give your creativity the room it needs to flourish.
The one thing: prioritise what matters most
Ernest Hemingway was known for his disciplined approach to writing. He would wake early and focus solely on his manuscript, stopping only when he felt he had left something undone – a strategy that allowed him to pick up momentum the next day. By putting his writing above anything else in his daily routine, Hemingway was able to produce enduring literary works.
This method echoes the wisdom in Gary Keller and Jay Papasan’s bestselling book The One Thing (2013, Bard Press). Keller, a real estate entrepreneur, and Papasan, a publishing professional, claim that success comes from narrowing your focus to the single most important task. By giving your undivided attention to one priority, you can eliminate overwhelming emotions and make meaningful progress.
Ask yourself, ‘What’s the one thing I can do today that will make my writing process easier?’ Whether it is drafting a chapter, revising a key scene or brainstorming a plot, focusing on one impactful task each day helps you build momentum and avoid burnout.
Grit: passion and perseverance for the long haul
Stephen King’s journey to literary stardom was anything but smooth sailing. Before Carrie became his breakthrough novel, King faced numerous rejections and even threw the manuscript in the rubbish. Encouraged by his wife, he retrieved it and continued submitting it to publishers. King’s unwavering perseverance and passion for storytelling eventually led to his monumental success.
It’s this tenacity that psychologist Angela Duckworth explores in her seminal book Grit (2016, Scribner). Duckworth writes that grit – a combination of passion and sustained effort – is a key predictor of success. Her research highlights that talent alone is not enough; it is the ability to keep going despite challenges that leads to achievement.
Cultivating grit means embracing setbacks as opportunities to gain experience and grow. Set long-term goals and break them into manageable milestones. Celebrate small wins, seek feedback and maintain a network of supportive peers to stay motivated during tough times.
Apply these lessons to your writing life:
- Schedule deep work sessions: Dedicate specific blocks of time to uninterrupted writing. Use tools like noise-cancelling headphones or apps that block distractions.
- Identify your one thing: Each day, prioritise the most impactful task that aligns with your writing goals. This focus will help you make consistent progress.
- Cultivate grit: Recognise that challenges and setbacks are inevitable. View them as opportunities to grow and refine your craft.
By committing to focused work, prioritising effectively and persevering through challenges, writers can achieve their goals. Remember, writing isn’t just about the words you share; it’s about the grit that keeps you going and the discipline that shapes your craft. Absorb these lessons, and soon enough, your writing productivity will soar.
