Grant Writing: Sit Down and Get Funky

Grant writing has been my supplemental income career of choice. There was a short time when it was a primary career, however I learned quickly that full-time grant writing does not mesh with my personality type.

For those of you who have known me for a while, you know I have a love-hate relationship with writing grants. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE to be a grant writer, but I often find myself looking for any and all distractions when it comes time to actually sit down and write a grant. I set up my computer, notes, and pen then proceed to type two words. I re-read all my emails and notes about the project then type two more words. I think of any and all reasons to call the client and discuss the project. A flurry of activity ensues- fingers flying over the keyboard and blank, white page space fills with program descriptions, budget numbers, stories of clients' lives transformed by the amazing work of the organization!

I read what I write and delete all but two words. Then I call a friend and talk about how hard it is to write grants.

This summer I am taking a different approach. I am incorporating my penchant for distraction and avoidance into my routine. Every morning, I start before the boys are awake. I set up the kitchen table with computer, notes, and pen. Then before I sit down I make a cup of tea and water the plants on the porch. When I finally sit down I check for new emails, then - and here is the magic solution - I turn on Pandora to one of the preselected radio stations that keep me on task. While the music is on I am writing. If I need a break, or have to stop to walk a kid to summer camp, etc. I turn the music off. It has put me in control of my own Pavlovian responses: Pandora station playing = work mode.

I read somewhere that the most effective music to listen to while writing has no lyrics or lyrics in a foreign language. This keeps the language-processing center in your brain focused on writing. Knowing this, I first focused on radio stations in Spanish, etc. I also realized that many times I am more focused while working in coffee shops. What do they have in common? Relaxing music that blends into the background, or songs I have heard so many times that I can tune them out.

Armed with this knowledge, I took advantage of a long Muni ride to try out some playlists that seemed to fit the bill. Here are some of my favorites:

• Early Jazz
• Alt Indie Love Songs
• Coffee House Covers
• 90s Alternative
• Cha Cha Cha, Charanga, Pachanga
• Playa Mix-Ocean Park
• Latin Alternative
• Old Time Music
• Bonfire Folk
• Classic Indie
• Latin Jazz
• Beach Bar Lounge
• Instrumental Folk
• Indie Fold Revival
• Traditional Blues
• Delta Blues
• Motown
• Classical Goes Pop
• Classical Guitar
• Classical Relaxation
• Hipster Cocktail Party
• Hipster BBQ
• Cinco de Mayo
• Bob Schneider
• Smooth Jazz

Now lets hope Pandora keeps these stations!

What keeps you focused while writing, lesson planning, or doing your least favorite activity? Comment below!