How to Successfully Write From Home
Whether its a full-time gig or a new personal project
While working from home may not seem as full of pressure as having a job outside of your cozy environment, it can still present challenges, especially if you're not prepared. It might seem like having more time at home would help you breeze through your writing, but that’s not always the case.
In reality, being at home can sometimes hinder productivity more than it helps. There are endless distractions—family members needing attention, shows tempting you to binge-watch, and the general stress of the world that can make focusing on writing difficult.
So how do you tackle your writing goals without sacrificing your mental health?
Here are three key strategies I use to stay motivated and keep hitting my word count targets. There’s always more you can do, but these tips are a great starting point!
Ditch the strict schedule!
It may sound counterintuitive, but setting a rigid daily writing schedule can backfire. If you miss a goal, it can lead to guilt, and guilt quickly turns into discouragement. Instead, aim for the number of words you’d like to hit, but give yourself flexibility throughout the week. If you thrive on structure, try setting weekly goals rather than daily ones, so you have room to catch up if needed. That way, you maintain momentum without the pressure of hitting specific numbers each day.Track your progress religiously.
Keeping a detailed record of your daily word counts can be a powerful motivator. Whether it’s through an app, spreadsheet, or a simple journal, seeing your progress in black and white can push you to keep going, even when you're tempted to stop. Sometimes, that extra push leads to writing more than you planned—perfect for those days when inspiration is harder to find.Create a dedicated writing space.
Designate a specific spot in your home for writing, and treat it as your personal sanctuary. Close the doors, minimize distractions, and shut out external noise as much as possible. Think of this space as a retreat where your mind can focus solely on writing. By setting boundaries around your writing time and space, you'll be able to tune out the chaos of life and get more done in less time.
I find that by following these simple tips, I’m able to not only finish drafts but I actually enjoy the process so much more! There’s nothing better than looking at a finished manuscript and saying “I did this!” and I hope that these tips can help you get there. And if things don’t go perfectly, don’t worry—there’s always another opportunity to set new goals. The important thing is to keep writing.