Maira Kalman says, “Avoiding work is the way to focus my mind.

When you get rid of old material, you push yourself further and come up with something better.

Carry a notebook and pen with you wherever you go. Get used to pulling it out and jotting down your thoughts and observations. Copy your favorite passages out of books. Record overheard conversations. Doodle when you're on the phone. Go to whatever lengths necessary to make sure you always have paper on you.