How often do we grumble about never having the time to accomplish everything on our to-do lists? Depending on how realistic, optimistic and determined we are, we CAN find more hours in the day.
It’s all a matter of Time Management.
Start by making a list of your average (work) day – spend a few days doing this in real time so you are accurate. What is taking up chunks of time? Is this time accomplishing necessary chores and/or earning you real money? What amount of time are you averaging that does nothing to help you achieve your goals? Be realistic, be critical and be unemotional – this list is basically for your eyes only.
Next, similar to making a business plan, list your short and long term goals and make a list of the things you need to do to reach those goals (things like sending query letters, blogging, writing “x”-hours per day, etc). What on your list pays off the most in terms of accomplishment and/or actual money earned? What amount of time on your list and what things are you doing that have nothing or little to do with WORK? These non-work activities are especially challenging for work-at-home writers; we tend to hear our children calling for us, think we can manage to squeeze in another load of laundry, get distracted by personal telephone calls and even “get lost” on social media sites. (Doing social media is a necessary part of networking and promotion BUT it needs to be limited in time.)
Keep a calendar and to-do list to help keep track of deadlines – this includes assignments, due dates (even on spec), appointments (work related), and absolutely necessary personal obligations. (Is it necessary? If you are a boss and an employee comes to you needing time off, is it something you would grant?) Cross off the items on your to-do list as you finish them, it will give you a sense of accomplishment; carry over the tasks you haven’t finished and stay on track. If you find a particular task continues to be carried over, examine the reason why, re-evaluate its necessity, and find a new way to approach getting it done. If your to-do list and working time habitually clash, reassess the way you are working, the demands you’ve set for yourself, and where you can devote more time to work. Don’t be shy or bullied, let your family and friends know you are maintaining a job and they need to both respect and help you out.
Keep yourself organized. Use a file cabinet, milk crate or on desk sorter to keep file folders and paperwork in order and easily accessible. Start using electronic reminders (on line calendars, cell phone reminders, etc) to remind you of important dates and events just in case you lose track of time. Always make sure to walk away from your desk periodically, take a coffee break, eat lunch, get some air – limit your break time but it is necessary to keep your mind fresh and your body healthy.
Writing exercise: Describe a group of children in a playground setting in a three to five sentence paragraph. Do NOT use dialogue and do NOT label emotions (happy, sad, etc ). Use the actions of the children to set the emotional time. Next describe five random people trapped in an elevator – the same as above, NO dialogue and NO named emotions. Finally describe a class of med-school students in a classroom waiting to take an important written test towards their degree.
Writing prompt: Finish these sentences:
(1) I used to go there often until the night ---
(2) The last time I was arrested for that, I ---
(3) I was surprised at their reaction when I told them that I ---
(4) It was the very last time I had ---
(5) The delicious dinner reminded me of the time ---
(6) They waited for the doctor to come in with news of ---
(7) He couldn’t afford to pay his ---
(8) When they moved in together, their parents were ---
(9) The meal was delicious, it was the first time she had ever had ---
(10) The most important event of my life was ---
