Timed Writing Sessions (Writing Sprints) to Boost Productivity

The discipline of writing sprints is invincible against writer’s block and perfectionism. Practice writing sprints to improve your writing speed and efficiency.

What Is a Writing Sprint?

A “writing sprint” is a continuous writing session confined to a certain period of time—typically a time constraint that falls between 5 and 60 minutes. The goal is to produce as many words as possible without pausing for revision. It might be helpful to establish a conceptual framework that involves small bursts of inspiration to meet writing objectives like the number of words or just becoming more comfortable with placing words on paper. Since it prevents you from pausing to review your work as you go, this writing technique is excellent if you tend toward perfectionism or procrastination. To help you get started with your project here is a great resource containing 1000s of dissertation topics. 

In what ways are sprints useful? 

The writing sprint is an adaptable exercise that may be modified to meet the demands of authors of varying genres and specialisations. Some of the most prevalent motivations for participating in a writing sprint are as follows: 

• Fast writing is possible with the help of “writing sprints.” While writing time might be difficult to come by when you’re juggling other commitments like work and everyday duties, writing sprints may establish a routine for writing that you can maintain even when time is tight. 
• As an antidote to procrastination, “writing sprints” are a useful tool. If you’re having trouble getting started writing, a writing sprint might provide the immediate, concrete focus you need. Sprints are writing periods without a word count objective that do not need any specific result other than finishing.
• Writing sprints are a great way to get beyond writer’s block and get your ideas down quickly. Word sprints are designed so you won’t have time to let your inner editor stop you from writing by picking apart your word choice and the wealth of writing advice you’ve amassed over the years. Make a writing sprint to overcome your concern of producing a subpar first draft and start putting ideas down on paper without getting bogged down in revisions.
• Sprints of writing may be used to break through creative blocks. Writers often experience periods of lack of inspiration. Even if you’re not in the mood to write, a writing sprint might serve as a useful reminder that you can still put pen to paper. When you’re at a loss for what to write, keeping track of your word count may offer you a sense of success and help you maintain your daily writing habit. To put it simply, the act of writing alone may be enough to break through a blockage.

Writing Sprints: Four Strategies for Maximising Your Time

For effective use of writing sprints in your life, think about the following:

1. Be aware of your motivations. Establish objectives for the writing sprint, such as: Is there a target word count you’re aiming for? How would you want to spend less time writing and more time doing quality work? Want to write more frequently? Try limiting yourself to a shorter amount of time if, for instance, you want to meet your daily writing goal. The best way to determine whether a daily sprint is beneficial is to begin with a short duration (say, five minutes) and see how you feel.
2. Give priority to finishing, not succeeding perfectly. A writing sprint’s sole objective is to get you to the finish line. You don’t have to start the next great American novel or Pulitzer prize winner with your writing. Please keep in mind that at this stage, you are only getting used to the act of writing. No consideration for popularity or sales is required.
3. Pick a place where you won’t be interrupted. This doesn’t have to be full stillness; in fact, the presence of music or other stimulation may be beneficial to your productivity during short bursts of writing. Just get rid of all distractions so you can concentrate on your work.
4. The timer should be started. Prepare for the finish of the sprint by setting the alarm. If you don’t have to keep looking at your watch or phone, you’ll have more time to get your work done.