Boost your productivity when burnout looms

When the thought of writing more copy makes you want to curl up in a fetal position and take a nap, don’t give in. These ideas can help you push through to the finish line.

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The worst thing you can do when you feel burned out is ignore it. This will either result in low-quality work or an emotional breakdown—and possibly both. You have to confront the issue head-on and acknowledge the problem. Try some of the following productivity tips that other talented writers use:

1. Set mini-checkpoints and goals

The human brain thrives when it sees an end in sight. That’s why long distance runners often get fatigued halfway through a race, then get a “second wind” when the race is almost over. It’s much easier to push through when you know the finish line is near.

Bringing the topic back to writing, you can trick your brain into staying focused by dividing your day up into sections. Instead of sitting down at 8 a.m. and planning on writing until 4 p.m., break your day up into hour-long segments. Write for an hour and then take a 10-minute break. Write for another hour and take another short break. When your mind knows that you only have to push through for a 60-minute block of time, you’re much more apt to stay on task.

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