How do you make writing a priority when you have a career, job, kids, pets, a significant other, plus all the responsibilities of running a household?
We all know writing a book is a colossal commitment. And it’s so easy to get off track, especially when so much is competing for our time and attention.
So in this episode, I’m walking you through 4 strategies to make the most of your time, energy, and focus. So you can write more without neglecting other commitments.
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Episode at a glance:
[02:36] What do we mean by making writing a priority?
Making your writing a priority doesn’t mean we neglect things like spending time with our kids, loved ones or friends. This isn’t about forgoing Netflix or neglecting housework.
Writers I coach have full time careers. Some of them own companies. They’re raising kids. And all this demands their intellect, time, and energy.
They write in pockets of time – mornings and weekends, for example. They’ve developed really good habits.
[03:42] Time.
Especially when you’re starting a novel or a memoir, it’s daunting and intimidating. We look at the whole project. We look at how long the journey is and we get overwhelmed.
But all you need to do is take the next step. Even if you’re pressed for time, can you work on one paragraph in the morning before you go to work? If you have only 20 minutes a day during the week, that adds up.
[06:08] We can’t really make time. But we can make choices.
The best way to make better choices about how you spend your time, is to get a handle on where your time is actually going. Do an audit for a week and track where your time actually goes: everything from cooking to commuting, working in your nine-to-five, sleeping, scrolling Instagram – everything.
You want to see where your time is actually spent. And look for where you’re wasting time or where your time could be better spent.
[08:39] Space
Environment is key to motivation. Dedicating a space to write – ideally a place that doesn’t have dual purposes, like the kitchen table or the bedroom – really helps.
[11:49] Energy
You can make all the time you want. You can rise early and be at your desk writing at 5 am. But if you’re tired or sluggish, your time probably won’t be as well spent, and the quality of your output might suffer. So self care is a must.
Think of making energy deposits rather than energy withdrawals. Pay attention to what you’re eating, make sure you’re getting enough physical movement throughout the day, and prioritize sleep.
[15:07] The necessity for white space.
Cramming everything you possibly can in a day depletes your energy. Sometimes we just need to recharge our batteries. Maybe your commute at the end of the day is your time to rest and reset your mind so that it’s clear and energized for the next time you return to your pages.
[15:07] Focus
Focus is challenging, especially when you have limited time, and you’re spinning multiple plates. And we’re bombarded with distractions like never before. Writing demands purity of attention. But that kind of focus can be hard if we’re not clear on what we want to achieve.
You’ll learn to distill your goals into daily doable actions.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode 187: 3 Ways To Write With More Confidence
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Inner Circle Wellness with Kris Carr
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