I had a conversation with a friend, who is writing a book, this week and she told me that she was having a hard time hitting her page count.
Now, we can have a debate as to whether or not page counts are a good idea but most successful writers set themselves goals, whether it’s pages or words.
So I said to her this:
Write a thing.
Then write one more thing after that.
In effect, write something - anything - and just before you think you’re ready to sign off, write something else.
Do not move until you’ve done the second part.
That way, despite not hitting your perceived goals, what you’ve done is actually achieve double, and that will put you in a positive mindset to continue.
I use this Jedi mind trick on myself for not just writing but also for cleaning the kitchen, dealing with admin, etc. It’s a bit like that rule that says if it can be done in under five minutes, do it now.
It’s very effective. My friend told me it helped her, and additionally, it enabled her to write more because that sense of achievement carries its own energy.
So if you’re struggling to hit goals or even start, give it a go.
Write a thing.
Then write one more thing after that.
See I just wrote that twice.
It’s already working!
Lisa