TIME FOR RECESS: SUPERCHARGE YOUR WRITING CAREER BY TAKING TIME TO PLAY

PLAY IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS.  WE ALL NEED IT.  TAKING THE TIME TO PLAY REFRESHES CREATIVITY, REPLENISHES ENERGY, AND CAN GIVE A BIG BOOST FOR YOUR WRITING CAREER. 

Time for Recess: Supercharge Your Writing Career by Taking Time by Play 

By: Kel Amstutz
Monday, May 18, 2020

Ok... so... Let's begin with a little quiz...

Do you know who wrote this?

"Oh, it was heaven! Nothing like it. Nothing like that rushing through the water at what seemed to you a speed of about 200 miles an hour; all the way in from the far distant raft, until you arrived, gently slowing down, on the beach, and foundered among the soft flowing waves."

Any guesses? 

Any suggestions?

C'mon. This is for fun, after all...

Well... in 1922, a pioneer of surfing wrote this about the FUN and EXHILARATION of learning to surf.  Or ride the waves as the surfers say! 

I know you are probably wondering how in the world this is relevant... right?  Well... the plot thickens.... This surfer was a pioneer of writing, too... becoming the BEST-SELLING novelist and playwright.... whose very books and characters are still loved today. 

This writer also had a love for swimming, roller skating and dancing.

I will tell you exactly who this person is and HOW famous they are shortly. But, what is important now is this:  This person was a prolific writer in part because... they knew how to PLAY. 

How Does Taking Time to Play Help You As a Writer?

I know you are asking yourself this very question.  You see, play has so many benefits for writers. For all, really.  It's unfortunate that we tend to forget how important play really is, as we settle into the dreadful adulthood.  As you continue reading, you will discover how each benefit of play supercharges your writer's life... with so many positive effects.  

Creativity and Your "Triple F Factor"

 

I am a person who is really big on Creativity. I mean, creativity is VITAL for writers. It's like the BLOOD running through your veins. 

Anxiously waiting and hoping creativity will just show up  - when and if it feels like it  - is NOT an option for you... as a Writer.  You need it flowing constantly... ON DEMAND. 

When you realize the importance of play and you finally action on it, you can boost THREE (3) Vital Elements that you need as a writer...

• Creativity
• Imagination
• Problem-Solving Skills

I like to call this turbocharging your mind with the "Triple F Factor": Fuel your creativity, Free your imagination and Fix your problems. 

So, here is what happens to your writer's brain when you play... you have fun... you relax...

Free your Imagination

 

When you play, your mind feels free and safe.  Your inner critics, your analytical mind, your routine and your logic all take a much needed break. 

Your imagination wakes up, stretches and realizes that it has permission to fun wild and freely.  It's not at all worried about doing something wrong, because there is no one to censor your thoughts or ideas. 

Now, your mind finally has the opportunity to explore the unknown, imagine endless possibilities without any inhibitions and try new things.  And it's perfectly safe, because it's okay to fail. 

Fuel your Creativity

As your mind explores all of these new and exciting ideas, your creativity no longer hides behind a wall of fear and uncertainty. Guess what happens? Fresh ideas begin to tumble out. 

Fix your Problems

The nerve pathways in your brain start to relax and you are able to gather insights and make connections that your analytical brain would never even begin to think of.  Creative insights are easier to spot, and you can use them to solve complex problems or find innovative solutions in order to make your ideas work. 

The effect of play on your mind is like this...

 

Think of a route that you drive daily... maybe it's going to work or taking the kids to school.  Your focus is on getting to your destination in the quickest, easiest way.  You know the route so well, it's as if you are on autopilot.  You're practically asleep, charging down the course with blinkers on, and you don't even slow down or take note of what is what along the way. 


A play break let's your busy mind slow down and change gears. 

Now, instead of driving a pre-determined route, you find yourself in a beautiful forest where several paths meet.  You can wander down any of the paths before you and discover what is there. Because these paths are all new, your senses are heightened... you're much more observant of your immediate surroundings, taking them in and making sense of what is around you. You can go down one path... then take a new path and discover even more, completely different surroundings. 

 This is imagination... it allows you to dream up new possibilities. From there you use your creativity and problem-solving skills to find new paths, new solutions, new methods.  

Your success at work doesn't depend on the amount of time you work, but rather the quality of your work. 

 I know how tempting it is to think that the best way to cope with an ever-increasing work load is to work longer and harder.  But, without recreational time, it's more likely that your work will suffer.  You will deplete your creativity, become overwhelmed and exhausted, and eventually you will burn out. 

Play and recreation help you produce better quality work and they give you a greater satisfaction and enjoyment of your job. 

When your next project hits an obstacle, rather than working harder and becoming overwhelmed... or worse... stressed out... take a recess and have some light-hearted fun. You will replenish yourself and actually be able to tackle those problems with greater innovation and creativity. 

Mind, Body and Emotions All Feel Better

 

Play helps you reap health benefits in all areas. You will feel mentally, emotionally and physically better for having spent time having fun. 

One of the scary parts of being a freelance writer... or a Solopreneur is thinking about what happens if you get sick. When you are not working... work stops and so does your income. 

Working long and hard without a break depletes your health on all fronts. Your perseverance wanes, joy fades, and everything becomes a struggle. 

Play helps your health in these three (3) areas:

1. Mentally : Play improves your brain function by helping you stay sharp and keep your memory and thinking skills fine-tuned. Play will supercharge your learning, fuel fun and joy and when you try new things, these two (2) ingredients become catalysts to help you absorb knowledge naturally and easily.  Play relaxes and refreshes your mind. 
2. Emotionally: Play nurtures positive emotions as it relieves stress.  Play helps to ward off depression and anxiety- especially when you make time for fun with family and friends. 
3. Physically:  Play releases endorphins, or your body's feel-good hormones.  Endorphins help you relax and promote a sense of well-being and vitality.  Play increases your energy, boosts your immune system, and prevents burnout.

 

Play Enhances Human Connections

By sharing fun and playing with others it does more than just help you connect with them. It fosters understanding, empathy, and compassion. 

