I tracked everything about my writing for the full year last year, and found that my sweet spot was 54-58 minutes for a writing block! So that tip definitely works💙
I highly recommend the "forest" app which will lock your phone while you do your pomodoro (you set whatever time) and it "grows" a virtual tree while you're doing the pomodoro. It really helps with preventing picking up the phone while the timer's on! And your little forest of "virtual" trees makes you feel like you accomplished things by locking yourself out of the phone for 25, 30, 45 min or however long.
I have so many interests that I'm trying to pursue, and it overwhelmed me into burnout. Through HB90, I've learned I have to break up those interests into weekly chunks: one week to work on music, two weeks for writing, one week to do major house tasks, one week of art practice. It works so well with my neurospicy brain! I've only done 2 quarters so far, but I've not only gotten more work done than I have in nearly 2 years, but my mental and physical health are so much better! Even when I had days I just COULDN'T, I still pulled out my notebook and reviewed my plans and dreams. I learned to build in 'potato days' where I give myself to be a potato and do anything, or nothing. Thank yo for sharing all the hard work you've done to figure out good systems and tips and tricks. Writing is lonely, and I truly feel like you're someone who cares about your community. ❤
Hey Sarra! 🖐️I listened up to No. 2, then did a few writing sprints before coming back to finish your video! My phone distracts me to no end 😢… Recently Ive been activating Do Not Disturb and that way the Whatsapps don’t tempt me to respond immediately. It’s a work in progress, because I look for distractions or welcome them. Why? I don’t know. Great video, thank you! 🍒 🧚♀️
This resonated with me more than you could ever know! I have been in a slump for a number of months and praying for answers . Wondering if I should just give up was big. Recently answers started to come and I prayed for signs of confirmation - this video was confirmation ❤ I can never thank you enough for your willingness to give what is inside of you freely to the world.
OMG-I needed to hear this today! I have stopped working on my book for over 90 days, and I just needed to hear all of this today. Thank you. I needed quiet and nothing else going on. Set a time of day to get it done. I thought I needed to have a full day to work on it. HELLO from Tennessee.
I'm still trying to remember how I used to write. I used to write so well without being so distracted. But since the pandemic, I have struggled with burnout. I feel unfocus with my work. My writing routine changed so much since the pandemic. I used to write with music, but now I can't. I find my best writing time is early in the mornings, which I can only do on weekends. I'm still trying to find the right routine for myself to stop myself from being unfocused. I hope to try some of your tips to help me to get back into a good routine
Whoaaa, I am 5:36 in and already remembering I was a teen and the radio was always on, when I finished a novel. And knowing I need a big picture of a red pickup truck right beside where I write. Can hardly wait to finish watching! Thank you!
Having done NaNo in the past and having done a lot of physical write-ins with writing sprints, I already know that half an hour is far too long for me. So, I cut your time blocks in half right off the bat and that works much better for me!
As always you're speaking my language. I have a very fine line between not enough on my plate so I'm not motivated, and too much on my plate so I'm overwhelmed and shut down. It's hard differentiating.
First time I have ever ever ever commented on any video on UA-cam. This is some of the best advice I have received on focusing. I really struggle with it and I am going to try these techniques. Now I am off to watch the re-focus one. Thank you!!!!
I haven’t watched You Tube for awhile and haven’t seen your Witchy Room makeover till now! It looks fabulous, and I’m pleasantly surprised! Well done with the transformation, Sarra. (at least, I think it’s your Witchy Room 🤭 )
My phone is a huge distraction for me, SO, I bought a new one. I actually needed a new phone because my old one's battery was on its last legs. But when I got my new phone, I immediately deleted all the social media apps, the pre-installed games, and anything else I thought I might use to procrastinate. The only apps I installed were the ones I use for the grocery store, to do lists, and my writing music. This way I can still have my phone on me when I'm working on something, but I can't use it to waste time. I left all the games on my old phone, so I can use that one to play around on when I'm in my room, but that phone no longer leaves the bedroom.
