No Decisions (2 Hours Saved)

Stop battling with your mind. Each time you make one good choice, you may end up losing out on five others. You might choose a “healthy” snack, but then spend two hours deciding what to watch or wear, alongside planning when to clean or shower. These hours slip away unnoticed.

Avoid internal conflict when you sit down to write or tackle tasks you find daunting, such as cold emailing. Make quick decisions that also serve as small rewards. Slip into your favorite old shirt, smile at yourself, and this simple action can make it easier to face the tasks you dread.

All tasks—pleasant or not—can begin with a small treat. Introduce a bit of joy into your routine. Keep your favorite snacks or comfy clothes easily accessible to maintain focus.

One Mental Light (5 Hours Saved)

You don’t need artificial sources of dopamine—skip the distractions. If you're anything like me, you might rely on your phone and the television as your primary light sources. I prefer to write by the window, which is far more inspiring than staring at a screen.

Pomodoro timers may not suit you either. Try working in shorter, natural intervals. You don’t need two hours to complete a single article. If it takes that long, it’s likely because you’re writing without a clear outline. Break your day (or week) into segments, just like they do in factories: Research, Writing, Fact-checking, Image sourcing, and Editing.

Whenever you come across a captivating distraction, bookmark it. Close the tab and refocus. The allure of these distractions is often just that—they seem more enjoyable than the writing task at hand.

The Critical Choice (3 Hours Saved)

Few possess the willpower of someone like Angelina Jolie. Reports say she avoids television and doesn’t allow her children to watch shows. If you're like me, the temptation of shows and movies is real.

With countless options available, it’s easy to spend three or more hours a day consuming content just to stay updated. Unless you're a film critic, this habit can quickly become counterproductive.

A fellow writer shared a useful tip: instead of waiting for weekly episode releases, save up several episodes and watch them all at once. Committing three hours on a weekend is far more efficient than squeezing in one hour before work, one at lunch, and another to unwind after a long day.

A friend suggested watching just one favorite show each week and ignoring the rest. Once that season wraps up, you can explore other options. Why is this important? Timely articles garner more readership, and your audience will likely take breaks from screens on weekends. Publishing during the week can yield better results.

Reality Change (1 Hour Saved)

I admire thought leaders who find time for "forest showers," taking daily walks with their dogs while gathering inspiration for future work. Meanwhile, I'm often making multiple trips to the store to retrieve forgotten items.

Don’t rush your errands. When you find yourself out, even if it’s just to the front door, take a moment to breathe. Allow your mind to wander and contemplate what you want to write about in a relaxed manner. When you sit down later, let those thoughts flow onto the page.

It’s perfectly acceptable to be a writer who shares lessons learned from everyday experiences. One impactful post I recall had a title that read, “I was in a car accident today. Here’s why I’m grateful.”

Life is filled with distractions that can hinder your writing progress. Tweak your daily routine for better outcomes without making drastic changes or suffering from fatigue. It's achievable.

Let me know if these strategies help you.

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I’m Annie, a writer focused on relationships and side hustles. For just $5/month or $50/year, you can access articles designed to help you meet your income and relationship goals. This small membership fee supports your aspirations. Unlock exclusive content through my affiliate link. (© Annie Wegner 2023-Present.)