A friend of mine recently asked me, “where do you find the time to write?”. The more I thought about this question I realized it’s all a matter of organization. So I thought it would be helpful to share with you my mindset and some of my processes I use to get things done, but first let me give you a little background information and why I think that he asked me in the first place.
It’s not easy, it requires a little juggling but it’s very doable.
Working a full-time job, having a life with my family and friends and trying to sit down and write on a regular basis causes the occasional conflict. There’s always something that needs to be done around the house, I could always stay later at work to get another project started, but where does that leave me time to work on my passion, my own business, my writing?
With my busy schedule, it seems that my writing takes the back-burner much more often then I’d like. I have to take what little time I have available, when it becomes available and utilize it to write. Let me point out that when I say the word “write” I’m really talking about the entire process, thinking about subjects to write about, planning and brainstorming, how I’d like to organize my thoughts, and then the actual writing (or typing) that needs to get done.
So I use every bit of time that becomes available, whether it’s driving in my car or taking a shower in the morning, I’m always giving some thought to what I want to accomplish that day or even that week. Since I’m utilizing the time I’d normally get nothing productive done to think and plan, when it comes to actually sit down and write, the words just come pouring out.
It’s like my mind has gone through a dress rehearsal over and over again, organizing and tweaking my thoughts and ideas. So when I find time, whether it’s a few minutes or a few hours, I’m ready to rock-n-roll and just write.
One other problem I seem to face from time to time is forgetting a great idea. You may be thinking “If it’s such a great idea how did you forget it?”. Well, as the day goes on and more things pile up in my to-do list, things for work, home, family and friends, it’s not too unreasonable to think that you may forget something.
My solution is two-fold.
First I carry around a little 3×5 spiral notebook that I bought from the office supplies store (cheap, like 5 books for $2) and a pen. Here I can jot down any ideas I feel are worth remembering.
The second method I use is just use a notes app on my iPhone. Any note taking app will do. Evernote is especially good because it let’s me create voice memos, as well as typed notes and even pictures. Then I can sync it between my phone, iPad and my home computer. So I’m always ready to work wherever I am.
The bottom line is when I have a few minutes or a few hours to actually write I want to be sure that I’m as prepared as possible. I may start writing a report or article in the morning before work for a few minutes, save it, and then open up the file every time I get a new idea or get a few minutes throughout the day. I just keep writing and saving.
So, how do I have time to write constantly?
- I never allow myself to be “too busy”
- I try to utilize all my “spare” time productively
- I get as prepared as possible, so when I have a few minutes to write I can get some actual writing done.
- If all else fails, I may find myself a little sleep deprived, staying up to work when everyone else is sleeping.
- Setting a goal and doing whatever it takes to accomplish that goal. (like I just had a goal to write a response to my friends question)
- Reward my accomplishments. (a little celebration to let you know you’re headed in the right direction of your goal)
- Never give up! (people seem to give up moments before having a break-through)
Hopefully, this serves as some inspiration to keep on, keeping on, to reach your goals. It may take some doing but I think with a little creativity, organization and the willingness to get things done, you can accomplish anything.
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