If you’ve never heard of body doubling before, it might seem like a strange concept. But trust me—it’s a straightforward technique that could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
What is Body Doubling?
Body doubling is about having a supportive presence while you tackle your own work. It can be something creative or something not creative like that tricky admin you’ve been putting off for ages.
For creatives, body doubling offers a host of benefits. It’s an incredible technique that can enhance productivity, creativity, and overall wellbeing.
Body doubling involves working alongside others to boost your own focus and motivation. I host body doubling sessions called The Focus Hour for Creatives.
You can join body doubling sessions online that last an hour. We handle all the details and create a space that’s straightforward, friendly and productive.
During these sessions you work in silence on your own projects, but you’re together in the same virtual space.
My Personal Journey with Body Doubling
I’m currently deep into a long-term project which is writing a graphic novel and I know how challenging it can be to stay focused and motivated over long stretches.
To support my own focus, I use body doubling. It makes a huge difference, providing the accountability and motivation I need to push through.
Knowing the positive impact body doubling has on my own work, I decided to create The Focus Hour For Creatives to broaden a network of people who can benefit.
My goal was—and is—to offer a friendly space where you can get support, structure, and a community to help overcome procrastination, get focused and achieve your goals.
Drawing on the latest neuroscience, I’ve developed tools for structure, time management, habit-building, focus, and managing executive functioning. I use these techniques to manage my own neurodiversity, but you don’t have to have ADHD/ADD for these to be effective, they work for everyone.
What’s body doubling all about then?
These are 7 ways body doubling can transform your creative life.
1. Enhanced your Focus and Reduced Procrastination
One of the biggest benefits of body doubling is its impact on focus. For many creatives, staying on task can be tough. Having someone else around, even if they’re working on something different, helps cut down on procrastination and distractions. It’s about creating a sense of accountability that keeps you on track with your goals.
2. Body doubling is a Powerful Motivator
Body doubling isn’t just about having someone else in the virtual room with you. It’s also about the psychological benefits of shared goals. Seeing others working on their own projects can push you to be more diligent and engaged in your work. This shared experience has been scientifically shown to be incredibly motivating.
3. Connect with us and cut out the dreaded FOMO
Like many creatives, I’ve spent long hours alone, immersed in my own world. While I frame it as a choice, I realised that too much time alone wasn’t always helpful.
I always benefit from finding ways to share my creative process and gain perspective. Body doubling helps me step out of my comfort zone (which often is actually quite comfortable after all) and makes a huge difference to how I feel about things.
Body doubling is a remedy for loneliness and provides a sense of companionship that makes working on your own projects feel less isolating.
You can bring any task to the group—whether it’s admin work or a creative project. By joining, you become part of a broader creative community. It’s crucial for our mental well-being.
You can also book these sessions separately if you are not a Circle member.
4. Just one hour of focus makes a huge impact.
Knowing you have a set time to work alongside others helps you plan and structure your time more effectively. Having scheduled sessions and accountability check-ins can really help you stay organised and lead you to achieving your goals. You can set specific goals for each session and make steady progress on your projects with zero pressure.
5. Get Energy and Inspiration
Creative energy is contagious. Being in a shared space with others will lead to new ideas and fresh perspectives.
6. The built-in accountability of a Body doubling hour.
Body doubling provides built-in accountability. Committing to a session with a body doubling partner or group makes it more likely that you’ll stick to your objectives. It helps you set specific goals and track your progress over time, supporting long-term accountability and success.
7. Don’t shrink in a vacuum, grow with human connection and support
Creative work often comes with its own set of challenges.
Body doubling offers emotional support simply by being around others. It’s validating to see others online with similar goals and it reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Body doubling basically helps you ‘Get Stuff Done’
Structured sessions help you make progress on your projects. Whether you’re tackling a major task or keeping up with smaller ones, having a set time to focus is highly effective.
Curious to know more?
As well as hosting body doubling sessions I also work as a creative freedom coach. Book a discovery call here if you would like to know more.
Discover how working alongside others can transform your creative process.
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