by Eliza Sanders, Ph.D., GPC, Writer In Residence
For every fundraiser, there comes the time when you just have to write. Whether it’s a grant proposal, an appeal letter, an address for the gala, or a case statement (hopefully a Case for Why!), we have to stop the flurry of daily activity, force ourselves to sit still, and get the words on the page.
It might surprise you to know that I, Let’s Build Hope’s writer in residence, often struggle to do just that. I’m a longtime member of the club that can say, “I hate writing. I love having written.” Writing a first draft is the hardest work I do in a day, but it’s what I’ll feel best about when that day is done.
Just like people who feel that way about going to the gym have tricks to get them there, I’ve acquired my own set of tricks to get writing finished so I can feel great afterwards. Here are three of them:
1. Do It First.
If you have prose to get down for the first time, a true first draft, do it as early in the day as you possibly can. I personally avoid scheduling meetings before 10 am. That first hour of the day is precious: the stress of the day hasn’t accumulated, and I’m at my most creative and my most energetic. At 3 pm, I can be great in a meeting, but no amount of coffee will make me great in front of a blank page. Bonus points if you can write for 30 minutes before opening your email!
2. Block The Internet, Close The Tabs.
I use Self Control, one of dozens of apps that block specific websites for a set amount of time. You probably don’t want to block out the whole internet (hello, Thesaurus.com!), but those “just for a minute” websites? You know the ones. Shut them down. If your brain needs a break, let it stare into space. Or doodle. Or listen to music. It is not getting the rest it needs by staring at 30-second videos and scrolling. Also, make your writing project the only thing taking up space on your screen. Other windows and tabs will just remind you of the other, easier work you could be doing instead.
3. Set A Goal.
When I set a timer, I also set a word goal. This practice keeps me motivated to avoid picking up my phone, taking too many brain breaks, or editing while I’m writing. Editing can be an afternoon activity—in the morning, you’re just trying to get that first draft done. Give yourself a little reward (a funny video, perhaps) if you hit your goal before the timer goes off. That will teach your brain that focused writing gets you a little hit of dopamine.
It’s so easy to procrastinate that grant proposal, appeal letter, copy for the online campaign, or that major gift proposal that you keep meaning to get out the door…but the longer they sit on your desk, the harder it seems to get started. Start thinking of writing as part of your weekly routine—and use these steps—and that part of your fundraising work will become…well, if not a joy, at least less stressful and more rewarding!
#LBH #GlimmersOfHope #Blog #Writing #Grants #WritingRoutine
Do you need more help with grants than just getting the writing done? Let’s Build Hope’s Grants Boot Camp, held in the late winter or early spring, is a two-day deep dive into grants. Join us!
And if you need more help? Let’s Build Hope provides grant writing and grants consulting services through Grants for Growth.