These are POWERFUL TOOLS for writers. As a copywriter, you need to master the understanding of your prospect, so that you can get "inside their shoes," empathize with your prospect, and experience life and problems as they do. 

When you do this, you write copy that speaks directly to your prospect, makes them feel like you understand them. and engages with them both mentally and emotionally.  

Having a playful nature around others also helps you loosen up when put in stressful situations.  So, the next time you are dreading that networking event, remember that a playful attitude will actually help you break the ice with strangers, make some new friends, and build new business relationships. 

What Defines Play for Adults?

Play is an important aspect of our lives, in both adolescents and adulthood.  Play is something that we do for our own sake. We do it voluntarily for the pleasure of it and we get a sense of engagement back from playing. Play itself is so much more important than the outcomes we receive.  
 
It boils down to  the simple fact that the activity you are engaging in doesn't have to have a point, beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. You need to focus on the experience and not on the goal. 

Play is all around us, all the time and comes in so many forms. The attitude you take with you can also determine how enjoyable and recreational the activity you participate in will be. You may be working, but you can choose to have a playful attitude. As you pay through your day, your playfulness will become contagious.  

Simple put... Play is finding amusement, joy, and wonder in everyday life. 

Words to live by, right!

So, are you ready to get serious about incorporating play into your schedule? 

If you have been neglecting this necessary activity in your daily life, these eight (8) tips will get your PLAYING again...

1. Change the way you think about play.  - It's not careless and frivolous. It has so many positive benefits for not only your career but your daily life that it is essential to your well-being as a Person and a Writer.
2. Set a goal to play more.  - Goals aren't ONLY for the serious things in our lives. The benefits of play are so significant, it is just as important to set a goal to play more if you've been neglecting it in your life.
3. Decide what FUN means to you. - Often, we get so caught up in adulting with all its commitments... and responsibilities that we forget what fun even is. If this is you, take some time and think about what you did as a kid that really excited you or gave you a good laugh.  Use these clues to find out how to recreate those activities today.  Play is a unique to you as your own personality, so there is not a "right answer" here. What is fun and recreational for me may be something that you absolutely hate. Because of this, the list of play activities is truly endless.
4. Put it in your Schedule. - When you were at school, remember when breaks, lunch and recess were scheduled into your day. Remember when you could not wait for the bell to ring so you could race to the playground?  Important activities like those meetings, deadlines and goals are put right into your schedule... so it's just as important to schedule time for play too. You can even use it as an incentive. Once you've completed a difficult task, you have the reward of looking forward to something fun just ahead.  It will help you curb your procrastination. Plus, you will be ready to take on the next task with revived creativity and energy. That's a huge plus! So, set aside some time daily, weekly and monthly for play.  Even short breaks give you great benefits. Longer breaks, like vacations (cause YES this is PLAY after all!), should have at least one (1) or two (2) weeks that are dedicated JUST to fun, playful activities.
5. Have a play date with someone special. -I mean when we were kids, finding out our parents had organized a play date with our bestie was so exciting. There is absolutely no reason why you can't do the same thing now.. and share the magic of play with someone else. 
6. Spend time with a playful person. -Refuel your soul by being with a person with a playful attitude, or having a playful activity makes play even more enjoyable. It rubs off on you in most cases, too. It helps you relax, improves your mood and makes your much more positive. 
7. Play with kids. -I mean if we could bottle all that playfulness.... right?  And energy.  Coloring, racing case, building with legos... even building forts with blankets - kids are the masters of play. They will remind you how to have fun, give you a different perspective on the world and show you how to be present in these playful moments. 
8. Turn off your devices and step away from the screen. -Having a short break to play a game of solitaire or build your Fort Night world is find... but screen time should NOT make up the bulk of your play activities.  As a writer, you spend a lot of time working on a device. To gain the real benefits of play and to rejuvenate yourself, it is better to enjoy activities where screens and tech are not involved.  

Play is not for kids and pet alone- we all need it, regardless of our age. It's not a frivolous activity you indulge in occasionally either... Taking the time to replenish yourself through play is one of the best ways to boost your career. 

It's truly an investment that you make in yourself and your writing business. Together, the benefits offer a substantial return on the investment. 

The Mystery Revealed...

So... who is our surfer and novelist who loved to play? 

You didn't forget did you?

Known as the "Queen of Mystery," she wrote mystery and romance novels and plays. 

She is one of the most famous and best-selling novelists of all time, and her works have sold over four billion copies. They have also been translated into more languages than any other individual writer. 

Yes... author envy here.


Dame Agatha Christie.  She was one of the first Britons to learn to surf and to do so standing up, which was one remarkable feat for Europeans at that time.  And of course, she was one of the earliest surfing correspondents, also. 

Your Turn...

Now, I want you to take a moment... step away from your computer and GO OUT THERE AND PLAY!!!! 

Come back and let me know what you did and how it helped you. 


I am going to ride our Four-Wheeler and let the wind rip through my face and hair. (It's a bit cold in Ohio today though... but if nothing else... it will be refreshing!)

6 (ALMOST) FOOLPROOF STRATEGIES FOR MEETING DEADLINES

MEETING DEADLINES IS A KEY PART OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.  IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH COMPLETING PROJECTS ON TIME, THESE SIX (6) STRATEGIES ARE SURE TO HELP YOU ON YOUR WAY!

6 (almost) Foolproof Strategies for Meeting Deadlines
By: Kel Amstutz
Monday, May 11, 2020



Sometimes I have to remind myself of a quote from a LEGEND of Productivity and Personal Leadership when I have a project with a deadline.  Napoleon Hill said, 

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."

  
I think of this quote anytime anyone says anything about a deadline... and my inner procrastinator's instinct starts to kick in to rebel or negotiate a later deadline... even before I begin on the said project.  

But... due in part to the fact that I watch entirely too much T.V. the filter between brain and mouth reminds me about deadlines attributed to Robert Herjavec, from ABC's Shark Tank.  He said, 

"A goal without a deadline is just a dream."

