One thing I’ve learned in my few years of self-employment is that it’s okay to be distracted. Especially, when it comes to writing.
There are times in my work where I come to a hitch in the road. It’s unavoidable. Most of the time, I need only a moment to collect myself in order to forge on. In other instances, I need to take my mind completely off the problem at present.
As far as distraction material goes, I’ve discovered the best form (for myself) is reading. I can immerse myself in a different story and then come back to mine with fresh thoughts and a clear head. It doesn’t hurt that getting to read is a sufficient motivator for me to pump out more pages in itself. I have an entire TBR pile to entice me throughout the editing process.
Social media, on the other hand, is a distraction too easy to get stuck in. I do my best to steer clear from it by any means necessary, even if that means letting my mind wander to miscellaneous tasks outside of work.
Grocery lists.
Social calendar.
A quick text to friends.
These little breaks always provide my relentless imagination with the rest it needs to tackle the keyboard again and again.
However, once upon a time, there was one distraction I always wanted to indulge in… but never did because of my guilt. Thankfully, I’m no longer shy about embracing this distraction—and honestly, my mental health is better for it to. What is this distraction, you ask? Imagining new stories.
Yes, I know. It sounds silly. You may be feeling confused. Why should I feel guilty about thinking up new stories—isn’t it my job.
Why, yes it is, but here’s the thing…
When I began writing, I felt a strong sense of obligation to maintain focus on the story I was writing and that story alone. I scolded myself for even a hint of dissent in my thoughts when they treaded toward new ideas for different stories. I was certain I would lose focus and succumb to these new and alluring stories that came to mind, and I’d never finish a book.
I was such a fool.
If you’re a writer, aspiring or otherwise, allow me this declaration: it is completely acceptable to let your mind wander! Wander away, my friends, merely jot down your ideas for that brand-new shiny story and then get back to work.
There’s no need to feel guilty. Embrace your imagination! You will become a better writer because of it.
As soon as I started taking up this practice, I found myself even more rejuvenated toward my work than I was before! Why? Because I was happy in the knowledge that there were other stories waiting to be written after I finished what I was working on.
So, go ahead and be distracted. Give yourself the mental break you need to get back to work, better than ever.
Cheers,
Rebecca
Psst! Here’s an interesting article on the benefits of distraction: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/automatic-you/201706/when-distraction-is-good-thing