If you can spend all the time you want to on your writing,
you don’t need this. But if your schedule is so squeezed, it’s hard to keep
your writing on track, take five minutes, and absorb these 6 tips.
1. Make
your writing a priority. Look for ways to pinch minutes from other
responsibilities. For example, do necessary meetings waste your time? Try this:
use email to confirm the meeting’s duration and agenda beforehand. Once at the meeting,
if possible, let others speak first. Take notes. If short of time, clarify
desired considerations, action, problem solution, etc. and suggest tabling the
matter to allow all parties, including you, time for careful consideration of
their decisions. If email works best for you, suggest using it for further
discussion. Similarly keep phone calls to the point. When a friend calls to
chat, suggest a better time, perhaps one day at lunch.
2. Write
do lists that work for you. Too often our do lists are like wish lists. Active
mental preplanning when you jot down reminders uncovers unexpected obstacles.
For example, you may discover a need to research setting details or flesh out a
character before writing the chapter you had hoped to draft one evening. Proactive
planners spend a few extra minutes to line up their work, but their
preparedness saves time in completion of chores. They also gain personal
empowerment when guided by a readiness to meet challenges in contrast to those
who constantly find themselves tripped by unanticipated circumstances.
3. Evaluate
networking verses needs. For example, if you usually
attend an annual event, question its present benefits. Perhaps a pass on a
workshop will free up a weekend for completion of a project. Similarly, if your
work-focused critique group has disintegrated to a social, consider options
open to you. You might announce you will arrive ready to work and leave at the
hours previously set. If your group
meets weekly, ask how members would feel about your attending bi-weekly. Most
groups are flexible. If yours isn’t,
perhaps you can join an on-line group.
4. Do
take time to develop relationships within your writing community. When
possible, be willing to help others, and they will usually reciprocate. When
you ask for help, be sure to show appreciation. Pick up the tab for lunch, give
a small gift, or at least send a thank-you card. If a need arises, you’ll
realize the importance of writing friends. They understand urgencies in the
trade. When a mishap threatens your writing derailment, a friend’s expertise, use of someone’s computer or fax machine,
especially after normal business hours could be the fix that puts you back on
track.
5. Celebrate
victories. Plant smiley-face stickers on your computer for tiny achievements,
and expand the reward list from there. Self-rewards impact your efficiency
because they affirm and motivate you.
6. Visualize
the steps that lead to your goals and imagine the thrill of achieving them.
What is your vision of yourself as a writer? Feel the joy of banking future
checks. In your mind’s eye, see your articles featured on magazine covers, or
your books on a library shelf. Envision yourself speaking to groups and
encouraging individuals. Somehow, despite all demands on your time, such mind
exercises and positive thoughts create in you the ability to work efficiently
without sacrificing responsibilities or interaction with friends and family.
You’ve heard it takes money to make
money. When you invest bits of time to visualize activities, evaluate needs,
show small courtesies, and celebrate successes, it’s time that makes time—time
to use in creation of your masterpieces.
(c) 2012, Bernice Simpson
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