Can't Be Arsed To Write?
Who needs responsibilities anyway?
Introduction
Picture this……I have been staring at this blank page (screen actually) for what feels like hours now. No, I just checked; it was one minute and thirty-seven seconds, but still, my brain is a mushy potato, and my fingers are doing that weird dance where they’re trying to type, but they’re really just arguing about who gets to be the main character in my next article.
I mean, who even cares about writing these days?
When you have TikTok, Netflix, YouTube (don’t get me started on that) and that new reality show about people who live in storage units.
Why waste time crafting eloquent sentences when you can just watch someone yell at their roommate about the dirty dishes?
And don’t even get me started on the pressure to be original. I’ve already used up all my good ideas on my shopping lists and captions for my cat’s Instagram post, which took a lot of my brain power.
What am I supposed to do? Should I write about the existential dread of being a small speck in a vast universe? I’m not that deep.
I created a YouTube channel to prove a point and got monetized.
In under one month.medium.com
So, yeah, I guess I’m just not feeling it today. Maybe I’ll go watch that storage unit show. Or take a nap. Or eat a whole bag of chips. Whatever. Just don’t expect me to write anything profound or insightful. Because, let’s be honest, who cares?
Still With me?
If you've made it this far, look in the mirror, pat yourself on the head, and rub that tummy ever so softly! You've made it to round two!
Sometimes, writing feels like pulling teeth. You stare at the blank page, your brain turns into a mushy potato, and your fingers refuse to cooperate.
Well, you are not alone in procrastinating because I do it, too!
There are ways to trick yourself into actually putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Bribe Yourself
Promise yourself a reward after you finish a certain amount of words. Think chocolate, Netflix, or a nap. Turn writing into a game. Set a timer and see how many words you can write in that time. Or, make it a competition with yourself from a previous day.
Create a Cozy Writing Environment
Search for a place where you feel comfortable and inspired. This could be a quiet corner of your home, a local coffee shop, or even a park. Make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable, like a good chair, a warm blanket, a pillow and mask, oh and your favourite beverage.
Funny Welsh Phrases and What They Mean
I love themmedium.com
Trick Your Brain
Work in short bursts of focused time (usually 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This can help you stay motivated and avoid burnout. Your brain is often freshest in the morning, so try writing as soon as you wake up, unless that is the 3 am trip to the toilet.
Find a Writing Buddy
Having someone to check in with can help you stay accountable and motivated. I don’t advise a toddler who keeps asking, “But why?”
Writing with a friend (not a toddler) can also be a great way to get inspired and share ideas.
Just Start
Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started, so put your phone down! Once you actually start and get into the flow, the words will come, I promise.
Don’t worry about making mistakes or writing something bad. You can always edit it later.
Remember, even the best writers struggle with motivation sometimes. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re not feeling inspired. Just find a way to trick yourself into writing, and before you know it, you’ll have a masterpiece on your hands.
I love the "just start" and "create a cozy writing environment." Both of these have helped me to be consistent with my writing and have given me a space to comeback to. I love writing on my patio, especially during the sunrises and the sunsets.