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Most people can easily identify with the dreaded "writer's block". It is a well-known phenomenon that just about everyone has faced at least once in their lives.
I used to suffer from writer's block, big time! Thus, I know through personal anguish and suffering, that it is definitely not a pleasant experience.
Especially when the due date for one's project or paper is getting closer by the day; and the boss asks you "how's that project going" every time you don't manage to avoid him/her as you sneak down the side of the corridor.
WRITER'S BLOCK IS FEAR-BASED
Writer's block is a fear-based feeling. For whatever reason, many of us have this incredible fear of committing ourselves in writing whenever we are faced with a blank page or computer screen.
Fear no longer! I'm here to tell you that writer's block can be beaten! Every time.
Just realizing that writer's block is really an irrational fear that keeps us from putting pen to paper is half the battle. It's actually a fear of the unknown, often coupled with a fear of failure.
We secretly wonder just what exactly is going to come out of this pen/keyboard, and when it does, will we be revealing some kind of incompetent idiot who doesn't know what they're talking about?
On the other hand, if we have done the proper preparation, our rational mind knows that we can do it just like we did it all of those other times before.
Unfortunately, fear often wins the day when it comes to writing. As I stated above, I suffered from writer's block for many years and it was not the most enjoyable of experiences.
THE 7 SECRETS
Fortunately, somewhere along the way I did manage to develop a few tricks to overcome writers block. Some are obvious, others are not. Here are my personal hard-earned practical secrets for overcoming writer's block:
1. Don't Write Too Soon
Before trying to write, it is important to prepare mentally for a few hours or days (depending on the size of the task) by mulling the writing project over in the back of your mind. (Just as athletes don't like to peak too soon, writers shouldn't write too soon either!). Don’t worry; your sub-conscious mind will be working away on the problem while you are doing other things.
2. Do The Preparation
Read over whatever background material you have so that it is fresh in your mind. I read through all background material carefully marking important points with a yellow hi-liter and then review it all before I start to write. This is the material that your sub-conscious mind need so it can do it’s job in the background while you are doing other things.
3. Develop A Simple Outline
Before sitting down to write, put together a simple point-form list of all of the key points you want to cover, and then organize them in the order in which you are going to cover them. (I know, I know... your Grade 6 teacher told you the same thing... but it actually does work).
4. Keep Research Documents Close By
When you sit down to write, make sure that all of your key background materials are spread out close at hand. This will allow you to quickly refer to them without interrupting the writing flow once you get going. I keep as many of the source documents as possible wide open, and within eyesight for quick and easy reference.
5. Just Start Writing
Yes, that's exactly what you do. Once you have prepared mentally and done your homework you are ready to write, even if your writer's block is saying "no". Just start writing any old thing that comes to mind. Go with the natural flow. In no time at all you will get into a rhythm, and the words will just keep on flowing.
6. Don't Worry About the First Draft
Once the words start to flow, don't worry about making it perfect the first time. Remember, it's your first draft. You will be able to revise it later. The critical thing at the outset is to write those thoughts down as your mind dictates them to you.
7. Work From An Example Or Template
Get an actual sample of the type of document that you need to write. It could be something that you wrote previously, or it could be something from an old working file, or a clipping from a magazine article, or a sales brochure you picked up. As long as it is the same type of document that you are writing. Whatever it is, just post it up directly in your line of sight while you are working. You'll be amazed at how it helps the words and ideas flow. The main thing is to have an example to act as a sort of visual template.
In my experience this last point is the ultimate secret for overcoming writer's block.
To help with this, be on the lookout for good examples of writing that you may see in newspapers and magazines, and clip out the useful ones for future reference.
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Shaun Fawcett is Webmaster of two of the most visited writing-help Web sites on the Net. He is the author of numerous “how-to” books on everyday practical writing help. He also writes about how to create and publish books and ebooks. His main “writing tools” site is: http://WritingHelpTools.com
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Having your own business is great - you work at home and in your own hours. You also set your own targets to achieve. You are simply your own boss. You do not have to be stuck in 'rat-race' and you do not have to put up with a demanding boss and workmates.
However, working from home also means that you have to be disciplined. It is your sole responsibility to keep yourself motivated to keep on working towards achieving your goals.
So, what can you do ensure that you achieve the results you want for your business while working at home?
1. Make sure that you have clearly outlined visions and goals. It is important for you to have long term and short term goals for your business. If you do not have these, then you do not have anything to guide you in your business. You must know where you want your home based online business to be in a year's time or in two years' time. Write down your goals, print them out and follow them. You must also set a timeframe to your goals, and make sure that you apply the necessary effort to achieve your goals within the timeframe you planned.
2. Have a daily 'to do' list and stick to it. This is where some discipline is required. There may be some days that you do not feel like working on your home based online business or you may have some habits that take your time. It is important for you to do something for your business everyday. This means that you must have a daily routine with specific hours that you work on your business everyday.
3. Have a positive mind set. It may be difficult to stay motivated all the time, but it is important that you maintain an optimistic mind set all the time. This will help you keep focused on your goals and will stop you from feeling discouraged or give up if/when you face a hurdle. It is also a good idea to read some motivational books that will keep you focused on your goals.
4. Be organized. This is another trait that calls for a lot of discipline. You must be focused on working on the goals for your online business. It is not a good idea to be pursuing too many business opportunities at the same time since it means you will not give your total focus to your online home business.
5. Be professional. You must maintain a professional attitude with your business. You must have business cards with your company details and URL, and your emails must have your signature with your website details. Everyone that you make contact with is a potential customer, so you must make sure that you use every opportunity you have to market your business.
6. Have fun working on your business. Having your own home based online business probably means not having a JOB which you must do even if you do not enjoy it. With an online business, you can actually choose a business that suits your interests or skills, so that means you will be able to enjoy working on your business. You must really enjoy what you do and working on your business if you really want to succeed with your business. The tips outlined above can help you achieve positive results with the time you spend on your home business. Work on your home business and achieve your financial dreams!
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Roy is an Internet Marketer and is a member of Success University. He is currently earning his Scholar Certification at the University. Visit Success University at http://ourlifesuccess.successuniversity.com/special.aspx
Roy's Blog http://www.my-success-university-blog.com This is a Perfect way to make money as you learn about success in Business and Life.
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