The Problem

You block out time to write.

• You open a blank document.
• You hesitate.
• You check references.
• You tweak a figure.
• You write something, read it, and delete it.
• You check a reference “quickly” and disappear down a rabbit hole.

By the end of the session:

• Very little writing has been done.
• Your motivation is drained.
• Your confidence is dented.

If you identify with this, then read on. This is a process problem, not a discipline or time management problem.

Many researchers become frustrated because they judge their productivity solely by the amount of text they produce. In reality, progress often happens long before words appear on the page.

The Shift: Stop Trying to Do or Be Everything at Once

Writing is not one activity. It is a collection of different activities that require different intentions, mindsets, and ways of thinking.

When we try to do them all simultaneously, they clash:

• Creative (divergent) thinking versus critical (convergent) thinking
• Generative thinking versus evaluative thinking

We cannot do both at the same time. If we try, it creates friction, slows progress, and often leads to avoidance and lack of motivation.

A useful way to remain productive, whatever mood you are in, is to separate the writing process into distinct stages and tackle them at different times of day, on different days, or even in different locations.

One helpful framework is the POWER writing process outlined below. Throughout this explanation, we include some light-touch suggestions about how AI tools can support different stages of the writing process. These tools can help you maintain momentum and reduce friction, but they work best when used to support, rather than replace, your own expertise, judgement, and creativity.

The Key Insight: You Do Not Need to Be “In the Mood to Write” to Make Progress

On any given day, you can make meaningful progress by:

• Planning
• Organising
• Writing
• Editing
• Reviewing

All of these activities are legitimate parts of the writing process and will move your work forward.

Many experienced researchers find this framework useful not only for their own writing, but also when supporting students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior colleagues. Less experienced writers often think that “writing” means producing polished text and can become discouraged when drafting feels difficult or slow.

Helping others recognise that writing consists of several distinct stages can be reassuring and empowering. Different stages draw on different skills and ways of thinking, and individuals will often find some stages easier or more enjoyable than others. Understanding this can reduce frustration, increase confidence, and help people develop a more sustainable writing practice.

Applying This in Practice

Instead of thinking in terms of “writing days”, think in terms of modes.

For example:

• Planning and organising early in the week
• Writing in short, focused sessions (snacking rather than bingeing)
• Editing and reviewing at separate times
• Writing one piece in the morning and editing a different piece in the afternoon

Different stages require different mindsets, energy levels, and levels of concentration.

By matching the task to your available energy and attention, you can continue to make progress even when you do not feel ready to write from a blank page.

Applying This Approach to Different Outputs

The POWER process can be applied to almost any form of academic or professional writing. The specific output may change, but the underlying stages remain remarkably consistent.