In a previous blog post, “What’s Your Ideal Writing Environment,” I wrote about my thoughts on writers being particular about their writing environment. I personally write wherever I can. I have written in my car in the parking lot of the Magic Valley Suds, at 6:00 AM on my living room couch, on benches at public parks, at my work’s conference room during my lunch hour, and occasionally at my desk.

I’m in the habit of writing anywhere and everywhere.

At the risk of sounding contradictory, I think there is something to be said for finding a time and place to do focused writing.

I recently read a book called Deep Work by Cal Newport. His book is filled with incredible insight into the concept of doing focused work or, as he puts it, “Deep Work.” There are many lessons within his book. The main ones I took from it are:

• Limit distractions
• Build up your ability to focus
• Do less

Here is how I’m applying those lessons to my writing (or at least trying to).

Limit Distractions…Buzz Buzz! Wait Let Me Check My Phone!

I’m someone who is easily distracted. Seriously, though, I’ve checked my phone three times while writing the first part of this blog. The idea behind limiting your distractions (e.g. phone notifications, T.V., people) is to increase your ability to produce quality work. Shifting your focus between your writing and the picture your friend just posted on Instagram of their dog can rob you of your focus, your time, and your first born…just kidding. I wanted to make sure you were still paying attention.

How have I been trying to be mindful of this? I’ve started putting my phone away while I’m working on projects (except for today apparently, haha). I also try to write in environments where I know I won’t be surrounded by a lot of people–be it early in the morning or alone in my car. I may still experience a distraction or two, but in a controlled environment, I’m much less likely to.

Building Up My Focus Muscle

Building up your ability to do “Deep Work” takes practice (or so Cal Newport says). I turn to my phone many times throughout the day when I’m bored. I’m sure we all do. It’s a craving, dare I say (at the risk of sounding like a boomer) it’s an addiction. It’s hard not to get distracted, and because of that, you have to put in the practice.

Right now, my ability to focus lasts around 45 minutes. I can sit at my computer and type out a draft of my blog post, write a few paragraphs of a short story, or do a bit of editing uninterrupted for 45 minutes. After that, it gets a little more difficult. It’s a work in progress, but I’m slowly building up my focus muscle.

Do Less! Stop Saying Yes!

I must have a thousand different projects I’m working on (as every writer does). Different novels, short stories, blog posts, writing groups, family get-togethers, wedding tasks, and etc. It’s a lot of work for anybody. But sometimes you have to face the reality that you can’t do everything. You have to limit the projects you’re working on and learn how to say no. This is something I’m still learning how to do.

Right now, my focus is on my wedding (queue the “awes”). After that, my focus will shift to a major personal project I’m working on. I’m super excited about it, but right now, I’ve had to tell myself NO. And that’s a hard thing to do.

If you haven’t read Cal Newport’s book Deep Work, I encourage you to do so. I certainly enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. I look forward to seeing you at my next post on creating/crafting a productive writing environment.

Happy writing!