Writing contests are a great way to showcase your talent, hone your skills, and even win prizes. However, many aspiring writers fail to make the most of these opportunities due to procrastination. Putting off work until the last minute can cause you to submit subpar work or even miss the contest deadline altogether. In this article, we will discuss the detrimental effects of procrastination and provide tips on how to overcome it and succeed in writing contests.
When you sign up for a writing contest, it is crucial to adopt a disciplined approach. Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your submission. Instead, begin as soon as possible. Determine the amount of time you have before the deadline and create a schedule for yourself. Identify the tasks you need to accomplish and set deadlines for each one.
Many writers fall into the trap of procrastination, assuming that they have plenty of time to complete their submission. However, time has a tendency to slip away quickly, and before you know it, the deadline is looming. If you find yourself continually pushing back your writing tasks to the next day, you need to break this cycle. First set small, daily achievable goals. This will help build momentum and make the task feel less daunting.
Another way to avoid procrastination is to focus on the benefits of submitting a high-quality piece. Winning a writing contest can provide a significant boost to your career and confidence. Visualize the satisfaction of submitting your best work and winning the prize. This mental image can motivate you to get started and keep going.
To produce impressive work, you need to give yourself enough time to brainstorm and develop your ideas. Do not rush the creative process. Take breaks if you need to, but don’t let your focus wane. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, read other great writers to stimulate your creativity. This can help you develop a unique perspective on the contest theme or topic.
When it comes to writing, many people suffer from writer’s block, which can be a form of procrastination. If you’re experiencing writer’s block, take a break and do something else that’s creative or physical. This can help clear your mind and get your creative juices flowing again. Remember, it’s better to take a short break than to waste hours staring at a blank page.
Accountability can be a powerful motivator. Consider forming a writing group or partnering with a friend to hold each other accountable for meeting writing deadlines. You can also join online writing communities where members provide feedback and support to each other. This can provide the extra motivation you need to stay on track and meet your contest submission deadline.
Procrastination is a common problem that can affect your success rate in writing contests. However, with a disciplined approach, clear goals, and motivation, you can overcome procrastination, submit your best work and also win the contest.
