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For many writers, the pressure of deadlines—whether self-imposed or external—can become overwhelming. We often hear about the importance of setting strict timelines to complete a draft or finish a manuscript. But what if adhering to those deadlines is actually holding you back? What if, instead of focusing on the clock, you could free yourself from the constraints of time and find a more creative, sustainable way to write?
Enter "smashing the clock," a concept taught by Colleen Mitchell, host of The Novel Writing Podcast and mentor in The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge. The idea is simple but revolutionary: stop tying yourself to deadlines for your novel. Instead, focus on progress over time. This one small change can completely transform the way you approach writing and, ultimately, lead to a more fulfilling and productive creative process.
The Problem with Deadlines
Deadlines can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they motivate us to stay on track and hold ourselves accountable. But on the other hand, they can introduce unnecessary stress, anxiety, and even feelings of failure if we don’t hit our targets on time.
When you're constantly racing against the clock, it's easy to fall into a mindset of “just get it done.” This leads to rushed writing, half-baked ideas, and a story that doesn’t live up to its full potential. The joy of writing can be lost in the rush to meet arbitrary deadlines.
Deadlines also don’t account for the unpredictable nature of creativity. Some days, the words flow effortlessly. Other days, inspiration is nowhere to be found. By focusing too much on time, you risk sacrificing quality for speed. And in the end, you’re left with a manuscript that might be finished—but not polished or enjoyable to write.
What is “Smashing the Clock”?
Colleen Mitchell’s concept of "smashing the clock" is a game-changer. It’s about breaking free from the traditional mindset that you must finish your novel by a certain date or within a specific timeframe. Instead, you give yourself the grace to let the process unfold naturally, focusing on steady, consistent progress rather than strict deadlines.
Here’s how smashing the clock can revolutionize your writing process:
1. Less Pressure, More Creativity
When you're not fixated on a looming deadline, you allow yourself the space to be more creative. Without the pressure to churn out words by a certain date, you can focus on quality over quantity. This gives you the freedom to explore new ideas, experiment with plot twists, and truly immerse yourself in the world you're creating.
2. Develop a Healthier Writing Routine
Smashing the clock encourages you to focus on writing regularly, rather than frantically trying to hit a word count or finish a draft by a specific deadline. This shift in mindset fosters a more sustainable writing routine, where progress is measured over time rather than in sprints. You’ll find yourself more relaxed, which can lead to better writing sessions and more consistent output.
3. Improved Mental Health
Letting go of deadlines reduces the mental strain associated with writing. You’re no longer stressing over whether you’ll meet an arbitrary date. Instead, you’ll approach each writing session with a sense of enjoyment and curiosity. Writing becomes a positive experience again, rather than a race against the clock.
4. Avoid Burnout
Writers often push themselves to the brink of exhaustion in an effort to finish their novels. This can lead to creative burnout, making it difficult to write anything at all. Smashing the clock helps prevent burnout by allowing you to write at a pace that’s right for you, rather than one dictated by external factors.
5. Embrace the Process, Not Just the End Goal
When you remove the pressure of deadlines, you can fully embrace the writing process. You’ll learn to enjoy the journey of crafting a story rather than constantly fixating on the finish line. This shift in mindset allows you to create a richer, more thoughtful novel that reflects the care and attention you’ve put into it.
How to Start Smashing the Clock
If you’ve been working with deadlines for a while, smashing the clock might feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable at first. But the key is to reframe your thinking around progress. Here’s how to get started:
1. Focus on Consistent Progress
Instead of focusing on a deadline, focus on writing consistently. Whether it’s 15 minutes a day, 500 words a week, or a chapter a month, the key is steady progress. This approach removes the stress of finishing your novel by a specific date and lets you build momentum over time.
2. Set Milestones, Not Deadlines
Rather than setting strict deadlines, create milestones for yourself that reflect the natural progression of your story. For example, you might aim to finish a certain section of your outline by the end of the month or revise a chapter by next week. These milestones help keep you on track without the pressure of hard deadlines.
3. Allow Flexibility
Smashing the clock means giving yourself the flexibility to take breaks when needed. Creativity doesn’t follow a strict schedule, and it’s okay to step away from your project if you need time to recharge. When you come back, you’ll do so with renewed energy and fresh ideas.
4. Trust the Process
Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. By smashing the clock, you’re trusting that the process will unfold in its own time. Some parts of your novel might take longer to develop, and that’s okay. As long as you’re making progress, you’re moving forward.
The Freedom of Smashing the Clock
At its core, smashing the clock is about letting go of external pressures and embracing your own creative rhythm. It's about writing at your pace and creating a novel that reflects your best work, rather than one rushed to meet a deadline.
By focusing on progress and enjoying the journey, you’ll find that your writing improves, your stress decreases, and you’re able to create a story you’re truly proud of. The next time you sit down to write, remember that the clock doesn’t control you—you control the clock.
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