At the best of times, professional writing is challenging. From managing strict or competing deadlines to overcoming the dreaded writer’s block, writing is often a pressure-fueled task that dares us to be immediately brilliant and error-free. It is in this realization that we’re faced with the fact that writing has the capacity to either stifle us or, if we learn how to leverage it, set us up for success.
While there are many instances where the urgency of a looming deadline can elicit stress and anxiety, there are coping strategies you can adopt to positively reframe how the pressure impacts your ability to deliver high-quality work, on time.
These five mindful steps will help you avoid succumbing to the pressures of writing and will, instead, transmute that tension into a motivational force that enables you to create and write effectively.
1. Apply The Concept Of Acceptance & Assume A “Writing Mindset”
Getting a handle on your perception of stress is the first step in making peace with the writing task at hand. A simple shift in our thought process helps us accept the reality of a given situation or circumstance, which, in turn, makes for less resistance, better problem-solving, and a higher chance of efficacy. In keeping with this, accepting that pressure is part and parcel of writing is an elementary yet important fact that should be embraced as opposed to averted.
Adopting the correct mindset is imperative if you are to successfully tackle the work. It’s therefore essential to approach the deliverable with a frame of mind that not only assumes you’ll push through any blocks to complete the task to a satisfactory level, but with an outlook that also supports your creativity, productivity, and persistence to meet your deadline. This is what is referred to as a “Writing Mindset”.
A Writing Mindset is not only applicable when the pressure’s on, however, it should also be implemented when gearing up for any writing assignment. Not only will this mind configuration spur your development as a writer, it will facilitate resilience and present an opportunity to enjoy your writing even more.
2. Prepare Your Workspace By Reducing Distractions
Do you have a relatively stress and disruption-free work environment? Preparing your workspace should be a prerequisite to completing a project under pressure. What this looks like may be different for everyone, as some of us like to work in complete silence, while others feel productive with background noise such as music or the hum of chatter in a coffee shop, for instance. There are considerations, however, that we can all take into account to limit the interruptions that can potentially take us away from our work. These include:
● Scheduling Focus Time in your calendar
● Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb
● Turning off computer notifications
● Going on a social media hiatus
● Closing unnecessary tabs in your browser
● Understanding that multitasking is a no-no
3. Schedule Your Time Effectively By Employing The Pomodoro Technique
This simple yet incredibly effective strategy dictates using a (tomato-shaped!) timer to help break your project up into digestible 25-minute chunks, with five-minute breaks in between to step away from your screen. These are the general timings suggested, though you can play around with it if you’re able to work for longer periods of time.
The Pomodoro Technique is popular because it is a time-management method that allows you to expend your energy wisely. It enables focused and streamlined work by breaking down seemingly overwhelming complexities into smaller tasks, while the frequent, but short, breaks help prevent mental fatigue.
4. Slow Down To Speed Up
When the pressure to write is viewed as a threat, it can heighten your sense of panic, and increase the propensity to impulsively jump into an assignment without taking the time to think about how to strategically and creatively execute it.
You can ease your anxiety through a range of short practices before starting your task. These suggestions may sound counterproductive, but they will serve to better your performance.
● Go for a short walk – Intermittent breaks are strongly encouraged, but if you get into the flow of things, be sure to get at least 15-20 minutes outside/away from your computer before starting the task to prep you mentally, and increase those feel-good endorphins.
● Practice deep breathing – If for whatever reason you’re unable to get outside, practicing controlled breathing techniques from your workspace is an alternative way to help you feel relaxed and centred. Focused breathing, abdominal breathing, and the “8-4-7” exercise are techniques you can try out.
● Employ mindfulness exercises – Being mindful at work means being consciously present in what you’re doing, and that can sometimes look like slowing down to briefly reflect. Doing so will increase your overall productivity.
5. Aim For High-Quality, Not Perfection
Seeking perfectionism is an irrational, stress-building behavioural trait, and getting rid of this unattainable desire will do wonders for your productive capacity, when writing.
Pursuing perfectionism kills creativity, but doing your best and aiming to produce high-quality writing is both healthy and realistic, and has the additional benefit of soothing unnecessary self-induced pressure.
The ability to detach yourself from perfectionism helps pave the way for more enjoyment when writing, and it’s a lot easier to find your stride with a project you’re having fun with!
If you’ve been buckling under the pressure of deadlines or writer’s block, try harnessing some or all of the techniques above to bring more mindfulness to your writing, and help alleviate debilitating pressure once and for all!