Part of the writing process involves developing the right mindset and approach in dealing with specific requirements. In academic writing as well as in other fields, it is significant that you are focused and engaged to create effective results. With the numerous distractions available today, some writers are finding it difficult to concentrate or perform in their optimum level. These interruptions and disturbances can impede in the writing process. Here are some useful tools that you can use to maintain focus on tasks.
Research Tools
One of the essential tools to ensure effectiveness in writing is research tools. In academic writing, these are critical locations that one can find relevant information about the topic. For books, there is Google Books where you can find collection of paperbacks that were digitized for web consumption. This is a good starting point to start in doing research. Another resource is Google Scholar. This is where journal articles and other peer-reviewed literature are stored. Writers can also use this location to support their research and also locate other studies related to the topic and/or discipline.
Efficiency Technique
The use of efficiency techniques are another approach to consider in writing. This part examines strategies that you can use to maximize productivity and finish tasks on-time. An example that a freelance writer can utilize is the Pomodoro Technique. This approach seeks to allocate time to address workflow and achieve focus and prevent burnout. This particular technique seeks to break down specific tasks into pieces. For instance, if a paper requires two hours to be completed, then the Pomodoro Technique breaks down tasks to 25 minutes doing a particular task and resting for five minutes in between. It is also good to use a timer to measure amount of work completed, focus on tasks at hand, and develop the discipline to fulfill certain actions within a particular time frame.
Avoiding Distraction
Lastly, freelance writers also face a lot of distraction on the Internet. The easy access to YouTube, social media, and other content can hamper productivity and impede the process of getting the job done. If you belong in this category, then it is important to explore tools that can help limit exposure to distractions and keep you focused on completing tasks. A good example is Cold Turkey. The software seeks to control your access to certain webpages and specifically sets the amount of time. For instance, if you seek to focus on writing for two hours, then you can set Cold Turkey to block your access to social media links of your choice. There are other alternatives that readily available so feel free to research and find the program that suits your preference and needs.
Overall, achieving effectiveness in writing requires discipline and consistency in performing at an optimal level. The suggestions above serve as starting points on how to achieve the resilience to say No to distractions and focus on what needs to be done. Learning how to become aware and in control of how you perform writing tasks increases opportunities to earn more and maximize the time spent.
Image courtesy of Gualberto107 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net