Two quotes... about dreams and deadlines... and the kind of do work together...

These words seem to shift me productivity into GO-MODE and remind me that while deadlines can be stressful (I mean, that does go without saying... right?), I can achieve a lot more with deadlines than without them. 

There is a reason why deadlines are IMPORTANT:

• Deadlines help our minds focus. Without them, it would be entirely too easy to lose track of time, give in to distractions and wander down the myriad of rabbit holds offered by the endless internet before us. 

Over the years, I have found six awesome strategies that have helped me keep on task and meet my deadlines...
  

STEP 1:  Set REALISTIC Deadlines

I know what you are thinking... really?  It seems too obvious. But, you would be surprised at how often people will set a deadline without thinking through how long it will really take for them to complete the project... and don't get me started on reviewing things that are already on the table to get done. 



It is well-documented that we (both individuals and groups) predictably underestimate the time necessary to complete projects when we are setting our deadlines. 

So... what do we do about this?

To combat this tendency, follow these steps:

1.  Consider past projects that are of a similar nature and scope.  How long did they take you?  The answer to this question will give you a general idea of what you can expect.
2. Break down the project into the logical steps that you will go through and assign a time to each of those steps. You will most likely come up with a time frame that is similar to what you did in step 1, but now you will have some milestones to keep you on track. 
3. Consider what you will need from others. Have you worked with these people before? How quickly do they usually deliver? Make sure that you are factoring in these small details into your timeline.
4. And finally, take the numbers you come up with and multiply them by at least two (2).  Do this for one of two reasons. First, unexpected things WILL come up. And second, it is very likely that your memory of past projects is not perfect, so this extra time will insulate you.

Going through these four steps will help you obtain a pretty accurate idea of how long a project should take you... but you still HAVE TO STAY ON TRACK!  

This brings me to my second strategy... 

STEP 2: Have a Written Plan to Meet your Deadline

If you start to think of coming to the end of a project like a journey... your very first step should be to pick your destination. 

This is the DEADLINE.

The next step is to plan you route. 

By designing your written plan, you get your brain thinking about the series of tasks that you need to take to complete the project and to ultimately meet your deadline.  Now, your brain secretly DOES NOT like to leave anything unfinished, so this step really gets your brain set on completing those tasks, even before you start to carry them out. 

In other words, writing out your project plan prepares your mind for the tasks required to complete it and meet the deadline.

Additionally, writing down your plan (and deadline) forces YOU to look at the specifics and to make concrete decisions on each of the steps necessary and know when you can tackle each of them. 

This strategy of having a written plan for completing a project is the  
SECRET SAUCE of meeting deadlines. 

I have taken a few coaching courses along my own journey and committing to the plans (or goals) in your writing is so very important.... because it:

• Motivates you.
• Forces YOU to filter other opportunities and obligations.
• Provides clarity.
• Forces you to see - and celebrate - progress.
• Helps you focus on the goal (rather than the push back). 

But, don't mistake PLANNING for DOING.  You need to QUICKLY move from the planning stages into actually working on your project(s).

This strategy is largely about PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY.  Having a set plan with internal deadlines WILL help you to AVOID the dreaded procrastination. 

That being said, it will also help you be accountable to the outside forces when you are working on a deadline.  Many times this is built-in, because the deadline is set by an editor, copy chief, or anyone who is higher up on the pay scale. But, being held accountable by someone else definitely keeps us on a deadlines... right?

So, moving on to the next strategy...

STEP 3: Share with Your Team

Accountability works way better when others are involved. I mean, most of the people that I know... if they are being honest... are NOT the best at holding themselves to a task...

But, most people I know do not like to look like they are scatterbrained... or a slacker... in front of people that they care about. 

When possible, tell other people about your deadline. And not just the BIG ONE at the end, but the significant milestones you hit along the way. 


Within your personal life, you could tell your partner/spouse, roommate or a close friend. Ask them to check in with you periodically to see how your project is going. Your desire to be able to answer them in a way that makes you look good will help keep you motivated and on task. 

Professionally, share those milestones that you have set with your client. And then, send them a weekly email to update them on your progress. Believe me, this one goes a long way... and after you have sent one "nothing to report" message, you will get back on task real quick!

What about Mastermind or Accountability groups?  I personally love this format, letting other like-minded people come together to lift one another up.  They are so great for holding your accountable. 

A really big aspect of accountability is building rewards and detriments...

If you hit a milestone, have a specific celebration in mind. It could be small- like an afternoon movie... or, when you complete a major project, it might be bigger.  A few of my bigger rewards have been buying an expensive item... or going out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. 

A quick example of a personal accountability stick - or a detriment- that I have set for not achieving a goal is donating a set amount of money to a local charity.  If you want to make this effective, donate to a political candidate... you will NEVER stop getting mail.  

However, the simple fact remains... the most IMPORTANT accountability and reward tool for meeting deadlines is...

Y O U .

If you don't set deadlines.... or take deadlines seriously... (and this is across the board... deadlines set by YOU... set by an editor... copy chief... or supervisor), then NO AMOUNT of internal or external accountability - or planning- will matter. 

To make that happen, you have to...

STEP 4: Do The Work.

Obviously... right.  But, as world-class procrastinators will attest, this is sometimes the hardest part. 

You can draw out a deadline and set an ideal deadline... you can design a perfectly written plan to meet that deadline... you can get the right resources and support... but, if you don't start the work, you are NOT going to meet the deadline.

Don't wait for tomorrow or next week.... Don't wait for later today... Nope... 

START NOW

Even though you are not going to finish today, you just need to START.

By "today," I mean whatever day you're given the project. You've set the deadline, designed your plan to achieve it, and even set up your accountability network...

So, DIG IN!  Start doing the actual project. Aim to complete at least your first small task. Your brain is tuned in to your project and its deadline.... so now is the perfect time.  

But... doing the WORK also means AVOIDING distractions during the time you have set aside to work on this project. 

