Overcoming Procrastination: 5 Best Strategies

Every writer, at some point, experiences procrastination. This hurdle can cripple productivity, hinder progress, and, in severe cases, make you question your abilities. Overcoming procrastination is crucial to maintain a consistent writing habit and to achieve your goals.  Recognize what triggers it in you and develop strategies to counteract them.

 

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

 

 

Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward overcoming procrastination. It can be a result of working on multiple projects at the same time. It can also be the result of mental exhaustion, lack of inspiration, or self-doubt. Recognizing the root cause will help you address it effectively. Mitigating procrastination can include dividing up tasks, creating a conducive work environment, and practicing time management techniques.

 

Welcome to the next part of our guides designed to assist new authors in Managing Multiple Writing Projects. This multi-part journey is designed with a singular goal in mind: to help you grow in knowledge as a new author on your writing journey. Each guide spotlights a specific aspect of balancing multiple writing projects. Whether you’re a first-time author or a creative soul testing the waters of writing, this series is a gateway to a successful future.

 

In this guide, we explore common causes of procrastination. We also offer strategies to overcome them, helping you move forward on your writing journey.

 

Ready? Let’s get started.

 

What Causes Procrastination?

Procrastination is a common enemy of authors, new and experienced alike. It can delay progress and increase stress levels. Overcoming procrastination involves understanding why it happens. Procrastination often stems from fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, or oddly enough the fear of success. It can also happen because of feeling overwhelmed or a lack of clear direction. As you begin to understand the cause, you can begin to take action for overcoming procrastination and for building resilience.

 

Setting Realistic Goals for Overcoming Procrastination.

Setting achievable writing goals and adhering to deadlines is integral to better time management. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Having SMART goals can help you stop procrastinating.

 

Establishing a Writing Routine.

Counteract procrastination by establishing a regular writing routine. Allocating specific time slots for writing can make it a habitual activity rather than an overwhelming task. As a strong habit, it can trigger your creativity, boost productivity, and keep you motivated. A writing routine also ensures progress on your projects. For more details on this secret weapon, see Building a Writing Routine.

 

Using Prompts & Exercises.

If procrastination is triggered by writer’s block, try writing prompts and exercises. They spark creativity and get the words flowing again. These and other tools can serve as a launchpad, pushing you past the initial hurdle of not knowing what to write or where to start.

 

Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques.

Stress can exacerbate both procrastination and writer’s block. Mindful practices like meditation, yoga, or even a simple walk can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. They are all easy to implement into your daily or weekly routine.

 

Finding a Supportive Community.

Networking with other writers can provide moral support, encouragement, and practical advice to overcome the challenge of procrastination. Whether it’s a local writer’s group or an online forum, a sense of community or accountability can make a significant difference.

 

An author friend of mine once shared her struggle with chronic procrastination. Every time she started to sit down to write, she found herself cleaning the house, scrolling through social media, or doing anything but writing. After she learned and began to apply a few proven strategies for overcoming procrastination, she began making headway with her new novel.

 

Overcoming Procrastination—Wrap Up

Overcoming procrastination is vital for maintaining a steady writing pace and reaching your writing goals. While the obstacle may seem insurmountable, understanding the causes and using targeted strategies can help turn the tide in your favor.

 

Try different strategies until we find ones that work for you. Remember, every word written, no matter how small, is progress. Keep working at it, and soon you’ll find your rhythm, making the daunting task of writing an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We hope you’ve found the strategies for overcoming procrastination useful. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.

 

Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.

 

If you’d like, you can start the 10-part series from the beginning: Managing Multiple Writing Projects: Tips for New Authors.

Don’t wait. Start today!

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