Everybody wants the good things and the good things don't come easy. Sometimes you'll have to extend your working hours or spend the entire night researching that project. You'll have to do the work.
The intent and the time you're willing to give are terrific but they will also be tested.
(How?)
I'll tell you.
There are the "little" things you'd have to conquer in your quest to finish that book or write that story.
I bet you've met them before (always lurking), the pop sound introducing your Instagram sweethearts, the text or calls that somehow remembers your working time, or those friends that know your location and more.
These things are kinda like the little foxes that spoil the vine.
You've got to be careful my friends because in order to thrive you must be able to maintain focus.
Let's help you
1. Reflect
Check your inside, distractions also come from within. Are you doing what you should? What's important and what's not? Where are you at? Ask the necessary questions so you can set yourself in order from within before you battle the little foxes.
2. Break down your goals and set deadlines
If your goal is to write 7000 words per week, make it doable by writing 1000 words per day. If your goals are vague you'd easily get distracted, put them into smaller tasks to minimize distractions. The deadlines will keep you in work mode.
3. Get organized
Avoid working in a cluttered space, clear out the excesses, and put within reach everything you'll be needing for work. The right environment and atmosphere are absolutely important.
If you aren't sure what works best, explore different atmospheres. Try the library, an office, or an outdoor location but make sure to work in an organized space. It gets you ready to focus.
4. Turn off notifications
Keep them off, especially during work hours. Social media, emails, calls, or texts can be very flamboyant, if you want to focus keep them off. I also suggest you keep your phone out of reach during work hours.
5. Press play
Listening to music helps you concentrate. Listen to instrumentals not lyrical music so you don't get to focus on the words. Press play to help you block out the external noise and help you tune in to maximize focus.
Let's properly get the good things, shall we?