Writing Sprints

Writer's block is often used as the reason for failing to write. I know I've used that excuse myself. It is real and it is an excuse.
I've found the hardest thing in the world to getting anything done is just getting started.
"Every object in a state of uniform motion will remain in that state of motion unless an external force acts on it."
In other words, if you are not writing it takes effort to start writing. But, once writing it isn't so hard to keep writing. (BTW, I've found the same to be true for exercise.)
A solution that works for me, and a lot of other people, is to set very small goals which are relatively easy to meet. Then start achieving those goals regularly and soon you will have a streak which you won't want to break. In other words, you achieve a certain level of momentum.
Writing sprints are a way to do this. Instead of saying "I will write 2,000 words each day" you say "I will write for 15 minutes each day." Or easier "I will write for 5 minutes each day."
The difference is sprints can be done as a team effort. I'm here writing, why don't you come and do the same? It is like finding someone to join you at the gym, it makes it easier just by having a friend along.
What Are Writing Sprints?
They are simply short bursts of focused writing time. You can do them alone or with a group.
How to Get Started?
Easy, decide you will do a writing sprint, get a computer, or paper and pen, and set a time and then write for that time.
What to write? Anything at all. If you don't know what to write just start writing a short phrase like "I am writing during my sprint" repeatedly until you write something else. After you do a few sprints you'll find you can focus on what you want to create more and more.
You might be wondering if you could benefit from writing sprints. If you want to be a writer the answer is “yes.” Participating in sprints will provide you with more efficient use of your time. Writers who use sprints reliably have large boosts in their writing quantity and quality. Also, your own mind, through repetitive training will become primed to sprint, so when the sprint starts you will find starting easier and your final results improving dramatically over time. Because sprints can be done anywhere or any time, it is not difficult to move your sprints into your daily schedule. A regular routine will allow you to produce more than you expect.
The proof is in the repeatable results. Examining the recorded experiments by many writers at various universities has all shown improvements in quantity and quality of results over time through the repeated use of writing sprints. On average, a slow sprinter is going to produce about 400 words in 30 minutes and an experienced sprinter can work their way up to 1,000+ words in a 45-minute window. By setting a goal of two twenty-minute sprints a day writers begin to produce about 1,000 usable words a day which adds up to 30,000 words in 30 days.
If writing sprints work for you or not, comment on this article with your experience with them.
Thanks for reading!

References

• My own experience as a novelist. This is a sampling of one, but it works for me.
• How to Conduct Paper Sprints https://www.uab.edu/ccts/images/Paper_sprints.pdf
• Writing Sprint or Word Count? https://rose-ernst.medium.com/writing-sprint-or-word-count-5273e7eaac8f
• “Writing sprints” can facilitate collaboration and encourage new ways of thinking about academic writing https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2017/06/28/writing-sprints-can-facilitate-collaboration-and-encourage-new-ways-of-thinking-about-academic-writing/
• How To Write In Sprints and Why https://writingcooperative.com/how-to-write-in-sprints-and-why-ca36e2826718