Tired of Not Getting Your Writing Done?

As writers, we all know the struggle of unfinished projects and elusive inspiration. Today, I want to share a system I’ve developed that has helped me overcome these challenges: The 6 Mix to FINISH.

If you’re having trouble completing your work, chances are you’re missing one or more of these elements.

Let’s dive into each one:

Fake out: Create Artificial Motivation
Have you ever noticed how a looming deadline suddenly makes you productive? This step is about tricking your brain into action, minus the stress of real deadlines.

You might put an open mic on your calendar, sign up for a workshop, or get a writing coach.

A fake out provides an answer to the question, “What would happen if I didn’t write today?” Because if the answer is “nothing,” guess what’s most likely going to happen… nothing.

For example, any time I give a talk, I schedule a friends and family version of the presentation a week before. That way, I can get all freaked out for that one, but I still have to prep, because I have an answer to “what would happen if I didn’t prep?” I’d look like a fool in front of people I respect.

Then I’m ahead of the game for the real thing!
Increment: Create Small Steps
While a huge project feels daunting, small steps can be scheduled, checked off, and celebrated.

These small victories will help you gain momentum.

Right now, I’m rewriting my novel: 80,000 words.

But, like a switchback on a trail, the only goal I look at each day is 500 words. On that schedule, I’ll be done by the end of the year. I don’t have to worry about a five-digit number. I have to worry consistently, each day, about a three-digit number.

If I fail, it’s easier to get back up the next day.

Plus, I get a daily happy dance rather than one big one at the end of the year. (Who has time for that kind of choreography?!)
Nix: Embracing Focus
Focus, in this attention economy? You’ve got to nix the little distractions, like notifications on your phone. But you’ve also got to nix the big distractions, like other projects you really want to do. This means simply prioritizing. Not yet is a kind of nixing.

This is the hardest thing ever for me. I have ADHD. But I’ve learned that I don’t just have to kill my darlings on the page. You have to kill (or at least tie up and gag until further notice) your darling projects.

You have to say a thousand no’s to get to the big Yes.
Immerse: Find Your Flow
You have to create the space to get lost in your writing. And that means prep before you sit down.

You have to start with your vision, create a plan that carves out a truly safe space, and only then will you be able to sink into your writing.

When life doesn’t go to plan, you have to learn to re-plan so you can gain your focus back.
Share: Create Community
The most potent and joyful “hack” for my writing career has been to create community. Building a support network has changed the way I see myself. We become like the people around us, building a culture of values. If a value you see expressed is dedication and grit, those will build in you.

I meet people through classes, open mics, readings, and workshops. When I don’t find them, I make them.
Hype: Get Those Vibes Up
Every morning, I wake up to write, and I feel fear. Isn’t that dumb? It is. But I didn’t make this brain. Poor lil buddy thinks we’re doomed. So I have to take the reins, and I say, “Hey, I know we don’t know how we’re going to end this chapter, but we’re in the space between not knowing and knowing. We’ll get there.” Then it’s like the cells in my body gulped some fizzy lifting drink.

Hype can be exercise, meditation, a talk with your friend, a reading session — whatever gets your mind right.