Tips to boost writing productivity

Whether you’re working on a novel, writing a blog post, or creating copy for a project, motivation for writing can slow down. If you have a deadline approaching, or you’ve been in slump for some time now, it can feel insurmountable. Some of the most famous writers in the world believe that writer’s block can not only be overcome, but that it is a vital component of the creative process. There are ways to train your brain to become more productive in your own written work, and to create more productive writing.

How can you become a more productive writer? If you want to write more, write better, and keep your writing organized, these tips can help you get past writer’s block and boost your productivity when it comes to writing projects.

Find your time to shine

Some people work better in the mornings, while others find their motivation as night owls. You may notice the regular times during the day when you lose focus, and conversely, the times when your mind feels the least cluttered by day-to-day errands and other distractions. This is why some writers thrive in pre-morning rituals, while others feel a sense of accomplishment after a full day and night of routine and can finally let their creative juices flow. Determine what time works best for you and stick with it.

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Set a regimen

To carry your writing momentum forward requires a certain level of discipline. Whether you are writing for your day job, or you are writing creatively, it’s important to treat consistent, sustained writing like a job that you show up for at the same time, every day. Setting a schedule for writing tasks will eventually incorporate it into your daily routine, as unmissable as a morning shower, a lunch meal, or a bedtime routine.

Use time restraints

Nobody can work sustainably for hours on end: the mind will inevitably wander, which is a fundamental quirk of how our brains work. Perhaps your mind peters out after ten, 20, or 45 minutes of continuous focus. These time restraints are actually a helpful gauge of your own skillsets, instead of a detriment: the mind requires adapting to new tasks in order to work at full capacity. Harness the benefits of time restraints by considering the Pomodoro Technique: set a regular interval with a simple kitchen timer, take a five-minute break, then move onto the next task for the same interval. By working on multiple tasks, or breaking complex projects into short components, we can tackle them more effectively and avoid procrastination—by embracing it, in a sense. Don’t have a kitchen timer? There are Pomodoro-like apps that are designed to help you focus.

Start writing anything

Some writers believe that writer’s block isn’t real because the fear of a blank screen can be overcome by one technique: Just start writing—and write anything. To test this theory, you could begin to write literally anything that comes to mind, on a virtual scratch pad that you can delete if need be. Consider mixing outlining with freewriting, because being organized is an advantageous way to put your thoughts to paper without having to immediately expand in detail. Eventually, you will find an angle by which to tackle your writing project.

Celebrate small goals

Writing is not an easy task, and not everyone has the patience and/or fortitude to explore this form. If you do, then congratulations! It is a skillset that can be monetized in any industry, a creative outlet for millions, and even a step towards immortalization: the printed word can be an art form that will last throughout the ages, from The Tale of Genji (commonly believed to be the world’s first novel) to the latest New York Times bestsellers. No matter what the purpose of your work, however, the first step is to show up. Once you’ve made that effort, you can check out Microsoft 365 for more writing tips, nitty-gritty grammatical tricks, and ways to hone your creativity and confidence.