I get it. Distractions happen.  The competition for your time and attention is fierce and it comes from MANY different sources.  You have to take a hard stance against them and maintain complete focus on the task at hand. 

So, close your browser... this will allow you to avoid internet surfing.... Close the office door so you have peace and quiet.  Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb," so you aren't tempted to answer texts or check in on your notifications. 

It's really that simple - but, putting it all into action might not be.  Focus can take practice, and the best time to start developing your ability to focus is RIGHT NOW.

Now, you might be wondering what else I could say.  These four strategies might be enough to meet your deadline... and sure, they might be.... BUT, I have found two additional strategies that are also very helpful...

STEP 5: Don't Add Extra Work to the Deadline

OK.... Projects and Requirements change... I totally get that. 

However, avoid adding to your work when you already have an assigned and defined project, especially if a negotiated deadline has already been established and set.  If your client needs you to do extra work, well, OK, but you will need to adjust the deadline. 

I always make it clear with the clients I am under a deadline with: 

• If the project requirements change - expanding - and those changes must be incorporated into the current project and its deadline - the deadline will require adjustment in order to account for the additional work. 

And... one final bonus strategy....

STEP 6: Don't Be Afraid to Ship in "Beta"

This strategy comes from the land of software development.  Software is built and tested internally with a development team, who try to test and grab all the bugs in the "alpha" phase of the project.

In regards to copywriting, I compare this to a first complete draft of a piece. You have worked  through the entire blog post, editorial article, e-newsletter, email series, landing page, video sales letter, or long-form sales letter.  You've outlined the entire piece, you have all the research compiled and organized, and you have a rough draft of all the necessary pieces laid out in the correct order.

Then... "beta" is the NEXT PHASE.

In the software development world, this means the software is complete and has all the features.  This is the version that companies often use in public demonstrations, and sometimes it's released to a limited group for real-world testing. It's complete, but ... it's likely to still have some bugs. 

In copywriting, this means you have ensured all the major components of this piece of copy or content are present... you have given it the once over and ensured that style and voice are used correctly.  It has survived your internal process of beating it up. 

Your next step is to get some further input. And, it does not have to be "perfect" to take this next step. That need for perfection is where so many writers get HUNG UP. 

I have no idea who said it first, but I have heard the saying "Done is better than perfect." 

This is a hard one to swallow, especially for me... O.C.D. and all. 

But, getting it out the door by the deadline is better than perfect. 

If you don't get the project done on time, you are risking so much... missed opportunities... even missing the opportunity to make the copy better. 

Let me explain this a little further...
 
You can do personal review and tweak your work ... forever... and you still might never get it "just right".  Why?  Well, you need editor feedback to make it better.

See... we need people who AREN'T US, who don't have our set of assumptions, who don't have our worldviews, who don't have our bias towards the copy or content.... to actually review it and give us a sense of what's working... and what isn't.  

You can not be a proofreader and editor at the same time. These are just simple facts.

Remember, as a copywriter or a content developer, you are responsible for RESULTS.  You can NOT be afraid to put yourself on the hook. You can deliver. You need to deliver. 

Embrace your deadlines; they are not your enemy... I swear. 

Instead... they are really the BEST FRIEND a writer can have. Deadlines create a sense of urgency within us. They make sure that we FINISH what we start and that we continue to move forward and grow... and... drum-roll please.... because this is the KICKER.. 

They ultimately help us build the life we want... The Writer's Life.... 






Don't take my word for it. Use these six strategies for yourself. Don't forge to share your experiences or tips that work for you in your journey.  We love feedback! 

HOW TO BEAT WRITER'S BLOCK WHEN YOU JUST DON'T FEEL LIKE WRITING

THESE FOUR (4) STRATEGIES TO BEAT WRITER'S BLOCK HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR OTHER WRITERS. GIVE THEM A TRY AND LEARN TO WRITE EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL MOTIVATED.

From The New York Times

 

How to Beat Writer's Block Even When You Don't Feel Like Writing

by: Kel Amstutz
March 24, 2020

All writers face writer's block at some point or another. It's a THING.  A fact of life. As professional writers we have to know how to get past it and... write anyways... even when we don't feel like doing it. 

It's like there is a piece of cake sitting on the table in front of us. It's not like most cake... Nope, it's delicious, decadent, moist and rich.  Someone slipped it into the microwave just a few seconds ago, so the scent of the warm chocolate is drifting over to wrap you up in it. The whipped buttercream frosting adds just the perfect crowning glory. 

(Feel free to imagine your own favorite indulgence... I mean, if chocolate cake isn't your thing.)

This piece of chocolate cake is a feast to your eyes, and you can almost taste it hitting your tongue in an explosion of chocolate goodness and let's be real... joy.

But... there is a barrier between you and the chocolate cake. You can see the cake just fine. You can even smell it. But... you can not quite reach it. 

If you want the cake bad enough.... you will figure out a way to get past this invisible barrier that is keeping you from it. 

Well.. the same is true for getting past writer's block.

Four Strategies To Get Past the Barrier

Here are four (4) strategies that have helped me... and other writers I know... get past the invisible barrier... and help get us to our figurative chocolate cake.

STRATEGY 1 - WARM UP

There have been way too many Saturday mornings that my pre-teen has grumbled and resisted getting up early for a family event... or to run an errand. She would much rather sleep in on her sacred weekend. But, she pulls herself up and out of bed, gets herself ready... and we get moving on out the door. (You know... before COVID-19 and all!)

Once she gets moving, the resistance fades away, and she becomes more human and less zombie. 

The same can be said for Singers who warm up their vocal chords by singing scales. Runners warm up by stretching, getting their blood moving.

Well... Writers warm up... by writing!

So... write a headline or a title. You can always change it later. You are by no means stuck to keeping it the same in the draft phase of your writing.

Write out random ideas as they present themselves to you. You can go through and soft them out later - and choose if you want to keep them or simply delete them.

The things is to get your fingers moving. This activity will jump-start your brain. And, your writer's block will simply dissolve.

