I didn’t invent it, of course, but I have been practicing it of late. What? The world’s best writing tip: Butt in chair.

Sure, I’ve heard it before but with my current workload (thanks, clients!), the only way to keep all the balls in the air and projects moving forward is to start cranking out copy.

And that requires putting my behind in the chair at my desk in front of my computer and getting things done. Not emailing, tweeting or posting my status. (During writing time, at least.)

It’s hard to sit still. But when I do, the words come. The type goes on the page. The copy gets done. The client is happy. And, frankly, so am I.

What’s stopping you from butt-in-chair-writing?

No ideas? Write about it. Too many ideas? Write about it. Not sure what to write? Write about it.

The point is to just sit and write for a period of time with no distractions. Set a timer if you have to. Reward yourself at the end of 30 minutes. Whatever it takes. I promise you will be more productive. I know I am.

Possibly related posts

• It takes time to write well (0)
• Big copy challenges we don’t talk enough about (0)
• 3 Ways to Become a Better Writer (0)

I’m so excited! It’s time for Lake Superior State’s Banished Words List. I personally vowed on LinkedIn to let go of this phrase: “Let’s take this offline.”

What will you banish from your dialogue this year?

Possibly related posts

• Big copy challenges we don’t talk enough about (0)
• Write with care (0)
• The world’s best writing tip (0)

I’m feeling lazy today.

It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.

And today is one of those days. Perhaps I’m feeling this way because I’ve just come off several high-energy, fast-turnaround projects that required a lot of focus and creativity.

The projects were grand, for sure, but they drained me in a way. At least temporarily.

So now it’s time to put something back. It’s time for me to get re-energized.

And, for me, the way to do that is to give into the laziness just a bit.

I ticked away at a couple of small projects earlier today, put my ‘out of office’ on and now I’m refueling my creative juices by NOT working, by NOT writing, by NOT honing my craft.

Instead, I’m baking pumpkin scones, doing some deep cleaning and going for a walk with my husband.

On a work day?!!??!!

Yep. And guilt free, I might add.

Because I know that when I take time (a day, a half day or even an hour) to refuel, I come back rested, refreshed and renewed. I come back with so much more to give physically, mentally and creatively.

I come back ready to write. And write well.

When’s the last time you were lazy in order to get more productive?

Possibly related posts

• What are your writing strengths? (0)
• The world’s best writing tip (0)
• Why Starbucks needs a new copywriter (0)