Distractions to Avoid While Writing

Every day life is full of distractions. For freelance writers who have nobody to keep them on track but themselves, knowing which distractions to avoid while writing is a skill that needs to be learned quickly. Working from home means you have more freedom to do the things you need to do, but in order to be a successful writer, you must stay on track. Things such as family commitments, eating and bathroom breaks are necessary reasons for taking some time out, but watch out for these distractions to avoid while writing.

Distractions to Avoid While Writing

Television/Music

Although some writers like to have the TV on in the background while they are working, it can be very distracting. If you are not one of those people who can tune it out, turn it off. If you leave it on, you will have wasted more time watching than writing and your potential earnings will be much lower. Likewise, if you are spending more time dancing to the radio than working, the road to success will be much longer!

Facebook and other social networking or game sites

Unless you are using a social networking site to promote an article, try to stay away. Facebook in particular is a huge distraction to avoid while writing. What seems like a quick glance to see what your friends are doing can quickly turn into an hour catching up on statuses and games, and you will not have achieved a thing. Save fun internet sites for lunch and coffee breaks only.

Personal phone calls

If you don't need the phone for work purposes, don't use it. An advantage of working from home is having the chance to be available quickly if you are needed. However, calling your best friend to arrange plans for a night out is not an emergency. You wouldn't do it if you were employed by another, so why slow down your progress when you are working for yourself? Telephones are definitely a distraction to avoid while writing.

Housework

Household chores are something everyone has to fit into their schedule. Make sure that every day tasks don't cut into your writing time though. If you find it hard to concentrate when things in your home need attending to, shuffle your daily schedule around and get your writing done a little later.

Instant Messaging

Just because instant messaging happens on your computer, it doesn't make it any less distracting. Sign out of MSN/Yahoo Messenger/Skype etc. when you begin working or you will see your rate of writing slow down immensely. Even when your writing seems to be flowing well, the sound of a new message can easily make you lose your train of thought. Save the chat until after work when you can fully enjoy it.

During your working hours, your focus should always be primarily on writing. Distractions can be very tempting, especially when there are so many of them! The best rule to keep in mind is; if you wouldn't do it while working for an employer, you shouldn't be doing it. Avoid things which will get you off track and you will find you have a much more productive day!