STRATEGY 2 - START WITH THE END IN MIND

If I am just not sure of my lead or how I want to get started... I work on the rest of the piece. Of course, this doesn't work for short copy pieces like PPC ads and some of the product descriptions. But, for mid- to long- form copy, this is an excellent strategy to get past writer's block.

Write bullets. Write subheads and section heads. Write sidebar copy, if your piece will have sidebars. Write the stories you will use to illustrate your ideas.

The action of working on the project puts your brain into gear. For me, skipping the beginning and working on the rest of the piece allows the idea for the beginning to just come to me. Once I am in the flow of my writing, other ideas begin to flow, too.

STRATEGY 3 - REMEMBER WHY YOU'RE WRITING

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Beatles legends, are famous (at least among us writers) as saying, "Let's write a swimming pool" before sitting down to write a new song. They were setting an intention to earn enough money from writing the song that they could put a swimming pool in their backyard... or whatever else they wanted to buy or do with the money earned from the song they wrote.

If you are a professional writer - or someone is paying you to write - this applies to you, too.

Are you writing a college education for your kids? Are you writing a new car? A vacation? Food on the table? Your way out of debt? 

Whatever it is that you are writing for, be clear on your WHY that is behind your choice to write for money. Then, remind yourself that your WHY is bigger than the distractions that you're using to not write. It is bigger than your writer's block!

STRATEGY 4 - GO FOR THE DISTRACTION

I can hear you... right now you are saying, "What? Go for the distraction? I thought my why is supposed to be bigger than the distractions!"

Well, when you are having a hard time getting started on a project, it is!

But, when you hit writer's block after you have been working on a project for several hours, it may be a  sign that you simply need to take a break. That is the scenario I am addressing here.

Sometimes writer's block is a sign of mental exhaustion. Your brain is telling you it needs a break.

In this situation, get up, take a walk... or do some yoga... or clean off your desk... or do some laundry.... or load the dishwasher... or sit in the sun and mediate. All these things could be extremely helpful in helping you find your center again.

Try creating the invoice you are going to give your client with the finished project. Or pay some bills. These distractions have the added benefit of also reminding you of your why.

These "distractions" can give your brain a needed rest and let you return to writing feeling recharged and ready to go once again.

Just be mindful that the distraction is a solution only when you really are in need of a mental break... not when you are avoiding getting started in the first place.

WHICH STRATEGY IS BEST TO GET PAST WRITER'S BLOCK?

I have used each of these strategies to get past my own writer's block. They all work. Which one you choose at any given time depends on what is causing our block.

For example, you would not choose the warm-up strategy if you have hit writer's block AFTER you were writing for a few hours. In this situation, you probably just need a break... go for the distraction, like a walk. 

If you are having trouble getting started, you would want to try the warm-up strategy or the start-with-the end-in-mind strategy.

The strategy of remembering your why is helpful whenever you are feeling unmotivated or when you are tempted to keep scrolling through your Facebook or Instagram instead of getting down to work. 

I would love to hear how YOU get past your writer's block and get writing, even when you just don't feel like it. 

Leave a comment below and share your best strategies!!!

IS THIS MISSING FROM YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?

DO YOU INCLUDE A DAILY FAST WRITE AS PART OF YOUR ROUTINE? IF NOT, YOU MIGHT BE MISSING OUT ON SOME BIG WRITING AND BUSINESS BENEFITS. SEE WHAT THEY ARE...

 

Is this Missing From Your Daily Routine?

by: Kel Amstutz
Friday, March 13, 2020

WRITE EVERY DAY. 

How many times have you heard that very advice?

It's important. The more you write, the quicker you will hone in on your skills and improve what you do. And, the better writer that you are, the easier it is to earn the income you want.

When you are new to the game, to make your daily writing habit stick, it is best to put it on your calendar and treat it like a client meeting.

Once you have clients... and projects... and deadlines... writing every day is not a habit. It's a necessity.

If you want to make your clients happy and delivery good work on time, it takes a daily commitment (or, at least, that's always been my experience). So, the writing-every-day advice.. well, it gets heeded without your even thinking about it.

But, whether you are new to writing or you have been at this for a while and you're earning a solid living, there's a type of writing you can do EVERY DAY that will clarify your thinking, uncover new ideas, provide lots of fluff for your own content and marketing materials, and... and improve your writing skill and speed.

This sounds pretty freaking amazing, right?

It's also super simple. Anyone can do it. It doesn't matter what you skills or experience level is... you will get great things out of the exercise.

I know what you are thinking... enough already. What is this simple, powerful writing technique you are teasing me with?

IT'S FAST WRITING.

WHAT THE HECK IS FAST WRITING?

Well, it's not some ground-breaking thing. You probably ALREADY do it from time to time.

You just sit down at your computer - or, if you want to stay old-school, you can use pen and paper. Then you set a timer for 15-minutes. And... you write nonstop and without censoring yourself until that timer runs out.

Hey, I said it was simple. But, it's not as easy as it sounds.

Writing nonstop is hard. You have to LET GO of any notion of being perfect in what you write/type on that page. And, writing nonstop without censoring is even harder, because we want to fix everything we recognize as not being correct... and, we want to fix it RIGHT NOW. (you know it's true!)

By doing a fast write EVERY DAY, either before you begin your work or at the end of the day before you wrap up, you will train yourself to get out of your own way when you are writing.

That alone is reason enough to set aside 15 minutes a day.

When you learn to write without editing as you go, you'll see a big jump in your productivity.

You will also notice yourself starting to have better ideas. That is because the writing process uses the creative side of your brain, and the editing process uses the analytical side of your brain.

If you keep shifting OUT of writing mode into editing mode every two or three minutes, you never really let your creative juices flow freely. You are denying yourself full access to your amazing creative zone.  And that means, even if you do good work, you won't be doing your best work.

But, when you give yourself more time in your creative zone, your writing ideas start to get more interesting, fresher, and more original.

Writing this way has another benefit, too...

It's fun!

