But Eamon I just don’t have time!
I get this a lot when I ask people about what they like to do and how much they do it.
The answer everyone puts forward is that they just don’t have the time.
This is true for everyone but you’d be surprised at how much time you actually have.
The Myth of Lengthy Sessions
There is a tendency for writers to procrastinate their tasks because of the time.
I’ll start on the hour
I only have 10 minutes so its hardly worth it
Nothing meaningful will get done in 20 minutes
This is a lie.
These are lies we tell ourselves to comfort our monkey brain that wants to avoid work.
The notion that effective writing needs lengthy and uninterrupted periods is completely false.
You can do just as much good writing in 10 minutes and an hour it’s just the quantity that’s different.
Harnessing the Micro-Moment
Short intervals are often the best for creative outbursts.
The time you wait for your friend to arrive, some dead time between tasks, or some free time before you go to work are all minute spaces of time that have the potential for creativity.
The goal is to notice when you don’t have time and act in that time.
If you have time to scroll your phone you have time to write.
Have time to game? You have time to write
I’m not saying you should be writing every second of the day but the small inputs over a long time add up quickly.
Tips for Micro-Writing Success
In the fast-paced world of busy creatives, mastering the art of micro-writing can significantly amplify your productivity and creative output.
1. Deconstruct Larger Projects:
- Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a grand project, break it down into bite-sized tasks. Identify components that can be tackled in short sessions. This not only makes the workload more manageable but also allows for a sense of accomplishment with each completed micro-task.
2. Carry a Portable Writing Tool:
- Creativity strikes when you least expect it, often amid your bustling day. Equip yourself with a portable writing tool, be it a sleek notebook or a handy writing app on your smartphone. This ensures you can capture fleeting ideas, snippets of dialogue, or profound thoughts wherever you are.
3. Embrace Writing Prompts:
- When time is of the essence, writing prompts act as instant catalysts for your creativity. Keep a curated list of prompts or use online resources to spark ideas in those short writing windows. Prompts serve as quick triggers for your imagination, making the most of every micro-writing opportunity.
Incorporating these tips into your micro-writing routine will not only enhance your creative process but also transform those seemingly insignificant moments into bursts of inspiration and progress.
Progress Over Perfection
All we are looking for with our micro-writing is pushing the needle. We want to be making progress and pumping out the quantity before we worry about the quality.
In the world of micro-writing, where time is fragmented yet valuable, embracing progress over perfection not only frees you from the shackles of unrealistic expectations but also propels you forward on your creative journey.
Celebrate the small victories and let them pave the way for greater accomplishments ahead.
In Conclusion . . .
In the intricate dance of a busy creative’s life, micro-writing emerges as a powerful partner, offering a melody of benefits that harmonize with the cadence of your daily routine.
Micro-writing becomes a quiet rebellion against the notion that creativity requires grand, uninterrupted periods.
Instead, it invites you to explore the untapped potential in the margins of your day, transforming mundane interludes into opportunities for profound expression.
Consider it a liberation ceremony from the chains of writer’s block. By breaking down your larger projects into manageable micro-tasks, you dismantle the formidable walls that stifle creativity.
Each brief session becomes a step toward reclaiming your creative voice.
Here’s to the beauty of the brief, the power of the small, and the profound impact of your words, even in the most fleeting moments.
Happy writing!
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