Last week’s extended ode to The Writers’ Hour extolled the joy of working together-alone in silence, but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. So, this week, I offer you a quick run-down of some noisier solutions that have worked for me.
1. Tick, tick, boom!
First up, the pomodoro technique, which I mentioned last week. In short, you pick your task and commit to spending a short amount of time on it. Then you set a timer and go. The aim is not to finish the task but to concentrate on it. I’ve always found this an exceptionally good way of tricking myself into work. In fact, I usually end up ignoring the timer when it goes off - once I’ve been concentrating for a solid 30 minutes, I’ve hit my stride and am ‘in flow’. (NB: that is not recommended by proponents of the technique which also instills the importance of frequent breaks).
Try: setting a kitchen timer - that background ticking keeps you in the zone
Works for: when you can’t seem to get started, especially if you have too many competing priorities; also for horrible tasks you keep putting off
A brief word about ‘flow’: I fully buy into the idea but I think the word puts people off. Sounds a bit woo-woo, doesn’t it? It’s nothing mystical as far as I can see - it just means you are totally absorbed by what you’re doing, really enjoying it and able to concentrate without having to bribe yourself with biscuits.
2. Beat the buzzer
Early last year, in the before-times, I learned about Robert Boice’s “brief, daily sessions” technique. You commit to working on something every day for a very small amount of time - and only that amount of time.
"Begin [practicing writing] with truly brief sessions, perhaps no more than fifteen minutes; the point is to establish the habit of regular work related to writing."
So again, you’ll be setting a timer but this technique is not about tasks, it’s about creating a habit. And it breaks down that idea that you have to dedicate a massive chunk of time to an activity, otherwise you’re not taking it seriously. When the buzzer goes off, you must stop, which creates that “awww, I was just getting into that” feeling, which in turn makes you eager to return the next day.
Try: picking a time of day when you should take a break but always seem to work through it. Lunchtime, commuting time (if you’re still commuting) or if you’re working from home, use this to put some space between work and the evening’s chores. And move! Even if it’s just to the other side of the sofa - tell your brain: “We’re doing this now.”
Works for: anything that seems too big and intimidating to start; anything you are constantly deprioritising because it’s “not important”.
3. It’s quiet, too quiet ...
Sometimes a bit of background music is nice and helps you to get in the zone. I used to attend art classes and our teacher always had a playlist ready to go - he had a serious dislike of working in silence. (Incidentally, if anyone fancies an online art class but is a bit intimidated, I highly recommend Dan Whiteson for his friendly, informal style - his Sunday Sessions are booking now)
However, when I’m writing, I struggle with any background sounds that involve singing or talking. Just like when I incorporate the breakfast radio news into my dreams, I start incorporating song lyrics into whatever I’m typing. Searching for a no-singing solution at the start of Lockdown 1, I had a brief flirtation with Classic FM. It was pleasant enough until I realised it was the same 20 songs every day, with the occasional appearance of The Horse of the Year theme tune (which was not unwelcome, it’s very jolly).
Luckily, I remembered Radiooooo.com (yes, five Os). This extraordinary website and app let you hear music from all over the world from the last 120 years. Select a country and a decade, pick a themed playlist or just set it to random and let Radiooooo take you on a time-traveling world tour. As you can see here, it has taken me to 1960s Latvia to hear Eolika. I have no idea what they are singing about. It is delightful.
Try: Radiooooo’s website or app; classical or foreign-language playlists on Spotify or YouTube
Works for: when you’re just not feeling it but you have to get the work done anyway. Some nice tunes will lift your spirits a bit
Stationery corner
Following on from the posh yoghurt pots, I’ve found another former pen receptacle: a giant Bourbon tin. Once home to Sharpie markers, Post-it notes and, briefly at the start of its tenure on my desk, a couple of dozen M&S bourbon biscuits. What to do with it now? I don’t need another incentive to buy biscuits. But it has to be useful for something, right?
First, I love you so much, you’re adorable. Please send my love to Mr Poppie, Morris, and unnamed dinosaur friend.
On the subject of audio accompaniment to writing, have you tried the app ‘A Soft Murmur’? It’s fantastic, so adjustable and realistic.