Make Writing as Addictive as Social-Media

Ironically, the things we spend the most time with often are not what we want to do. It’s because they are addictive.

The reason things like social media take up so much of your time is because they are designed that way.

Understanding Social Media Addiction

There are a ton of reasons social media can become an addiction for people. The main reason is the activation of the dopamine reward system.

This system is also used when you spend your time at the pokies (slot machines for non-Australians). The chance of getting something that is enjoyable spits out all sorts of chemicals into your body.

The body loves these sorts of chemicals. That’s why you keep doing the thing that spits out the chemicals and you get addicted.

Otherwise known as a dopamine-driven feedback loop.

A similar reason is the instant gratification that social media gives you.

Your brain is dumb. Not your brain specifically, but the brain we all have is stupid. This is because it will chase the thing that it wants even if it runs into oncoming traffic. This self-destructive tendency is seen as spending 10 hours of your day mindlessly scrolling.

Luckily, because your brain is dumb, it can be tricked.

Use Social Media Tactics to Trick Your Brain

Establish a Dedicated and Comfortable Writing Space

Creating a designated writing space is crucial for mimicking the immersive experience of social media.

Just as individuals often scroll through social media in a comfortable environment, writers can enhance their productivity by carefully creating their own space.

So, create your own writing space. Having a regular environment triggers your brain into a specific headspace, which is what we want.

Just like the initial opening of an addictive app primes you for a mindless activity your writing space will hopefully trigger your creative motivated mental state.

Creating a Consistent and Realistic Writing Routine

Consistency is a gripping factor in the addictive nature of social media.

That’s where you find yourself habitually checking your social media at specific times of the day.

You can replicate this by creating a writing routine that aligns with your natural energy levels and daily schedule.

For example, if you’re a morning person designate the first 30 minutes after waking up to writing. Building consistency in your daily routine will become ingrained into your brain and the act of writing will become as habitual as checking social media.

But the most important part of the addictiveness of social media is the reward system.

Incorporate Rewards and Incentives

Celebrate Small Victories

The main thing we want to simulate is the chemicals released in your body when you find something on social media that elicits some sort of emotional response, you laugh or cry or get angry.

When writing if you achieve a small win, like you finish a page of writing you write 500 words in one sitting, reward yourself.

If you repeatedly reward yourself you will become more likely to write because your brain is tricked into believing you will get rewards when you write and you will evidently gain a pretty consistent writing habit.

I recommend making your own reward system that you can consistently rely on for motivation and consistency.

For every completed chapter or significant word count, treat yourself to a small indulgence, like a favorite snack, a short break, or a quick stroll.

This will not only acknowledge your progress but also create a sense of accomplishment, mimicking the instant gratification experienced on social platforms.

Use Your Interests

Another important part of social media is the content is specifically tailored to you as an individual and thus captures your attention so much better.

You as a writer can make the writing process more addictive by intertwining it with your passions and integrating personal rewards.

Identify aspects of your writing project that align with your hobbies or interests.

If you’re writing a mystery novel, reward yourself with time to indulge in mystery-themed activities or movies after a productive writing session.

The connection between your personal interests and the writing process not only makes it more enjoyable but also reinforces the idea that writing is a rewarding and fulfilling activity.

Which is what we want.

In Conclusion . . .

To wrap it up be sure to use rewards and habit building to create a positively addicted relationship with your writing.

But please do experiment, change things around, and find what works best for you.

Just remember you have the capabilities to choose your addictions and through laser focus and intention you can make writing just as addictive as social media.

If you’ve found this post at all helpful let me know, as always I wanted to thank you specifically for your attention and your time.

I’m sure you will enjoy my other posts about productivity for writers, here’s one about gamifying your writing for great motivation;

The Complete Guide to Writing Gamification