The Ants-in-the-Pants Syndrome

When you were younger, you called it ants in the pants. As an adult, you call it distraction. Whatever you call it, the inability to sit still for more than a few moments plagues many businesspeople — particularly those who prefer undergoing minor surgery to writing. The moment you decide you must make a cup of tea or absolutely must make that phone call, stop and set a goal. Tell yourself that you’ll take a break after you finish two more paragraphs. Or decide that you’ll write until half past the hour. That way, you’ll have the naughty pleasure of the distraction and accomplish your task.

Remember, don’t force yourself to sit for too long. This is harmful to both your body and your mind.
Smooth, swift writing can be blocked by old ghosts, distracting environments, or lack of practice. But now you know how to break through these barriers and let in the spontaneity critical to exciting word use.