We’ve all heard about, and perhaps experienced, the critic’s voice humming in the background as we try to write. Some people just give up. They begin to believe the thoughts they have about themselves. In some circles these are called limiting beliefs. We all have them, don’t we?

• “I can’t afford that.”
• “I dont know enough to…”
• “What will people think about me?” 

Imagine what it would be like if no one was watching and the critical voices weren’t yapping away with their litany of limiting beliefs? Can you imagine how good it would feel to write without feeling any pressure to please anyone?

You know, maybe there was a reason the ancient scribes holed up in caves and monasteries writing or copying books. No one was watching. I don’t want you to think you have to travel to sacred lands to write a novel, after all; plenty of people have found other places to hole up and write, such as in a coffee shop. I’d like to challenge you to doing things differently and get of your comfort zone (or uncomfortable zone, if this is the case).

Challenge number one: Commit to taking one step at a time to separate writing/work and personal time. Take your to-do list and schedule blocks of time for specific tasks. For example, choose a day to dedicate two three-hour blocks of time to content creation and another block for editing. Another day can be dedicated to email and spending family time.

It is likely you will find it hard to find the “off button” and stop thinking about things that didn’t get done or need to get completed tomorrow. Here is one solution that will help and you’ll feel less stressed. There are many books about mindfulness that basically instruct us to be present on a daily basis in all situations. If you’re writing, really write and enjoy the process. If you’re eating, really taste your food, if you’re washing dishes; enjoy the sudsy water and clink/clank of the dishes. In other words, when you are writing and imagining what people will think when they read your book, you are not with the writing. You are imagining. Come back to what you are doing.

Mind challenge number two: Grab a blank piece of paper and a pen (or a new screen on your computer). You’re going to give yourself permission to do a brain dump. This is good to do at the end of any activity that gives you a lot of good ideas, like exercising or driving in the car. And, it’s a task that you should do before an activity when you need a clear mind. Try this: About five minutes before you need to do something else, stop and get your paper (or computer screen) and write down everything going through your mind. Fast, no editing. In five minutes, you’re finished.

You can also create a ritual that signals transition time for yourself. Perhaps a glad of iced tea or water will signal “end of the day.” Of course, we know your brain never shuts down. And you’ll continue to get those good ideas during dinner, but you’ll be much better at being present where you are.

Writing is a right and a calling that you can’t forget. If your Muse wakes you when you should be asleep, write down what comes to mind. It’s precious.