Distraction-free writing is the aim of every writer. It helps in boosting productivity and enables you to target your audience carefully. But writing without distraction is not an easy thing, especially when plenty of factors are ready to disturb you. Even your lack of System, software, and virus, and accurate workplace knowledge can also affect your writing skills. Therefore, to come you out of all these troubles and boost your efficiency, here we came with seven important tips and tricks you need to know before starting writing.
Did You Know?
- Daily Writing Habits: A survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average American spends about 0.28 hours (16.8 minutes) per day on writing and related activities.
- Distractions and Productivity: Research from the University of California, Irvine, shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on task after a distraction.
- Emails as Distractions: A Carleton University study suggests that people spend one-third of their time at the office (and half of the time they work at home) reading and answering emails, significantly impacting writing productivity.
- Smartphone Distractions: A study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research found that the mere presence of a smartphone reduces cognitive capacity and impairs cognitive functions, including writing.
- Multitasking and Writing Quality: Research indicates that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40% and negatively impact the quality and efficiency of writing.
- Social Media's Impact: A report from Digital Information World states that the average person spends 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media, which can majorly distract from writing tasks.
- Remote Work Distractions: According to a survey by Buffer on remote work, 10% of remote workers cite social media as a major distraction, impacting their writing and work productivity.
Prepare for Concentration
Removing all distractions from your workplace can help you to accomplish your project within time. Therefore always pay attention to the below-mentioned details while start writing;
#1 Declutter Your Workspace
Many people can work comfortably when the things cutter around them, but the techniques do not work for everyone. Because while writing, your surrounded environment is the biggest influential factor that affects your thought process. Therefore, decluttering the unwanted stuff from your workspace is a perfect way to go with the flow of thoughts. The best thing is to remove all unwanted papers, pens, pads, or other materials from your desk. Just keeping a glass of water with your System can work effectively. You will get no reason to procrastinate your writing for anything.
#2 Make Yourself Comfortable
A good workplace not only involves decluttering unwanted stuff but also keeping your place comfortable. Therefore, add all the essential details such as a chair, table, desktop, a keyboard that you can use comfortably. If something is there that can injure you, like a nail, remove it as soon as possible to keep yourself safe.
#3 Schedule Alone Time
Writing can only work best if you have alone time. Therefore, ask everyone that you will be too busy for the next few hours. You can also put a "do not disturb" sign on the board. Not only this, turn off all your System's unwanted notifications such as emails or social media. Writing skills demand dedication. Therefore, give this special time for you and your writing.
Did You Know?
- Noise and Creativity: A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that a moderate level of ambient noise (about 70 decibels) can foster creativity for writing, whereas higher levels of noise can decrease creativity.
- Writing and Stress: The American Psychological Association notes that 27% of peopla report that stress impacts their productivity, including writing tasks.
- Open Offices and Distractions: Research from the University of Sydney found that lack of sound privacy was the biggest frustration in open-plan offices, affecting tasks that require concentration like writing.
- Age and Distraction: A study from the University of Waterloo found that as people age, their susceptibility to distractions increases, potentially impacting writing focus.
- Writer's Block: A study from the University of Victoria indicates that 90% of professional writers experience writer's block at some point, often exacerbated by distractions.
- Reading to Write Better: According to the Jenkins Group, 42% of college students will never read another book after they graduate, potentially limiting their writing improvement due to a lack of exposure to diverse vocabularies and writing styles.
- Writing and Sleep: A study from Harvard Medical School suggests that lack of sleep, affecting more than one-third of American adults, can significantly impact cognitive functions including writing ability and creativity.
#4 Set a Timer
It could be hard to set an 8 hours timer and sit for long durations. You will start feeling bored and try to procrastinate your writing. The best thing is to set the timer for 30 minutes only and assign yourself a target. Once you accomplish your job, assign another target for the next half an hour. You can repeat the process until you will be able to achieve all the targets or complete your project.
Work on software
Today, It's hard to complete writing without working on systems and software. A computer makes the tasks easier, either it is related to research work or for improving grammatical errors. Everything can be done with a few clicks only. But, while working on System, pay attention to few details;
#5 Organize Your Files
Keeping your writing files organized in cloud storage is essential for efficiency. Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store your documents. Create a clear folder structure with specific labels, such as “Drafts,” “Final Versions,” and “Research Materials.”
This way, you can quickly locate the files you need, reducing time wasted searching for documents. Regularly updating and tidying your files prevents clutter and keeps your workspace conducive to productivity.
#6 Disable Notifications
Notifications from emails, chat applications, and other software can disrupt your train of thought and lead to prolonged distractions.
To disable notifications, go to your computer’s settings and turn off alerts for specific apps or enable a “Do Not Disturb” mode. This will silence all non-essential notifications, allowing you to concentrate fully on your writing tasks. Minimize interruptions and you can maintain a steady workflow and enhance your productivity.
#7 Use Focus Mode in Word Processors
Activate focus mode in word processors - the feature minimizes on-screen clutter by hiding toolbars, menus, and other interface elements, allowing you to concentrate solely on your text.
In Microsoft Word, you can enable focus mode by selecting “View” and then “Focus.” Scrivener offers a similar feature called “Composition Mode.”
It reduces the temptation to format text or adjust settings, keeping your attention on the content of your writing.
#8 Use AI Instead of Search Engines
For years, we've been using search engines to research all sorts of topics, including little things such as spelling, meaning of words, etc. But search engine usually bombard you with multiple links or advertisements that can divert your attention.
Use AI such as ChatGPT and Gemini so you can focus on your writing subject without the distractions of search engine ads and unrelated results. You can get direct answers and detailed explanations from AI, allowing you to gather information quickly.
Did You Know?
- Writing by Hand vs. Typing: A study published in Psychological Science found that students who take notes by hand write more concisely and retain information longer than those who type, indicating distractions from digital devices can impact writing quality.
- Exercise and Writing Clarity: A study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that regular physical activity improves cognitive functions, including those necessary for clear and focused writing.
- Deadlines and Writing Productivity: A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that self-imposed deadlines are not as effective as externally imposed ones for improving task completion, including writing tasks.
- The Pomodoro Technique: A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests that the Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25-minute focused intervals followed by short breaks, can significantly reduce the impact of distractions on writing.
- Writing Retreats and Productivity: Research from the University of Sussex shows that writers participating in retreats report significantly higher words counts and lower levels of distraction.
- Writing and Mental Well-being: A study in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that expressive writing can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, suggesting that a focused writing practice can have mental health benefits beyond productivity.
Some other general tips
#9 Take Care of the Necessities First
When you are preparing for writing, you should start by organizing things. Make proper plans for what you need to do first and last. It is really an effective strategy and helps you to manage things without distractions.
For instance, you are writing blogs or articles for a project. You must be sure about your first and last task. It serves to give you relief and improve your writing skills.
#10 Set Up Writing Playlists
Create writing playlists using music streaming services to focus. Choose instrumental or ambient music, as these genres lack lyrics that might distract you. Spotify Premium and Apple Music let you make pre-made playlists - although free version will bombard you with ads. The right music can create a calming atmosphere, helping you stay engaged with your writing.
Whether you are comfortable with music while writing or not, one thing you can do to minimize distractions is to put on a pair of headphones while working. You can play your favorite playlist. If not, it will save you from people who are ready to disturb you. A good quality headphone can also block lots of noise from your surroundings.
#11 Don't Compare Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself with others is the biggest factor that harms your efficiency and does not allow you to focus on things. Bear in mind, everyone is a separate identity and has a different thought process. Therefore, take motivation from others, but do not underestimate yourself, just write in a flow honestly.
