Leaving my home to go to another location. There is something about stating “I’m going there to write,” that makes me actually go there and write. I can’t show up to the coffee shop with my laptop and notebook and not write (or at least be productive to some capacity). The act of going to a second location solidifies my commitment to my work.
Coffee and a treat. It can be at a coffee shop or at home but setting the scene to write (or fueling a session that’s underway) can make that little difference.
The library. It’s quiet. There are art books, outlets and Wi-Fi. Distractions in the library are fun little side quests that almost always yield a little reward.
Creating a digital document called “BRAIN DUMP.” It is crucial that this doc is phone accessible. Late at night when thoughts come up but I don’t feel like picking up a pen or my laptop, I grab my phone and type up some of my fleeting thoughts so they don’t get lost.
Noise canceling headphones— because I need silence or at least brown noise to cover up ambient sounds or I cannot concentrate at all.
I hate to say it, but deadlines. The key is to figure out self-imposed deadlines that yield productivity instead of angst.
The correct frame of mind. You can yearn for the feeling of writing but not have the desire or bandwidth to physically sit yourself down and write. Writing requires you to really sit with yourself, shadows and all.
Time alone facilitates getting into the right frame of mind to write. My best time alone is when I thrive being in my own company and enjoy all of the little mundane parts of my day— preparing my meals, making my bed, drinking enough water, my skincare routine, etc. It levels up when I go for long walks, explore new neighborhoods and visit museums by myself. This time alone allows me to think and feel deeply whilst chasing my own curiosities.