I feel so much of this. I think we must share a few strengths! I'm Focus / Achiever / Deliberative / Learner / Futuristic and Achiever says I have a BIG plate and can do all the things, except I don't really have a big plate because Focus hates having so much on my kanban board. That power pair really pulls me in so many directions and I can easily fall foul of the self-soothing of the phone, or video games, etc, to make myself feel better when I feel I can't get things done or it's too hard. It's difficult when half of you is screaming you can work on 10 things at a time (Achiever) and the other is yelling that we should just do this one thing (Focus).
THANKS SARRA!! That first tip gave me such an epiphany....!!!! For the past 1 year and a half my writing has been sooo slow and unenjoyable but i had changed a part of my process during that time. Because a lot of people used their laptop to write, I started doing that. But I used to write on my samsung tablet and I would just roll! I still draw on my tablet and i'm always in such focus mode but on the laptop when i'm writing i just freeze -- i think the browser, the tabs, how easy it is to trick myself into productive procrastination has made me so stressed. meanwhile the tablet app ver of docs is just one big screen that has nothing on it but my creation!!
These are such great tips. Ones I've heard before, but you've given so much room for modification. This is why HB90 is so great too. I especially connected with the idea of tracking when I go for my phone, and tracking what distracts me. I'll definitely be tracking that this week, if my adhd brain remembers! I like the index card idea though. Great video! Looking forward to the next part.
My #1 constructive focus tool is rage. Truthfully. Since my cat came into my life, I haven't felt that rage. Not even in the direction of self-loathing. I'm a bit mind-blown that I cleaned half my suite over the last 2 days. Sure, a 2 hour task (each half of the bedroom/office should have only taken that each night) took me around 8 hours each, but furniture was moved, floors swiffered AND mopped, and all knick-knacks were wiped down by hand before everything got put back clean again after either 2 or 4 years since they were cleaned beyond a brief dusting or vacuuming. When I'd have rage on my side I could have done this all in the 2 hours, so rather than giving myself the full week for the suite it would be done in 2 days. It was the same when I worked as a stocker. I'd get 3 times as much on the shelves when I was pissed off.
From the bookcases to the flowers to the color scheme, this background looks spectacular, not to mention the excellent content. (I made notes and I needed this one. I've had to focus on emptying my basement which I call my grief pit, because I have foundation cracks... ugh $) This huge project was definitely a Balance Your Plate situation!
The comment about reevaluating the size of your plate… whew that one got me! I have struggled to feel productive after having my first child (he’s just about to turn 2) and am now pregnant with my second and I feel so behind and annoyed with myself that I’m not operating like I used to be able to. I needed to hear that! I’m looking forward to the second part of this video!
Love the "plate" analogy, Sarra, thank you :) This really hit home right now, since I've been feeling so burnt out and have been fighting myself to keep going...sometimes we advise others to stay balanced, and then forget to do it ourselves. Thanks for your timely and spot-on advice -- I really needed it today :)
Just joined the boot camp I’m not an author but so much of this resonated with me so I thought wow wow wow and joined feeling excited I have wanted to do this for the past 6 months so exicted I’ve joined xxx
I can’t wait for the HB90 kick off! Need to start fresh this quarter as I overfilled my plate. And I knew it and I still tried to pull off. Oi. As an alumni I should know better.😅😂
Wow! I can very similarly, relate with the some pressure/no pressure and so much pressure I can't focus on one thing! (Who's on first?? haha) Idk if I'm in a season of "summer brain" but tasks have gotten really difficult to finish, and focus on. I made a note to "make it granular" for my daily tasks when they become overwhelming or my brain decides to vacate lol I'll try that tip!
Thanks for these tips. I think I've been getting overwhelmed because I'm not certain of what I really have planned for myself during a work sprint because I have not gotten granular about what needs to get done. I'm going to try spending some time brainstorming the little details before I work to see if that alleviates the procrastination/distraction I have been experiencing.
Have you read Getting Things Done by David Allen?? I LOVE what you were saying about breaking down into micro tasks. He has a similar thing in his book about what he calls “next actions”… it was SO helpful to me to break. it. down. It is so easy to procrastinate and get distracted with giant nebulous tasks
LOVE this!! My budget's been very tight this year but one day I would love to sign up again to one of your courses. You always have the greatest advice, thank you so much!
Just signed up for the newsletter on your website, but can't find the sprint challenge workbook you referenced in the video. Would love to check that out and experiment to find my ideal time of day and duration!!
