I republish this post every couple of years because, frankly, most writers can use a kick in the pants sometimes. This one, however, is painless. It’s motivating, and it will work to cement definable, positive writing goals.

I credit the exercise to author and writing coach Cheri Caddick!

First step:

Fold a piece of lined paper in half. On the left half, write a list of what stalls you when it comes to writing. For myself, I wrote:

1. Avoidance- I put off even getting started. 
2. I may get started, but end up distracted by Facebook or Twitter.
3. When a scene becomes difficult, I give up.
4. The hubris of the real world keeps me from concentrating.
5. I tell myself ten or fifteen minutes isn’t enough time, so why bother?
6. I’m afraid what I’m writing is crap.

Second step:

Open the paper and list a counter to each of your stalling points. My counters are:

1. Sit down every morning and write.
2. Temporarily shut off all social media so you have to focus.
3. Plow headfirst through the difficult scenes.
4. Tune everything else out for just the time you allotted yourself.
5. Take advantage of every bit of free time, even if it’s a half-hour.
6. Write for pleasure. Write for yourself.

Third step:

Write your counter statements out as positive goals. The hardest part can be writing this in all positive statements, but when you do, they have more power to motivate you:

I look forward to getting started on my writing. I will set a timer, even if it’s for a half-hour, so that I can ignore all distractions, and focus solely on my work-in-progress. Difficult scenes are a challenge that I can, and will, rise to. I’m excited about using my writing time as a time to tune out the busy-ness in my daily life. I’m excited to use this time to forget about the real world. I will take advantage of every moment. I will remind myself that I need only to write for myself. In fact, I love it when I write for myself. My writing time will be a gift I give myself.

How can anyone argue with that?

Do you think this will work for you? If you try it, I’d like to know how it worked for you!

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Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist.
Learn more about her multi-award winning novel, In the Context of Love.
Learn more about her picture book, Gordy and the Ghost Crab.
Learn more about her poetry chapbook, Security

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