As humans, we pretty much live for two things... (okay, there are probably a few more, but there are two for certain.)  We live for connections with others and experiencing the creative flow state of mind... or that mental state where time doesn't seem to exist, you are completely unself-conscious, and everything just seems RIGHT.

The Flow State of Mind can happen in ALL sorts of activities... from hosting dinner parties to playing music or taking a walk in nature.  And of course, writing...

Allowing yourself to write without editing, as the 15-minute fast write trains you to do, will give you readier access to your creative flow state.

But, the benefits of this exercise do not stop there.

CLARIFY YOUR THOUGHTS, AND EVERYTHING GETS EASIER

You can use your fast write time to gain clarity on anything that's giving you trouble or that you're having a hard time expressing.

You know how sometimes you have an idea, but when you try to share it with other people, you have a hard time conveying the weight or importance or beauty of it.  It's a frustrating feeling.

It's so obvious to you that what you're trying to explain can be transformative. But, you just can't make the other people see it.  What's worse is you know it's a weakness in your own communication that's making it so hard to share it in the impactful way you mean to.

When you find yourself in that situation, at the beginning of your daily fast write, think about that problem, topic, or idea for a minute or two.

And then, start your fast write.

Because of the fluid nature of the fast write and because you aren't allowed to stop writing and think about what you're trying to say... you'll find that sometimes your thoughts begin to organize themselves in unexpected ways.

By the end of the session, you may just have the answer you have been looking for... the perfect expression of a big and important idea.

SAY GOOD-BYE TO WRITER'S BLOCK

When you fast write like this every day, another fun things starts to happen. Writing just gets easier. You are so versed in the experience of sitting down in front of a blank page and filling it, that when you sit down to work on a project the words just start coming.

Is it going to be ground-breaking work every time? Of course not.

But almost every time, it will be work that moves you forward, which means you will have an easier time staying in front of your deadlines and you might even find that you start completing some work ahead of schedule. How cool will that be!

FILL YOUR EDITORIAL CALENDAR

The fast write is also a great tool for coming up with ideas for your blog, your marketing materials, or your client's blog or email newsletter.

A blog is a big commitment.  Your readers expect to hear from you on a regular basis, right guys!

That can be daunting. What if you run out of things to say>

The 15-minute fast write can put an end to all that worry. Make one or two of your sessions each week about generating ideas based on recent experiences, conversations, or things you have read recently.

With that in mind, begin your fast write and just start listing ideas... nonstop, of course.

You will be surprised at how many ideas you are able to list off in a 15 minute period, when you put this kind of pressure and constriction on yourself. And, you will be even more surprised by how many of the ideas are useful and fresh. They won't all be, and that is ok. But, if you come away from each fast write session with even just five workable ideas, things will start to accumulate!

Within a few short weeks, you will have a running list of interesting and useful ideas for your calendar... or perhaps for your client's.

Writing every day is a great habit to get into. But, once you are writing every day for clients, make sure you are still spending time each day writing for YOU.

By doing a 15-minute fast write, you will tick that checkbox... and you will come up with more high-quality ideas... and you will improve your writing speed and skill. This is totally worth the short time commitment.

Give it a go for one short week and see what you think. Then... share your experience in the comments below.

MORE CLARITY AND MEANING THROUGH STILLNESS

IN OUR MEDIA-RICH, OVER-STIMULATING SOCIETY, IT'S HARD NOT TO BE EXHAUSTED. THE PRACTICE OF STILLNESS CAN BRING MORE MEANING AND FOCUS TO YOUR WRITER'S LIFE. 

MORE CLARITY AND MEANING THROUGH STILLNESS

By: Kel Amstutz
Friday, March 13, 2020

We live in a world that is noisier and busier than ever, right now.  Social media, a nearly constant stream of notifications from our phones... the 24-hour news cycle (which right now is all about COVID-19), instant access to everyone through text messaging and messenger apps. 

Recent studies are showing that, on average, Americans check their phones every 12 minutes (that is nearly 100 times per day!), and we are spending more than three hours each day staring at those tiny screens...

This sounds crazy, right?  But, it's facts people. I have triple check those numbers, which are growing daily.

So, what does this mean? 

Well, it means that it is harder than it has ever been to turn off your mind and just be still... be quiet. 

But, without that much needed down time, it is absolutely impossible for you to be at your very best.

If you find yourself longing for a more peaceful and meaningful life... it you have a desire to unlock your maximum potential, but you just can't seem to figure out how to get to where you want to be... the answer might lie in that stillness. 

In our media-rich, always-on, over-stimulated, over-scheduled, often-lonely society, it's harder than ever not to be exhausted - emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally.  And, doing those great things you want to do... you feel like you need to do... well, there rare when you are just down right exhausted! 

So... What can you do about it?

A few year ago, I discovered a disciplined practice, in one form or another, derived from all the greatest, wisest creatives, thinkers, and religious philosophers in our history - from the Stoics to the Buddhists, from Confucianism to Christianity. 

It's an ancient art... of slowing things down and quieting the mind, so you can be still... and, in that stillness, "see" clearly...

Stillness is the practice of simply being. 

The idea is rather simple, but it takes great discipline to achieve it.

I have found that the practice of Stillness come from routine and rituals.  To dig deeper, you must fight temptations... and strengthen your soul from such temptations.  This is the key to being about to be better at whatever and anything you do.

Think about it. Too often being still is confused with being idle or ambivalent. But, I've found that  being still is actually a key skill on the path of self-mastery, discipline, and focus. Being still helps you stay on the path. 

Stillness is what fuels creativity and inspires new and fresh ideas.  It is the foundation for becoming the master of one's own life.  Stillness makes space for presence and gratitude.  It allows you to succeed at your main thing. It is... the key. 

The key to being better... a better writer... a better human... a better parent... a better artist and helps unlock your full, true potential. 

 

I am a little hesitate to "tell" you how to practice Stillness.  It is something that I am still learning. It is the practice of just be yourself.  But, perhaps that is the value I can bring to you... as someone on the same journey of learning to find Stillness, to find the focus to be present... to find clarity. 

