How to Sit Down and Get Shit Done

January 28, 2015

Tips on how to beat writer’s block, get back to work, maintain focus, regain productivity, come up with new ideas and get shit done.

Nothing is worse than fighting a bout of writer’s block. Before the holidays, I was on fire scheduling posts and writing down ideas. I had some decent opportunities to make spending money through blogging, which led to my ultimate decision to make blogging a full-time gig. Then writer’s block hit me like a ton of bricks.

Although I continued to post on every single one of my scheduled days, I felt like I was struggling to come up with ideas. And what ever ideas I came up with, I felt like they weren’t my best. I haven’t had many sponsored posts come my way this month to fill the gaps between my lack of personal posts. A couple weeks ago, I felt it take an emotional and slightly physical toll on me.

For some bloggers, writing is a hobby. For me, it’s now a job whether or not I get paid. There’s nothing more in the world I want to do right now than this – writing my words down and hoping that they inspire someone in some way. So when I can’t do my job to the best of my ability, I get down on myself. I felt beat. I felt like I was failing at a major decision I recently made for myself.

I spent a full week feeling like a complete disappointment. I forced myself into working or did nothing at all. My husband picked up some of the slack around the house when I neglected to do the dishes or make the bed. If I couldn’t work, I didn’t want to do anything else.

The weekend came and went and I decided that, no matter what, on Monday I was going to resume working. Sunday night, I slept better than I had in a long time. I woke up refreshed and focused and ready to get back into it. In order to maintain focus, I made sure there were zero distractions to break my concentration.

GET DRESSED

When you work from home, it’s easy to be tempted into staying in your pajamas all day. Don’t. Get dressed just as if you were going to work in a professional office.

CLEAN AND DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

Nothing distracts me more than a cluttered area or even knowing that a mess is in another room. Before you sit down, make sure to clean up so you’re not thinking about the dishes in the sink or the laundry that needs to be folded while you’re working.

GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

When I’m writing, I always keep a notebook nearby for additional ideas that may come to mind. You’ll find a pen or two around, my planner that I use to schedule posts and maybe a to-do list that I’m working on. I also keep my camera close for photo opps.

GO TO THE BATHROOM

Just like I hate waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, I also hate when it breaks my concentration while I’m in the middle of a post.

GRAB A DRINK AND A SNACK

You never know how long you’ll be working and when I’m working feverishly, I sometimes forget to eat. Eating keeps you fueled so make sure you have a snack handy and a drink to keep you hydrated.

TURN YOUR TV, MUSIC AND PHONE OFF

I usually have the TV on as background noise unless I’m solely concentrated on work. Then it gets shut off. The same goes with music. My phone – the biggest distraction of all – gets turned on silent mode. Unless it’s an emergency, texts and calls can wait.

Following these rules has allowed me to get back to work, maintain clear focus, regain productivity and come up with new ideas (which I’m so grateful for!).