What to Do When You Don't Feel Like Writing

by Steve Slaunwhite

It happens to the best of us. We get a terrific writing assignment. The deadline is manageable. The topic is fascinating. We can't wait to get started.

Or so we think.

Then, when it comes time to get writing, all our energy seems to drain away. Our fingers tap at the keyboard as if in slow motion. Our mind wonders. We dawdle. Get distracted. Procrastinate.

What's going on?

A temporary inability to concentrate and stay motivated may be a sign of stress or fatique. As a freelance writer, you'll spend hours each day thinking and writing. It's hard work. Not hard physical work, but hard mental work - which I believe is more tiring. So when you're dealing with assignments, client demands and the daily pressures of freelancing everyday, you'll need to recharge your batteries every once in a while.

Here are a few suggestions:

Take a walk. I live near a local lake with a walking path. Sometimes a 15-minue stroll around the lake is all I need to regenerate.

Take a break. Once every hour or so I'll get up and stretch. You'll be surprised how effective a five-minute break can be. But avoid taking longer breaks. Once you've relaxed for more than 10 minutes or so, it's difficult to get back to the grind.

Switch gears. If you have multiple projects on the go, you have an advantage. When you get tired of one project, you can simply switch to another. Don't have multiple projects? Sure you do. When you get tired of writing an article, for example, you can switch gears and work on a query letter to get your next assignment.

Take a day off. One of the great things about being self-employed is that you can plan a day off anytime. So plan one! If you're tired and feel overworked, a day off in the sunshine, or shopping, or just relaxing around the house can do wonders. Just the act of planning a day off can give you a lift.

Treat yourself. Sometimes, I'll take myself out for a coffee and tea-biscuit at a local café. It's a nice treat that takes only a half hour or so out of my day.

Plan a vacation. Having something to look forward to can be a great stress reliever. I feel relaxed just by flipping through travel brochures!

Exercise. Getting active is a proven stress management tool. You might join a gym, walk, jog or ride your bike after work. In your freelance writing business, you'll spend hours sitting, so exercise is a nice - and recommended - change of pace.

If you find that your lack of motivation just won't let up, speak to someone. Perhaps a professional. I find that often just talking to a friend or colleague - especially another writer - is all I need to recharge the batteries.

:: Steve is the author of "Secrets of Writing for the Business to Business Market" - a 350+ page course on how to make money writing for the B2B market.

Related learning materials:

Productivity Engineering - A hypnosis program to help you improve your performance at work.

If you don't get enough work done, if you procrastinate, if you struggle to maintain an optimal, impressive level or performance with your work, read this review. I tried this program and it has helped a lot. Read my review of Productivity Engineering

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