This was such a helpful video and I will definitely be taking some of these tips on board and analysing myself a bit more. I’m also very eager and looking forward to Q3
I don't think I do but what I have is anxiety, and I think they can present in much the same way. But then again I haven't been tested so it's always possible. Maybe I should talk to someone.
I hope these 5 tips are helpful! I'll be back later this week with a second video on how to refocus after you've been distracted!
I tracked everything about my writing for the full year last year, and found that my sweet spot was 54-58 minutes for a writing block! So that tip definitely works💙
You know the video is working when I actually stop watching it halfway through and write a bunch 😂
Listening to her videos is one of my brain’s ways of getting my head in the game for focus 😊
I highly recommend the "forest" app which will lock your phone while you do your pomodoro (you set whatever time) and it "grows" a virtual tree while you're doing the pomodoro. It really helps with preventing picking up the phone while the timer's on! And your little forest of "virtual" trees makes you feel like you accomplished things by locking yourself out of the phone for 25, 30, 45 min or however long.
I'm going to try it as I love trees and that would stop me from going on my phone haha.
I also love this app! Also the more you focus, the more coins you get which you can use to purchase new trees, flowers, and shrubs to grow :)
I have so many interests that I'm trying to pursue, and it overwhelmed me into burnout. Through HB90, I've learned I have to break up those interests into weekly chunks: one week to work on music, two weeks for writing, one week to do major house tasks, one week of art practice. It works so well with my neurospicy brain!
I've only done 2 quarters so far, but I've not only gotten more work done than I have in nearly 2 years, but my mental and physical health are so much better! Even when I had days I just COULDN'T, I still pulled out my notebook and reviewed my plans and dreams. I learned to build in 'potato days' where I give myself to be a potato and do anything, or nothing.
Thank yo for sharing all the hard work you've done to figure out good systems and tips and tricks. Writing is lonely, and I truly feel like you're someone who cares about your community. ❤
That is such a great idea! I think I'll try the weekly chunks! Also potato days :)
Hey Sarra! 🖐️I listened up to No. 2, then did a few writing sprints before coming back to finish your video! My phone distracts me to no end 😢… Recently Ive been activating Do Not Disturb and that way the Whatsapps don’t tempt me to respond immediately. It’s a work in progress, because I look for distractions or welcome them. Why? I don’t know.
Great video, thank you! 🍒 🧚♀️
I honestly think it's a way of self soothing and avoiding deep thought when it feels hard. I'm working on it every day!
I was in a library I was able to outline half my novel in a few hours and i was shocked, ideas just kept coming
Oh wow! Sounds like a great place for you to create!
I agree, I always work well at the library.
OMG, I feel so called out when you talked about self-soothing by scrolling through phone when writing gets hard😅
This resonated with me more than you could ever know! I have been in a slump for a number of months and praying for answers . Wondering if I should just give up was big. Recently answers started to come and I prayed for signs of confirmation - this video was confirmation ❤ I can never thank you enough for your willingness to give what is inside of you freely to the world.
This means so much to me and is the whole reason why I do this! I believe in you, don't give up!
OMG-I needed to hear this today! I have stopped working on my book for over 90 days, and I just needed to hear all of this today. Thank you. I needed quiet and nothing else going on. Set a time of day to get it done. I thought I needed to have a full day to work on it. HELLO from Tennessee.
So glad it was helpful. I love TN so much and it feels like home to me after going to college and living there so long!
I'm still trying to remember how I used to write. I used to write so well without being so distracted. But since the pandemic, I have struggled with burnout. I feel unfocus with my work. My writing routine changed so much since the pandemic. I used to write with music, but now I can't. I find my best writing time is early in the mornings, which I can only do on weekends. I'm still trying to find the right routine for myself to stop myself from being unfocused. I hope to try some of your tips to help me to get back into a good routine
Whoaaa, I am 5:36 in and already remembering I was a teen and the radio was always on, when I finished a novel. And knowing I need a big picture of a red pickup truck right beside where I write. Can hardly wait to finish watching! Thank you!
Having done NaNo in the past and having done a lot of physical write-ins with writing sprints, I already know that half an hour is far too long for me. So, I cut your time blocks in half right off the bat and that works much better for me!