The techniques that I have found and use to practice my 20 minutes of Stillness each day come from tips and tricks I have read about, even blogged about previously in my posts. They are to: 

• Set a Time Each Day. Schedule this time. I put my Stillness time on my calendar as an appointment to ensure that nothing else can invade that time slot.  My time for Stillness is previous to me, it is a time that I schedule before I go to sleep at night, to quiet my soul and set my intentions, finding my clarity to ensure that I am able to keep the main thing... the main thing. 

I end my day with my Stillness, after I have completed my habits... my journaling, my creative writing... my stretching. 

I very briefly quiet my mind and find a few moments of Stillness before I lay my head on my pillow.  Then, I am able to end my day with peace.  

• Find a Place to Connect Your Mind, Body, and Spirit.  To be truly still, you must be physically still, your mind must be quiet, and you must feel at ease with yourself and the world.

For me, that is the easiest to achieve when I am getting ready for bed. I simply get comfortable. I connect with my surroundings by using my Himalayan salt lamp, my calm oil simmering, surrounded by nothing but quiet. This allows my mind to become quiet just before I end my day. This has the wonderful effect of connecting my energy with the energy of the sleep that I am about to embark upon. This is my quiet spot that has the right vibe that I am seeking. The main thing for me is to be in a place where I am not interrupted. 

For your Stillness practice, you just need to find a spot where you won't be interrupted, at a time when you can really focus and connect with yourself. 

• Set a Time. At this point, some advocate setting aside 15 minutes a day. Early in my practice, I didn't have an extra 15 minutes, especially when my kids were younger.  I started with just five minute stretches. That was enough to get me in my zone. Now a-days, I have some extra free time before I go to sleep, with my girls being a bit older and less needy and I can be still for 20 minutes. That is a good fit for me at this point in my life, but what is right for you will undoubtedly be different. 

One factor to keep in mind... it is surprising how the perception of this time can change from day to day. Some days 20 minutes seems like forever, but on other days, it goes by almost too quickly. 

I set a time to make sure I spend the intended amount of time in Stillness... and to make sure I don't get lost in being still and end up missing my bedtime altogether. 

• Relax Your Body. As I noted above, I prefer to sit in my bedroom, closing my eyes, I have even incorporated crystals to help myself have a physical connect to Earth.  You might prefer to sit in nature, or in a soft, comfortable chair with your eyes closed. To each their own.  The most important thing is to be in a place where you can truly relax. 

Relax your body deliberately.  Pay attention to your muscle tension and it's release.  Then, become physically and mentally quiet.  If being still is difficult at first, try to engage in any mindless physical activity, like rocking in a chair or watching something in its natural motion- like a fire or perhaps running water. 

To assist with the physical relaxation and mental quiet, I have used a recording of the ocean.  Listening to the natural sounds has helped to aid in finding mental Stillness in me.  Try falling rain, a thunderstorm... whatever helps you attain a state of relaxation. 

• Quiet Your Mind.  This will likely be the biggest of your challenges.  It was for me. It is very common for me to achieve a moment of mental Stillness and then I have some random thought (or several...) and get off track.  Don't worry about it when this happens.  Just recognize it and then return to your Stillness.  The more that you practice... the longer you will be able to hold your mind in a place of Stillness.
• Be Present.  I don't mean just physically present. When I say, "Be Present," I mean be aware, mindful, in the moment.  Don't think about the past regrets you might have. Don't think about your hopes and dreams in the future. Instead, collect your thoughts and be present - in the current moment. It is the most important time that you have. In fact, it is the only time you have.
• Learn to Focus You Mind and Feel the Moments (to Return).  This might be the most helpful component of being still.  What I am talking about here is learning to recall a "place or time of peace." To recall a mental picture of experience where you achieved a particularly vivid experience of peace and stillness.

For me, I go back to the time I spent lying on the beach in Oahu and being in a perfect state of Stillness as the sun beat down on me, warming my soul and the sound of the ocean surrounded my whole being.  

These profound moments give you a way to bring peace and calm forward, during your Stillness practice, or at any time you need to, really.

I resisted Stillness for the longest time, sticking to my belief that being Still was just a waste of time.  I was so wrong. 

The busier, noisier, more hectic my life became, the most I realized how important it is that you make the time to just be still.  It will help you rest better. It will help you stave off that dreadful burnout. It will help you focus on the things you want to achieve and help you put your best effort into whatever you are doing at any given moment. 

Even if you can only start off with five minutes a day - DO IT! 

You will soon see the difference it will make on your life and you will be so glad that you did.

With a Stillness practice, it will not matter how tough yesterday was, or how difficult today is looking to be. When you are at peace, full peace with yourself, you will find focus, clarity, and the meaning behind the tasks before you. And, everything you do will be that much easier, that much better, that much more joyful... because of it!

HOW TO BUILD A NEW HABIT... AND MAKE IT STICK... FOR GOOD!

GOOD HABITS CAN HELP YOU BE MORE PRODUCTIVE, BUT HOW DO YOU BUILD A NEW HABIT AND MAKE IT STICK? USE THESE FOUR (4) TRICKS TO HELP YOU BUILD LONG-TERM HABITS!

How to Build a New Habit ... and Make It Stick... for Good! 

By: Kel Amstutz
Wednesday, March 11, 2020

I have tried... time and time again... building a lot of new and different habits over the years.  Good habits, obviously.  Habits that I had hoped would help me strengthen my business, improve my health, and enjoy a more rewarding day-to-day experience.

A few of those daily habits I have worked on to develop and expand include:

• Stretching
• Creative writing
• Taking walks after dinner
• Writing poetry
• Keeping up with the house work
• Blogging
• Networking
• Journaling
• Crafting

I could probably double that list if I have it some more thought.

Some of these habits have stuck.  And, let's be honest... some haven't.


One of the most obvious reasons they haven't all stuck is that there are too many of them.  I have about five hours of daily habits listed there. Add in a four- to six- hour work day and then time to eat, and... well.. you can see that things start to get pretty crowded.

But it's interesting to see which habits have stuck and how long they have stuck around for.

