3 Writing Hang Ups to Give Up Now

 

If you write, you know how easy it is get off track. Today I'll be discussing 3 writing hang up's that you need to give up right NOW to meet your goals. 

1. You have to be inspired. You hear it all the time, inspiration this, inspiration that. I too have found myself muttering that "I just don't feel inspired." Make no mistake, this is no reason not to write (if that's your goal). It's a wonderful thing if you're motivated to write. It's a magical moment when something sparks your creativity and you get into "go mode". But while this may be preferred it certainly isn't necessary. In fact, if you wait around to get "that feeling" you just might do yourself a disservice. Sometimes you just have to write - whether you want to or not - whether it's good or not. Writer's block is real, but it's best fought by writing. If you've hit a slump with your story, write on a blog. If you have nothing to blog about, write in your diary. Sooner or later, you'll get that "feeling" again. 

2. You have to have the right environment. I like to write at night. I like to go into my writing room, light my candles, play my music, and focus. But lately, this hasn't been the case. More often than not, I write in the middle of chaos. My background music is the pitter patter of little feet, loud giggles, and sometimes tears. I sit amidst toys sprawled around the room with the call of "mommy, mommy, mommy" reverberating over and over in my ear. Is this ideal? No. But I learned that if I wait until the house is quiet, I'm usually sleepy myself and nothing will ever get done. You have to just write whenever you can - as uncomfortable as that might be. 

3. It has to be perfect. This is something I struggle with ALL THE TIME. It's not wrong to want to produce the best piece possible, but don't waste time chasing perfection. It doesn't exist. Do what you can and when you come to a bump in the road, keep moving! There is always time to go back and evaluate/edit your work. More often than not, trying to achieve excellence will cripple your progress. Even if the end product isn't impeccable, learn and build from there BUT you have to move! Remember, you don't have to be great to be good. 

What other habits should writers (or anyone) give up to place them closer to their goals? I'd love to hear from you!