We have the same brain. These all hit home for me. Thank you so much for this video!
As always you're speaking my language. I have a very fine line between not enough on my plate so I'm not motivated, and too much on my plate so I'm overwhelmed and shut down. It's hard differentiating.
First time I have ever ever ever commented on any video on UA-cam. This is some of the best advice I have received on focusing. I really struggle with it and I am going to try these techniques. Now I am off to watch the re-focus one. Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much! Let me know if any of them click for you!
Great idea on marking the tick marks on an index card.
I haven’t watched You Tube for awhile and haven’t seen your Witchy Room makeover till now! It looks fabulous, and I’m pleasantly surprised! Well done with the transformation, Sarra. (at least, I think it’s your Witchy Room 🤭 )
It is!! And thank you!!
My phone is a huge distraction for me, SO, I bought a new one. I actually needed a new phone because my old one's battery was on its last legs. But when I got my new phone, I immediately deleted all the social media apps, the pre-installed games, and anything else I thought I might use to procrastinate. The only apps I installed were the ones I use for the grocery store, to do lists, and my writing music. This way I can still have my phone on me when I'm working on something, but I can't use it to waste time. I left all the games on my old phone, so I can use that one to play around on when I'm in my room, but that phone no longer leaves the bedroom.
The phone habit is one of my biggest issues - so I am curious to test myself
Same, and it's so hard to break. At this point, it's an addiction for me, I feel like. I'm working on it as much as I can!
I feel so much of this. I think we must share a few strengths! I'm Focus / Achiever / Deliberative / Learner / Futuristic and Achiever says I have a BIG plate and can do all the things, except I don't really have a big plate because Focus hates having so much on my kanban board. That power pair really pulls me in so many directions and I can easily fall foul of the self-soothing of the phone, or video games, etc, to make myself feel better when I feel I can't get things done or it's too hard. It's difficult when half of you is screaming you can work on 10 things at a time (Achiever) and the other is yelling that we should just do this one thing (Focus).
THANKS SARRA!!
That first tip gave me such an epiphany....!!!! For the past 1 year and a half my writing has been sooo slow and unenjoyable but i had changed a part of my process during that time. Because a lot of people used their laptop to write, I started doing that. But I used to write on my samsung tablet and I would just roll! I still draw on my tablet and i'm always in such focus mode but on the laptop when i'm writing i just freeze -- i think the browser, the tabs, how easy it is to trick myself into productive procrastination has made me so stressed.
meanwhile the tablet app ver of docs is just one big screen that has nothing on it but my creation!!
This video was great!! Such valuable information as im really procrastistressing right now haha.
Aww, I feel you! And procrastistressing is a genius name for it.
This is exactly what I needed after conference. And it was so great to meet you in person at Inkers!
Nice to meet you!!
You are a magnificent planning fairy! Love these ideas!
These are such great tips. Ones I've heard before, but you've given so much room for modification. This is why HB90 is so great too. I especially connected with the idea of tracking when I go for my phone, and tracking what distracts me. I'll definitely be tracking that this week, if my adhd brain remembers! I like the index card idea though. Great video! Looking forward to the next part.
Noise-cancelling headphones save lives, not mine, theirs.
This was super helpful and exactly the boost of motivation I needed to re-focus!
Awesome video ! Great tips !
My #1 constructive focus tool is rage. Truthfully. Since my cat came into my life, I haven't felt that rage. Not even in the direction of self-loathing. I'm a bit mind-blown that I cleaned half my suite over the last 2 days. Sure, a 2 hour task (each half of the bedroom/office should have only taken that each night) took me around 8 hours each, but furniture was moved, floors swiffered AND mopped, and all knick-knacks were wiped down by hand before everything got put back clean again after either 2 or 4 years since they were cleaned beyond a brief dusting or vacuuming. When I'd have rage on my side I could have done this all in the 2 hours, so rather than giving myself the full week for the suite it would be done in 2 days. It was the same when I worked as a stocker. I'd get 3 times as much on the shelves when I was pissed off.