For example. I've kept a daily journal for a full month - multiple times - and I enjoy doing it when I am in the zone... but not enough to stick with it indefinitely. Journaling, for me, is a short-term experiment that I engage in periodically, usually when life has got me down, more so than taking it on as a full-fledged habit.

I also spend a half-an-hour stretching each and every morning... and I have been doing that every day for about two years now. (We won't say it's because I am getting old and my bones need adjusting in the morning! LOL)

Writing poetry has always been a passion of mine and when I think about writing a poem a day... well, it sounds great, but have I ever been able to do this... sadly, no. 

However, I do try to creatively write every day for at least 45 minutes to an hour. I'm not quite as reliable with this as I am with stretching... but I do okay.

So, what makes a habit stick?

Having tried on a variety of habits for size with different degrees of success, I have a pretty good idea or assumption of why some habits take... and others just don't.

THEY MUST HAVE A COMPELLING PURPOSE AND AN OBVIOUS BENEFIT

If you want to turn something into a long-term habit, you need to have a compelling purpose behind WHY you're doing it. And because someone recommended it in their blog... well, it just doesn't cut it.

It does help to have a handle on what compels your purpose before you actually decide to implement a habit, but it isn't a requirement.  Sometimes the compelling purpose becomes clear after you have done something for a while.

That is how stretching has been for me. I didn't set out to make a habit out of stretching daily. Instead I fell and the result of being hurt, the stretching was ordered by the doctor to ease the aches and pains, and turned into a daily habit to keep those aches and pains at bay. Beyond that, my morning stretches started to help me feel more alert... helped me feel like I was starting my day off with a little more pep in my step... and I just really liked it.

And then, the kicker.  For a week, I decided I could use that block of time for getting things done around the house before getting kids up for school and running out the door to work. So I started to skip my morning stretches.  In no time at all, I was tired, cranky and not to mention so sore I could barely move.  I immediately went back to my morning stretches and once again found myself in a better mood... and with a happier body. 

That was my compelling purpose.  Stretching is a habit that has stuck, because I feel better and work better when I do it.

Journaling, on the other hand, is something that I just simply enjoy.  But, unlike many people who find journaling to be life-changing in a positive way... I really can't say that I notice that much of a difference when I journal versus when I don't.  My purpose behind journaling (when I sit down and do it) is usually that I read something recently about how amazing it is for creativity and mental health.  So I do it for a bit, and it's all fine... but there's not enough impact in it for me to form a compelling purpose.

So, when you start out to build a new habit, think about your purpose behind why you are doing it.

Ask yourself:

•  What benefit do you hope to gain? 

Then pay attention to whether or not it's fulfilling that intended purpose and delivering the desired benefit.

If it is and you recognize that it is, keeping it as a habit will become easy.  If it's not - and you have honestly given it time to deliver - then consider dropping it to make room for a different habit that may have a better result.

THE COST OF NOT DOING IT

A clear purpose and an obvious benefit will go a long way towards helping you stick to your new habit.

But what really cements it is the cost of not doing it.

A habit that is going to stick has a definite, noticeable impact when you don't do it.

For me, creative writing is like that.  If I don't make time to write creatively almost daily, my self-esteem takes a direct hit - I like myself better when I am diving into my writing as opposed to when I am not writing.  My creativity slips.  And I feel out of sorts. I don't get depressed... or sad.  I just feel like something if off.

But, when I'm writing every day - or even every other day - my work goes so much better, I get into the flow of my projects easier, I come up with ideas faster, I feel more energetic, and comfortable in my own skin. 

The cost of not writing is high. And it doesn't take long for me to notice when I am neglecting that habit.

On the other hand, another creative outlet - crafting, or mostly painting - just doesn't have quite the same effect on me.  I enjoy crafting, and I never regret having made time to do it. But, if I don't make the time for it... well, I don't feel any kind of negative impact.  So it doesn't stick as a habit in the same way daily writing does for me. 

MAKING THE TIME

So far, we have been talking about what makes a habit.... STICK.

But even if everything is in place for a new behavior to become a habit, you still need to get it to the point of being an actual habit.

I've found a few things that make the biggest difference when it comes to giving a new habit the best chance of sticking.  The first is to be realistic about the time commitment.

Maybe the new habit you're looking at forming will only take 10 minutes out of your morning.  That doesn't sound like a big deal. But if your mornings are already rushed, how likely are you to find that extra ten minutes?

This could mean that you will have to wake up even earlier... or cut out some of your other morning activities... or delegate something to someone else.  Is that something you'll be able to do and stick with?

If you can't clearly see how to make time for a new habit, chances are you won't stay with it long enough to realize the obvious benefit and feel the cost of not doing it.

USING EFFECTIVE TRIGGERS

Besides having enough time to dedicate to your new habit, the next obstacle is remembering to do what you want to do when you want to do it.

How many times have you decided to make something a habit, only to get to the end of the day and realize as you're falling asleep that... well... you forgot all about it, let alone doing it?

Setting a reminder on your Smartphone is one way around this, and it works really well for some people. For me... well, let's just say that I am really good at ignoring reminders on my phone!

What has worked well for me is connecting my desired new habit with an event to help me remember.  So, for stretching, my connection is breakfast. Right after breakfast, I transition into my morning stretches.  For creative writing, my connection is the end of my work day. After I complete all my work for the day, I sit down with my computer, or tablet, or sometimes even my notebook and I write.  For going for a walk, I connect this with when dinner is over.


Once you set these internal reminders up, you will have to be deliberate about it the first few times. But after a week or two, your brain will start to automatically transition into your new habit before you even realize what you're doing.

I have found that these habits are now ingrained in my subconscious.

Developing positive habits can have a huge impact on your business, your health, and your overall outlook on life.  When you choose the right habits - the ones that have a clear purpose and an obvious benefit - and then make the time to do them and tie them to a trigger, you will set yourself up for success.

What about you?

What strategies do you use to develop positive habits and make them stick?

I would love to hear more about it in the comments below!