The Surprisingly Simple Tool That Can Boost Your Writing Output
The Curse of Self-Doubt
Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, your mind clouded with self-doubt? Thoughts like 'You're not as talented as other writers' or 'What unique perspective do you bring?' are all too familiar. The truth is, these feelings are not unique to you or me. They are shared by many aspiring writers, a fact I discovered through my research.
For example, A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Science suggests "around 25 to 30 percent of high achievers may suffer from imposter syndrome. And around 70 percent of adults may experience impostorism at least once in their lifetime, research suggests." - psychologytoday.com
This study doesn't mean every person will experience imposter syndrome or similar feelings. However, the sensation may creep into your life at one point or another. They have crept into mine plenty of times.
For example, when I started writing a solo cello musical composition, I constantly compared my writing to great composers like Brahms, Beethoven, or Dvorak. Even though I sound nothing like them and don't share their technical abilities, I still make irrational comparisons of my writing to theirs. I constantly thought, "Why would anyone want to listen to this?" and "It's not that good" swirled in my head. Yet, by the end of the project, I had three movements for solo cello, and one of them made its way to an album for a dance festival.
This experience and many others have convinced me that no matter the task, we can all fall victim to imposter syndrome. And writing isn't just about crafting words; the process involves the mental struggle to be creative.
But imagine if there was a way to silence that inner critic, banish idleness, and more readily activate our creative side. The good news is, there is. Let's explore how setting a timer can help you make peace with your inner critic and conquer that blank page.
The Power Of A Timed Writing Sprint
Using a timer is simple but can yield exceptional results. Let's go over the basics.
Before writing, set a specific goal for how long you want to write. If you don't have much time to invest, don't worry. You can write as little or as much as you like. Although, I suggest you only work in smaller increments if you aren't in the habit of writing. If you are still determining how much time, go with 5-15 minutes. Set your timer.
Next, write without criticism or editing. When you've reached the end of your session, stop writing and evaluate what you have to work with. The next phase of your writing can begin. You can edit, work on dialogue, work on pacing, etc. The point is you can always do more. Just be sure to use a timer.
One of the biggest hurdles to writing is getting started. This process is an excellent way to do that. Let's explore how managing our output against the clock can help us better frame our writing.
Avoid Criticism
It's important not to focus too heavily on the content of your writing during this time, especially if your goal is to write. To avoid criticizing yourself, consider the following:
This isn't your final draft; it's a rough one. Refrain from dwelling on the details. Instead, allot specific time from this writing session to critique your writing and polish it for publication.
Focus on progress, not perfection. The writing session should be about producing volume rather than publisher-worthy content.
Challenge negative talk. If you find negative thoughts intruding into your session, take a moment and write them down, then continue to write. When the timer goes off, analyze why the negative thoughts or comments emerged. Ask questions like, is this true? How often do these thoughts come up? What's triggering the thoughts?
Remember, success is not always about the result. It's about setting achievable goals and celebrating each step of your writing journey. For instance, you could set a goal to write two hundred words about your protagonist's worldview during this session. It can be that simple.
Regardless of the outcome, the key is to be thankful for the opportunity to sit and write. Once you have finished writing, stop the timer and allow a moment to reflect. Feel free to read your work, but don't be hasty to judge what you've done. Remember, it's not a final draft; it's a rough one. The timer creates a safe space to write without fear of judgment, allowing your creativity to flow freely. Let it happen.
Next, decide what you want to do with your writing. Do you want to mold it into something ready for a publisher, or do you want to store it as an idea for later? Whatever you choose, there is no wrong answer. It's your journey; you decide what works and what doesn't.
Productivity
A timer can help you break down your process into smaller, more manageable chunks. Once each chunk of writing is complete, you can set a new timer to edit your writing or start with a blank page. The choice is yours.
When I initially thought of using a timer to help with my writing, I didn't know it would make a difference. My belief that I could hold my output to a standard was my most considerable apprehension. I would tell myself things like, "I don't need it," "I can write plenty without it," and "I don't necessarily need a deadline; I'm writing for fun." Those passifying words condemned my output. Why?
It's easier to focus on the "quality" of my writing than on the output. But, holding myself to an output standard was the difference between starting this blog and working on a novel. Output should matter to you intensely. Yes, quality is essential. But it shouldn't be the only thing you focus on. Without productivity, you don't have a novel, you don't have a blog, and your ideas are just that—ideas.
Once you have mastered using a timer, consider creating a date deadline for your project. Setting a timer and having a deadline can be some of the most practical things you can do to improve your writing. Remember, the more you perform a task, the more opportunities exist to improve your performance.
Discipline
A timer can help you develop a writing trigger, which can improve discipline. For example, I used to do a lot of running, and there were plenty of days I didn't want to. I used a trigger to trick my brain into getting me to the track or trail. Here's how I did it.
Whenever I intended to run, I would say, "I'm going to run no matter what," when I put on my shoes. My shoes were the trigger. Immediately after, I would grab my wallet and keys and get into my car. Regardless of whether I wanted to run, I would drive my car to the run site. More often than not, I would get out of my car and do a run, and it all started with me tying my shoes.
Similarly, you can create a 'writing trigger' with your timer and writing. A 'writing trigger' is a specific action or condition you associate with writing. After you start your timer, create another condition that makes you want to write. For example, you could light a scented candle, play a specific song, or sit in a particular chair. The more you repeat the timer and condition, the greater the chances you will follow through. You want to bind the tasks together and associate them with writing.
For example, when I'm writing my novel, I set a timer, put on my headphones, and play the soundtrack for Horizon Zero Dawn. The timer and subsequent actions prime me to write. If things get stale, I can always change the actions or conditions.
Explore some options to see what works for you. Combining those triggers with a timer can improve your discipline as a writer. Follow the advice of Nike's slogan, which says, "Just Do It."
Overcoming Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a personality trait that can be a pernicious trap. Why? Because perfectionists pursue flawlessness and the avoidance of mistakes. Those two things aren't inherently wrong, but in chasing perfection, they often set unrealistic standards, exhibit an excessive need for control, and have an all-or-nothing mindset. These elements can put a considerable strain on the writing process.
Overcoming perfectionism may require additional interventions, but the timer can still help. Because a timer constrains the process, a perfectionist is forced to contend with two competing interests. Their need for output and their need for controlling that output. Should they spend all their time fixing mistakes, or make mistakes and return later?
If you struggle with this, you're not alone. I struggled with perfectionism when I was younger, and it took a lot of work to overcome. Remember, no one expects your first, second, or third drafts to be perfect. Your goal should be to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page. You can worry about perfection later.
Conclusion
There are many strategies to improve your writing, but the most important is to start. The timer method is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you overcome writer's block and perfectionism. Give the timer method a try, and you might be amazed at how it empowers your writing and enables you to overcome self-doubt. At a minimum, it will increase your output.
Cited Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome
