You know that feeling when the words just pour out of you, and writing feels effortless? That’s the flow state—when you’re so absorbed in your work that time disappears, doubts quiet down, and the story takes on a life of its own. But some days, getting into that headspace feels impossible. The good news? You can train yourself to drop in faster. Here’s how:
1. Create a Ritual That Signals “It’s Time”
Your brain loves patterns. If you do the same thing before every writing session, it’ll start associating that routine with deep focus. This could be:
- Lighting a specific candle or using a particular scent.
- Playing a go-to playlist.
- Writing in the same location at the same time every day.
- Drinking the same tea or coffee (or four) as a sensory trigger.
The more consistent your pre-writing ritual, the more quickly your mind will switch into writing mode.
2. Warm Up with Low-Stakes Writing
Staring at a blank page is intimidating. Before diving into your main project, loosen up with a warm-up exercise. Try:
- Freewriting for five minutes about anything on your mind.
- Journaling a few sentences about what you want to accomplish in your writing session.
- Writing a letter (to yourself, a friend, or even a fictional character).
By the time you get to your actual work-in-progress, you’ll already be in motion.
3. Use a “Soft Start” Instead of a Hard One
Sometimes, trying to start a new scene or chapter from scratch kills momentum. Instead, begin with something easy:
- Reread and lightly edit the last paragraph you wrote.
- Start mid-scene rather than at the beginning.
- Write out of order—if a later part of the story is calling to you, follow that instinct.
Once you’re moving, transitioning into deeper work feels much smoother.
4. Lower the Stakes by Ditching Perfectionism at the Door
One of the biggest barriers to flow is the pressure to write well right away. The first draft isn’t about brilliance—it’s about momentum.
- Give yourself permission to write badly. (I don’t need permission b/c I already do this.)
- Set a timer and tell yourself you only have to write for 20 minutes.
- Try the “TK” trick: If you don’t know a word or detail, just write “TK” and keep moving. You can fill in the gaps later by using Find & Replace.
When you stop expecting yourself to write perfectly, you write freely.
5. Engage Your Senses & Body
Writing isn’t just a mental act—it’s physical. If you’re feeling sluggish or distracted, reset with a sensory cue:
- Move your body: a quick walk, stretching, or a few jumping jacks can shake off stuck energy.
- Change your environment: write in a café, outside, or in a different room.
- Use sound: white noise, nature sounds, or ambient music can create a cocoon of focus.
Your body and mind work together—so get them both on board.
The Bottom Line
Flow doesn’t always happen automatically, but you can set yourself up for it. The more you build habits that signal “it’s time to write,” the easier it becomes to drop in quickly. So experiment, find what works, and trust the process. The words will come.
