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Can I use psychology to trick myself into writing faster? (Yes + 4 tactics you can use)

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, unable to put words to the page? Or perhaps you start writing, but quickly become…
Can I use psychology to trick myself into writing faster? (Yes + 4 tactics you can use)
Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, unable to put words to the page? Or perhaps you start writing, but quickly become bogged down in writer’s block and procrastination. If so, you’re not alone. Many writers struggle with the same issues. But what if I told you that you can use psychology to trick yourself into writing faster and more efficiently? The answer is yes, you can! Here are four tactics you can use to harness the power of psychology to become a more productive writer.

Set specific and measurable goals.

One of the most effective ways to trick your mind into writing faster is to set specific and measurable goals. When you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, your mind is more likely to focus on the task at hand and less likely to wander. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “write a novel,” set a specific goal like “write 2,000 words per day for the next month.” This not only gives you a clear target to aim for, but it also makes it easy to measure your progress and adjust your strategy if needed.

Use a timer to create a sense of urgency.

Another powerful psychological trick you can use is to create a sense of urgency by using a timer. When you have a deadline looming, your mind is more likely to focus on the task at hand and less likely to get bogged down in distractions. Try setting a timer for a specific amount of time, such as 25 minutes, and challenging yourself to write as much as you can in that time. Once the timer goes off, take a short break and then start again. This technique, called the Pomodoro Technique, can help you focus and increase productivity.

Break up your writing sessions into smaller chunks.

If you find yourself struggling to focus on a writing project for long periods of time, try breaking up your writing sessions into smaller chunks. For example, instead of sitting down to write for several hours at a time, try writing for just 20 minutes at a time. This can help you avoid burnout and keep your mind fresh and focused.

Use positive self-talk to boost your confidence.

Finally, you can use positive self-talk to boost your confidence and trick your mind into writing faster. When you’re feeling down or unmotivated, it’s easy to start telling yourself negative things, like “I’m not a good writer” or “I’ll never finish this project.” But when you replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations, such as “I am a talented writer” and “I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” you’ll be surprised at how much more motivated and productive you become.

In conclusion, you can use psychology to trick yourself into writing faster. By setting specific and measurable goals, using a timer to create a sense of urgency, breaking up your writing sessions into smaller chunks, and using positive self-talk to boost your confidence, you can harness the power of your mind to become a more productive and efficient writer. So go ahead, give these tactics a try, and see how you can improve your writing speed and efficiency.