As an academic writing coach, I see researchers make these 10 counter-intuitive productivity mistakes that get them LESS (not more) writing done.
A thread. π§΅
#PostDoc #newPI #PIchat
A thread. π§΅
#PostDoc #newPI #PIchat
#1: Not prioritising rest
π€ Sleep, exercise and other ways to "rest" your brain will make you more creative and a better writer. Our brain needs time away from focused writing to process and build connections. Aim for 8-9 hours sleep, work-free weekends and regular vacations.
π€ Sleep, exercise and other ways to "rest" your brain will make you more creative and a better writer. Our brain needs time away from focused writing to process and build connections. Aim for 8-9 hours sleep, work-free weekends and regular vacations.
#2: Thinking you need to write every day
π Habits and consistency are necessary but if you can't fit writing into your schedule daily, you can still be a productive writer. One strategy that works for many is to write at the same time on certain days of the week.
π Habits and consistency are necessary but if you can't fit writing into your schedule daily, you can still be a productive writer. One strategy that works for many is to write at the same time on certain days of the week.
#3: Writing without structure
π€― You will be able to stay focused on your paper, avoid procrastination and enjoy writing more if you follow a meaningful process. Invest time into learning a system to write a paper.
π€― You will be able to stay focused on your paper, avoid procrastination and enjoy writing more if you follow a meaningful process. Invest time into learning a system to write a paper.
#4: Not accounting for reading and thinking time
π Some parts of the writing process don't look productive to an outside observer but going for a walk to process what you read can be a lot more productive than forcing yourself to sit at your desk and type words.
π Some parts of the writing process don't look productive to an outside observer but going for a walk to process what you read can be a lot more productive than forcing yourself to sit at your desk and type words.
#5: Not using your writing sessions effectively
π§βπ» More time spent writing doesn't necessarily equal better or even more published papers! Don't try to write more often before you have optimised your writing sessions.
π§βπ» More time spent writing doesn't necessarily equal better or even more published papers! Don't try to write more often before you have optimised your writing sessions.
#6: Writing outside your "deep work time"
π₯± We all have different chronotypes and about 60% of us AREN'T early morning people. So turn off that 5am alarm if this isn't actually the time you do your best writing.
π₯± We all have different chronotypes and about 60% of us AREN'T early morning people. So turn off that 5am alarm if this isn't actually the time you do your best writing.
#7: Not keeping track of your writing with a project management system
ποΈ Writing a scientific article is a project and the process will be frustrating, take longer and be less enjoyable if you don't break that project into tasks, plan ahead and keep track of your progress.
ποΈ Writing a scientific article is a project and the process will be frustrating, take longer and be less enjoyable if you don't break that project into tasks, plan ahead and keep track of your progress.
#8: Writing in the wrong space
π’ Some need it really quiet to write, others like a background bustle. A lot of us can't write in open office spaces when we feel that others can observe our workflow. Optimise your writing space to get the most out of your writing time!
π’ Some need it really quiet to write, others like a background bustle. A lot of us can't write in open office spaces when we feel that others can observe our workflow. Optimise your writing space to get the most out of your writing time!
#9: Thinking writing has to be lonely
πͺ While some thrive when writing in solitude, others like the social accountability and feeling of community when meeting others to write. Consider joining online co-writing sessions and online writing retreats!
πͺ While some thrive when writing in solitude, others like the social accountability and feeling of community when meeting others to write. Consider joining online co-writing sessions and online writing retreats!
#10: Not accepting seasons in your life and career
π©βπ« In some semesters it's unrealistic to expect from yourself that you will get a lot of writing done, e.g. when you have a high teaching load or a newborn. Don't set yourself up to be stressed - dreading writing.
π©βπ« In some semesters it's unrealistic to expect from yourself that you will get a lot of writing done, e.g. when you have a high teaching load or a newborn. Don't set yourself up to be stressed - dreading writing.
TL;DR: The 10 most common writing productivity mistakes (1/2)
#1: Not prioritising rest
#2: Thinking you need to write every day
#3: Writing without structure
#4: Not accounting for reading and thinking time
#5: Not using your writing sessions effectively
#1: Not prioritising rest
#2: Thinking you need to write every day
#3: Writing without structure
#4: Not accounting for reading and thinking time
#5: Not using your writing sessions effectively
TL;DR: The 10 most common writing productivity mistakes (2/2)
#6: Writing outside your "deep work time"
#7: Not using a project management system
#8: Writing in the wrong space
#9: Thinking writing has to be lonely
#10: Not accepting seasons in your life and career
#6: Writing outside your "deep work time"
#7: Not using a project management system
#8: Writing in the wrong space
#9: Thinking writing has to be lonely
#10: Not accepting seasons in your life and career
If you found this helpful, you'll LOVE our free training on how to get published in high-ranking journals without lacking structure in the writing process.
π©βπ» Watch now here: π
annaclemens.com/training?utm_sβ¦
π©βπ» Watch now here: π
annaclemens.com/training?utm_sβ¦
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