The Jasmine Blossom Just my luck, I finally got out of my too much anxiety because it’s school funk, and now I have writer's block. This happens from time to time (most of the time), but don't worry, I have a plan.
I went to bed around two in the morning because my hair was loccing/locking (as in turning into dreadlocks) and I needed to conduct an emergency detangling session.
This caused me to sleep in until 11 pm. I let myself off easy since it was a holiday weekend, though this resulted in the blog posts I scheduled to be postponed.
No matter how many ideas I come up with, none of them matter unless I take action and create the content I dream of.
Despite my anxiety towards possibly failing at being an adult, I know that with tangible steps I can accomplish my goals.
Starting tomorrow, I will remain firm and stick to a set timeline of blogging, at least, twice every week.
Here are the four steps that I will take to get back on track.
Step 1: Start My Morning Routine
At the latest, I used to wake up before dawn to get to work in time for the morning shift, but, ever since my Fitbit broke it’s been a struggle to start my day before eleven.
I’ve gotten into the habit of washing the dishes from the previous night before I eat breakfast, but from now on, I’ll start this process after dinner.
No more dread in the morning from having to clean before eating! With most of the dishes clean already, I will have time to make my daily morning tea.
Most people prefer their morning coffee, but I am a certified tea-lover, so I will be making a piping hot cup of deliciousness.
As the kettle warms up, I will brush my teeth so they’re squeaky clean before my first meal.
I will then moisturize my hair and put it into some form of a hairstyle.
My face will be so clean and moisturized that when I look in the mirror I won’t be able to resist smiling, and feeling hopeful for the rest of the day.
Next, I must select the mug that I will use for the day. This selection is very important, because it will represent both my mood and intentions for the day.
When I look at its design, I will feel motivated to accomplish my goals.
While I wait for my tea to cool, I can eat the dairy-free banana rice pudding I made yesterday.
Demon Slayer (Kimestu no Yaiba) is currently my favorite anime, so I can watch an episode or two while I eat.
Once the first meal is completed it is time to move onto work.
Step 2: Set the Mood
I don’t know why people insist that listening to music while you work is distracting.
I can distract myself just fine without music, for your information.
In fact, playing pleasant background noise is the only way I can focus on my writing.
My favorite site to listen to focus music is YouTube, because certain channels will play music for hours with no breaks, or commercials.
They’re called BGM channels (a.k.a. background music), and they tend to specialize in a specific genre, such as jazz, J-Pop, or nature sounds.
Click here for my post about the best music to listen to while you write.
The lighting must be inspiring as well, to best improve the chances that I will stay on task and write for this blog.
It’s been overcast for a few weeks now, and even when the sun is shining, not much light enters my workspace due to the trees surrounding my window.
Fortunately, I have a very tall lamp which mimics natural light (with an orange tint).
My newfound dependence on lamplight has taught me to be grateful for the large, sun-facing windows I’ve been blessed with these past few years.
Besides, the atmosphere is similar to a jazz club, so I have no reason to complain.
Step 3: Eliminate Distractions
Decreasing the obstacles on my path to writing may be part of “setting the mood”, but I’m putting this in its own category.
You never really know what distracts you, until you try to focus.
In my case, any outside noises obliterate my sense of direction, causing me to fixate solely on how annoying the noise is.
Neighbors, delivery trucks, and birds seem to be the main contributors, at this moment.
To remedy this issue, I use my noise-isolating earbuds.
Someday, I’d like to own noise-cancelling headphones that will create a truly solitary environment.
I look forward to the day when I can pretend that I am the only person in the world.
Step 4: Sit Down and Write
The best way to break free from writer’s block is to free write.
I spend most of my time coming up with topics for content, when I could be turning those ideas into concrete posts.
It can be very difficult to start writing again, especially since I’m no longer being paid to do it, but I will get back on track.
By reminding myself that this blog is a project where I create my own brand and express myself
(so that I am better prepared for life after graduation)
I will regain my confidence, and be the blogger I’ve always wanted to be.
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Motivating myself to accomplish the goals I’ve set has become a bit tricky since the school year ended, but I’m proud of myself for sticking with my decision to use this time to work towards my dream of being a writer.
In the real world, after college, no one’s going to remind me to write a draft for my posts or revise them for me.
I have to learn how to hold myself accountable for the responsibilities I’ve created for myself.
After all, I’m making my own rules here, and enforcing them is up to me.
[…] recently made a post about overcoming writer’s block. Mostly, by starting a new routine. Today, I’ll focus on how I used to go through my days back on […]
Love this! Thank you and I cannot describe how happy it made me when you said you have to choose just the right mug for the day, I do that too!!!
Thank you Stephanie! I am obsessed with mugs, and have a bit of a collection these days. It’s just a great way to start the day.