Ever sit down to write and just… freeze? We often try to force ourselves to write using conscious strategies: setting word count goals, scheduling writing time, promising ourselves rewards. But what if there's a deeper, more hidden reason behind why the words flow (or don't)? And what if the digital environment we write in plays a bigger role than we think? Let's explore how your unconscious mind—that hidden part of you—can actually be a huge source of writing motivation, and how your writing software can either help or hinder that.
Remember, "dare to be trivial"—small details can have a surprisingly large impact on the complex human mind. This is demonstrated by solution-focused therapy, which helps people overcome challenges by focusing on what's already working. This approach helps inspire people to meet their goals.
The Unconscious and Your Digital Workspace: A Powerful Combination
Think of your unconscious mind like the backstage crew at a play. You see the actors on stage (your conscious thoughts), but there's a whole lot happening behind the scenes that makes the show possible. Your unconscious is full of thoughts, feelings, memories, and habits that you're not even aware of, but they totally influence how you act and what you want. And here’s the key: the digital environment you write in, from the font you choose to the interface of your word processor, can directly impact your unconscious and, therefore, your writing motivation.
Here's how your unconscious can influence your writing, and how the features (or limitations) of your writing software can either help or hinder this process:
Your Writing Process:
- That Deep-Down Need to Express Yourself (and a Comfortable Interface): Maybe, deep down, you have a story to tell or an argument to make. This unconscious desire to express yourself is a powerful motivator. But a clunky or confusing writing interface can create a barrier. A clean, intuitive interface can lower that barrier and boost your unconscious drive to write. Even seemingly small details, like dark mode, minimalist mode, or the responsiveness of the software, can have a surprisingly large impact. Dare to be trivial!
- Hidden Talents Calling (in a Distraction-Free Environment): Ever feel strangely drawn to certain types of writing? You might have a hidden talent or skill that your unconscious is nudging you to use. Features like full-screen mode can create a distraction-free environment, allowing you to tap into that unconscious creativity. Even the simple white space of a blank document can have a similar effect. Again, dare to be trivial—the simple act of removing visual clutter can significantly improve focus.
- The Influence of Your Past (and Your Familiar Tools): Think about how you learned to write. If you're used to a particular style of software, the familiarity itself can be comforting and motivating. The muscle memory of keyboard shortcuts and the familiar layout can create a sense of flow. Trying to force yourself to use a completely new program might actually hinder your unconscious motivation. Even subtle differences in formatting can disrupt this flow. Dare to be trivial—sticking with what you know can be more beneficial than chasing the latest features.
- Trusting Your Gut (with the Right Tools): Ever have a "gut feeling" about a particular word choice or sentence structure? That's your unconscious at work. Features like spell check, grammar check, and thesauruses can provide a safety net and allow you to trust your instincts more. However, relying too heavily on these tools can sometimes stifle your creative flow. Dare to be trivial—a slight adjustment to the grammar check settings or a quick glance at a thesaurus can be just the right amount of support without hindering your creativity.
Tapping Into Your Hidden Writing Motivation
So, how do you actually use this stuff? Here are a few ways to connect with your unconscious writing motivation and use your writing software to your advantage:- Journaling: Free Writing in Your Preferred Program (Don't Overthink the Setup): Use your preferred writing software for free writing exercises. This can help you uncover hidden writing motivations and explore different writing styles. Dare to be trivial—don't get bogged down in formatting or font choices at this stage. Just write!
- Creating a Distraction-Free Digital Environment (Even Small Tweaks Help): Use full-screen mode, turn off notifications, and close unnecessary tabs to minimize distractions. Dare to be trivial—even small tweaks like adjusting your screen brightness or changing your desktop background can create a more focused environment.
- Embracing Familiar Tools (Familiarity Breeds Contentment): If you're comfortable with a particular writing software, don't feel pressured to switch. The familiarity itself can be a powerful motivator. Dare to be trivial—sticking with what works can save you time and mental energy.
- Experimenting with Different Fonts and Styles (Small Changes, Big Impact): Even small changes like font choice or line spacing can subtly influence your mood and motivation. Experiment to find what works best for you. WordPerfect used a monospaced font, crucial for its distinctive, minimalist look. Courier New is a good starting point. You might also explore other monospace fonts like Consolas or Lucida Console for slight variations.
