How can you stay motivated during a writing challenge?

1 Set realistic expectations

Before you sign up for a writing challenge, make sure you know what you are getting into. How much time, energy, and resources will you need to complete it? What are the rules, deadlines, and criteria? What are the benefits and risks of participating? Be honest with yourself about your abilities, limitations, and priorities. Don't overcommit or underestimate yourself. Set realistic and achievable goals that match your purpose and passion.

2 Plan your schedule

Once you have decided to join a writing challenge, plan your schedule accordingly. Block out some time every day or week to work on your writing project. Make it a habit and a priority. Avoid distractions and procrastination. Use tools and apps to help you organize your tasks, track your progress, and remind you of your deadlines. Be flexible and adaptable, but also consistent and disciplined. Don't let your writing challenge interfere with your other responsibilities or obligations, but don't neglect it either.

3 Find your inspiration

A writing challenge can be a source of inspiration, but it can also drain your creativity. To avoid running out of ideas or losing interest, find your inspiration from different sources. Read books, articles, blogs, or poems that relate to your topic or genre. Watch movies, shows, documentaries, or videos that spark your imagination or curiosity. Listen to music, podcasts, interviews, or speeches that motivate or inspire you. Explore nature, art, culture, or history that enrich or challenge your perspective. Write down your thoughts, feelings, observations, or questions that arise from your inspiration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?