5 WAYS TO SABOTAGE YOUR CREATIVITY & PRODUCTIVITY

Pitfalls to be aware of that contribute to self-doubt and overwhelm throughout your writing and publishing journey. These are five of the biggest I’ve combated over the years.

So, you plan out your writing schedule for the week or month, and something inevitably comes up, challenging your determination to get words on the page. For instance, your schedule gets out of wack because the dog is sick, a family member shows up unexpected, or you have to work late all week and can't get your hours in to write.

It's always something, isn't it? And it doesn't get easier if you want to forge a career in writing. You have the every day upheavals, on top of some bigger picture items that many authors I've talked to struggle with, including myself.

Here are some pitfalls to be aware of that contribute to self-doubt and overwhelm throughout your writing and publishing journey. These are five of the biggest I’ve combated over the years.

1.Comparisonitis

It will hold you back, if you let it. Go into writing and authorship with the understanding that some creatives will write faster, better, or make more money than you, once they are published. Their stories might be effortless, and they may craft better dialogue. Whatever the comparison might be, focus on your end game - you and your book. What works for Barbara and David in the writing group, won’t necessarily work for you. Their life is different, their experiences and expertise - even their struggles are unique, just as yours are. Don’t let their success affect yours. It’s an active practice and it will be difficult at times, but it does you no good in your own journey. In fact, it can make it a whole lot harder for you. It’s taken me ten years to finally, truly, see that.

2. No Set Goals

If you’re serious about writing a book, publishing, or having a career as an author, set goals - both short and long term. Especially if it’s your first book and/or you’re new to the publishing world. Without goals, you’ll flounder in the waves of information overload you’re sure to face. Listening to all of the noise without focus can easily derail you from getting your books written and honing your craft.

3.  Shiny Objects

Don’t get distracted! This world is full of them, so navigating this minefield carefully is really difficult - difficult but imperative, especially if your goal is to make money.

4. Overcommitment

This is so easy to do, and it will only cause stress and a sense of failure. Create thoughtful, realistic goals and block out the rest of the noise until you meet them. Otherwise, the journey will be a bumpier one, and you risk not achieving your goals at all.

5. Impatience

Be kind to yourself. Everything about being an author/writer is a process, from the spark of an idea to selling your first copy when you’re finished. Set realistic, bite-sized goals so that you set yourself up for success!

Do any of these resonate with you? Let me know!

These pitfalls come and go as they please, and can really throw a wrench in your confidence and productivity. So, keep them in mind - maybe even reference the list once in a while to see if you've fallen into any of these traps. :) They're fixable, but they are pesky little buggers.