How do you create a consistent writing routine when your life is crazy busy? How do you find time to write and fulfill never-ending demands? And where do you find the energy? Can writing even coexist with work and family?

In this episode, we’re going to break down some strategies to cut through the noise. So you can design a consistent, thriving writing practice that integrates into your life. Even if it’s hectic.

 Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”

Here’s a glance at this episode:

 

[2:27]  What my writing schedule looked like in the past. And what it looks like now.

Before becoming a mother, I had all the time in the world to write. Then Kaz came into the world, I entered the mommy vortex and happily stopped writing. But there a came a time when I was hungry to write again. And I couldn’t find the space, time, or energy to do it. I was desperate. So I took online productivity courses late at night and read every book on time management I could get my hands on. You’ll hear how I finally integrated writing into the demands of motherhood, what my schedule looks like today, and how I fit writing into a filled-to-the-brim work and parenting schedule.

[9:01]  Why finding your flow state will expand your time

Flow is when the writing feels effortless. It’s when you’re the most engaged with your work and lose sense of time. You’ll learn how to identify your flow state and design a writing routine that maximizes that momentum.

[2:13]  Why you should stop thinking in terms of 24-hours a day

We’re often told, “We all have the same 24 hours a day.” As if we’re just wasting our time. But we don’t all have the same 24 hours a day. Some of us are working multiple jobs while raising kids. Some of us have health challenges. Some of us are retired or independently wealthy and could write all the live long day if we wanted. My 24 hours a day pre-motherhood was completely different than the 24 hours a day I had as a young mother. And it’s completely different now as a working single parent. I’ll share the book that changed everything for me, and why the 24-hour-a-day maxim does more harm than good. And you’ll see that time is much more abundant than you may think.

[13:53] How to “find” writing time

You can’t really find time or make more of it. But you can make choices. You’ll learn to become more conscious about where your time is spent, how to eliminate activities with low return and put some of those hours back into your writing cache.

[17:08] Eliminate distractions

Distractions are everywhere. Our attention spans are shortening. And Facebook and Instagram are designed to steal your attention to make good on all those paid ads sliding into your feed. You’ll learn how to take back control of your attention so you can direct more of it where it counts.

[18:56] You are your greatest creative asset

It’s not just the time you have. It’s the quality of mind you bring to those hours. When you’re spinning a lot of balls in the air, it’s easy to let basic self care go. But to bring your best self to your writing, you need to practice impeccable self care.

Listen to the Episode Here

Books Mentioned

168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Also Read:

What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam

Also Listen To

Episode 15: How to Find Your Creative Flow

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