How to Prioritise Your Writing and Minimise Distractions

Writing a book is a dream for many, but distractions and lack of prioritisation often stand in the way. The world is full of noise—from the constant ping of notifications to never-ending to-do lists and the demands of daily life. It’s no wonder many aspiring writers struggle to stay focused.

Why Prioritising Writing Is Crucial

Imagine this: You sit down at your desk, determined to tackle the next chapter of your book. But just as you open your document, your phone buzzes. Ten minutes of scrolling later, you remember the laundry needs folding. Before you know it, your writing session is over before it even begins.

We all have the same number of hours in a week. Some have time to write, others don’t. It all comes down to what you see as a priority. I keep saying I could do more exercise, but I prioritise other things, so it often falls off the bottom of the list and doesn’t get done.

Without prioritisation, writing quickly gets pushed to “later,” a time that rarely comes. The truth is, if writing isn’t made a priority, other responsibilities will always take over. Studies show that focused, consistent effort—even in small increments—yields far greater results than sporadic, marathon sessions. Prioritising your writing is about treating it as a commitment, not an optional hobby.

Treat your writing as a commitment, not an optional hobby.

Common Distractions Writers Face

Technology distractions: Constant notifications from social media, email, or messaging apps.
Household responsibilities: Laundry, cleaning, or meal prep can suddenly feel urgent when you sit down to write.
Work obligations: The never-ending tasks from your day job can drain your energy and focus.
Family and social demands: You might be ‘needed’ to run family around, or loved ones might not always understand how important your writing time is.
Mental distractions: Inner doubts, procrastination, or overthinking can derail progress.

With the right strategies and support, you can take control, minimise distractions, and give your writing the time and attention it deserves. Here’s how you can take control and create a conducive environment for writing:

Proven Strategies to Minimise Distractions and Prioritise Writing

Create a Writing Schedule:

Block off dedicated writing times in your calendar, just as you would for a meeting or appointment.
Start small—20-30 minutes per session—and gradually increase as you build the habit.
Use your peak energy hours. If you’re a morning person, write early; if you thrive at night, save your writing for the evening.

Bestselling author Haruki Murakami wakes up at 4 a.m. to write for several hours before the distractions of the day begin. His strict schedule has helped him produce a prolific body of work.

Eliminate Technology Interruptions:

Turn off notifications on your phone, computer, or smartwatch during writing sessions.
Use apps like Freedom or StayFocusd to block distracting websites and social media.
Consider a “distraction-free” writing tool like Scrivener or Ulysses, which minimises on-screen clutter.

Designate a Writing Space:

Find a quiet corner, café, or library where you can focus.
Make your space inviting with good lighting, a comfortable chair, and minimal clutter.
Set boundaries with family or roommates, using signals like a closed door or headphones to indicate you’re not to be disturbed.

J.K. Rowling famously wrote parts of Harry Potter in a café to escape the distractions of home life.

Find a quiet corner, café, or library where you can focus while writing.

Balance Writing with Other Life Responsibilities

Balancing writing with work, family, and other obligations can be challenging but achievable with the right approach.

Integrate Writing into Your Daily Routine: Find ways to incorporate writing into your existing schedule. For example, write during your morning coffee or after dinner.
Delegate Tasks: If possible, delegate household chores or other responsibilities to free up time for writing.
Self-Care: Ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health. Adequate rest, exercise, and relaxation can enhance your productivity and creativity.

Picture your day as a balancing act. Properly managing your time ensures that writing doesn’t tip the scale but rather sits harmoniously alongside other responsibilities.

Do your best to balance writing with work, family, and other obligations.

Reflect and Adjust Regularly

Regular reflection helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your routine.

Weekly Reviews: Set aside time each week to review your progress. Assess what strategies are helping and which ones need tweaking.
Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your schedule and methods as needed. What works one month might need modification the next. I am a big fan of Motion for helping move my calendar around.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones can boost your motivation and reinforce positive habits.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein

Take Control of Your Writing Journey

Distractions and lack of prioritisation can derail your writing dreams, but they don’t have to. By implementing these strategies, you can create a writing routine that fits seamlessly into your life and keeps you moving forward. Remember, writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right tools to overcome the inevitable obstacles along the way.

Prioritising your writing and minimising distractions is a continuous process. It’s about finding what works best for you and staying committed to your goals, even when life gets busy.

What’s your biggest distraction when it comes to writing?
Take a moment to identify one thing pulling you away from your work and create a plan to address it this week. Let us know over on …