Omg I love this so much! I have renewed excitement to get moving again. Thank you so much 💛
need to have one of those conversations you mentioned - ugh! Timely video to keep me on course! thank you :)
From the bookcases to the flowers to the color scheme, this background looks spectacular, not to mention the excellent content. (I made notes and I needed this one. I've had to focus on emptying my basement which I call my grief pit, because I have foundation cracks... ugh $) This huge project was definitely a Balance Your Plate situation!
Wow, yes, perfect video topic for me recently..!
I love the idea of making a checklist when you first sit down, I can see that helping me.
Thank you, this was a much needed it reminder.
❤🎉 debating on doing the HB90 this time.
The comment about reevaluating the size of your plate… whew that one got me! I have struggled to feel productive after having my first child (he’s just about to turn 2) and am now pregnant with my second and I feel so behind and annoyed with myself that I’m not operating like I used to be able to. I needed to hear that! I’m looking forward to the second part of this video!
Love the "plate" analogy, Sarra, thank you :) This really hit home right now, since I've been feeling so burnt out and have been fighting myself to keep going...sometimes we advise others to stay balanced, and then forget to do it ourselves. Thanks for your timely and spot-on advice -- I really needed it today :)
Just joined the boot camp I’m not an author but so much of this resonated with me so I thought wow wow wow and joined feeling excited I have wanted to do this for the past 6 months so exicted I’ve joined xxx
I'm excited to hear you jumped in! We have lots of students who aren't authors and I'll be here to support you if you need it!
@@HeartBreathings thanks so much I’m so excited to get started pleased you got lots of newbies joining to 🥰 xxx
I can’t wait for the HB90 kick off! Need to start fresh this quarter as I overfilled my plate. And I knew it and I still tried to pull off. Oi. As an alumni I should know better.😅😂
Wow! I can very similarly, relate with the some pressure/no pressure and so much pressure I can't focus on one thing! (Who's on first?? haha) Idk if I'm in a season of "summer brain" but tasks have gotten really difficult to finish, and focus on. I made a note to "make it granular" for my daily tasks when they become overwhelming or my brain decides to vacate lol I'll try that tip!
🖐Today has been one of those hard-to-focus days!
Thanks for these tips. I think I've been getting overwhelmed because I'm not certain of what I really have planned for myself during a work sprint because I have not gotten granular about what needs to get done. I'm going to try spending some time brainstorming the little details before I work to see if that alleviates the procrastination/distraction I have been experiencing.
Have you read Getting Things Done by David Allen?? I LOVE what you were saying about breaking down into micro tasks. He has a similar thing in his book about what he calls “next actions”… it was SO helpful to me to break. it. down.
It is so easy to procrastinate and get distracted with giant nebulous tasks
That's a "YES" from me. Thanks for posting & sharing this. You're awesome! 👍🥳
Definitely neuro-spicy🌶️☝️😉
LOVE this!! My budget's been very tight this year but one day I would love to sign up again to one of your courses. You always have the greatest advice, thank you so much!
You're welcome! Thanks for being here!
I feel like my plate size varies per day but that might be a me problem where I am not holding myself accountable to the level that I should.
❤ This is amazing advice!
What is Inkers Con and when is that? Thanks for this video.
Just signed up for the newsletter on your website, but can't find the sprint challenge workbook you referenced in the video. Would love to check that out and experiment to find my ideal time of day and duration!!
Very helpful tips
Super helpful!
This was such a helpful video and I will definitely be taking some of these tips on board and analysing myself a bit more. I’m also very eager and looking forward to Q3
yaaay! here already
Love these tips. What MP3 player did you buy and how do you like it? See you in HB90!
I got this blue tooth one and it's great! www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG89CMMN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@HeartBreathings thanks!
Such helpful information…thanks!
Happy Birthday, Andrew! Thanks for this video, Sarra! I need this! 🥰
Thank you!
@@HeartBreathings No problem!
This was great! Thank you!
First🎉 also will there be an inkerscon vlog
No, I didn't record any footage there, I'm sorry to say!
@@HeartBreathings no problem. Just happy you're back. 😁🩷
Are you really really sure that you don't have adhd? You sound a ñot like me! Very helpful tips! Thanks a lot!
I don't think I do but what I have is anxiety, and I think they can present in much the same way. But then again I haven't been tested so it's always possible. Maybe I should talk to someone.
Hey, chick.