1000 Words By 9am

What if you could write as much as 1000 words by mid-morning, and enjoy the ride? Even though you love writing, it’s probably the most challenging activity you tackle each day. Here are some of the best tips that will let you “eat that frog,” sidestep procrastination, and 1000 words done by 9 AM

1) Create an outline the day before

Sitting down in front of a blank screen first thing in the morning is a recipe for low productivity. What you should do instead, is to create an outline the day before, so you’ll immediately have something to work on during your early morning session. MORE: NEWSFLASH: Like It Or Not, You Need To Outline

2) Let your unconscious mind work while you sleep

Never underestimate the power of your subconscious mind and the role it plays in creativity. Before you go to sleep, see your writing challenge in your mind’s eye and think about how to solve it. Then, simply let it go. When you wake up, you will often realize that the right solution is ready.

3) Write on an empty stomach

You’re actually more intelligent before eating your breakfast. There’s a phenomenon called “empty stomach intelligence.” When you’re hungry, your brain produces a hormone known as ghrelin, which can enhance cognition and keep you more alert. So try writing before breakfast for a couple of days and see if it works for you.

4) Practice free writing

Free writing is a perfect writing strategy to use to awaken your creative machinery first thing in the morning. Pick a prompt, or get back to your current writing project, and write your heart out without a care in the world for grammar or rhetorical concerns.

5) Dictate instead of using your keyboard to write faster

A study conducted by Stanford University has proven that dictation is up to three times faster than typing. If you want to get your 1000 words done by 9:00 AM, you should take advantage of that extra speed. All you need to get started is a decent microphone and a dictation tool like the one from Google Docs. CLICK HERE for more on using timers and free writing.

6) Use caffeine like a pro

Caffeine is one of the writer’s most reliable allies, but you need to use it wisely. If you drink coffee immediately after waking up, you may start feeling anxious. That’s because, in the early morning, your body is filled with cortisol (a stress and wakefulness hormone). Add espresso to the mix, and you’re entering the land of jitters.

To avoid that, it’s better to get your fix one or two hours after waking up and sip your brew slowly to squeeze out a productive writing session.

7) Get your writing done before the business day starts

Most of us are morning types, and that’s when we’re the most productive. If you can consistently wake up at 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, you can slash through your 1000 words before you get your first email or text message.

8) Set a timer for one hour and only write

Use your timer as a forcing system that will help you to stay on track. So set your timer for one hour, put the distractions aside, and concentrate on writing and nothing else. At the end of the hour, you’ll have 500-1000 words ready – no doubt about that.

9) Write 1000 words in a single session

This one requires a healthy dose of willpower and self-discipline, but it’s doable. Instead of using the timer, you use your actual word count as a measuring stick for your progress.

10) Use psychological triggers to step into writing mode

As writers, we need mental cues that put us in this creative, free-flowing mindset. It might be something as simple as lighting up a candle on your desk, using incense, eating a special snack, or playing your favorite piece of music. MORE: 2 Secrets To Unstoppable Productivity

Last Words

The above tips will boost your productivity and help you enjoy the writing process a bit more. Now take the one that you like the most and make it part of your writing routine.

Do you have any other suggestions on how to become an early morning writer? Please feel free to leave a comment. I’ll be happy to respond!

Good Luck!

BIO: Rafal Reyzer is a full-time blogger, freelance writer, digital marketer, editor, and content manager. He started his blog to provide readers with writing resources and strategies they can use to achieve freedom from 9-5 through online creativity. His site is a one-stop-shop for writers, bloggers, publishers, content enthusiasts, and freelancers who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things.