I’m telling you the natural facts for what it’s worth. You make your own heaven and hell right here on earth.
The Temptations
It can leave you feeling discouraged, drained, and even depressed, wondering what’s wrong with me?
You have something to write.
It’s important.
Maybe it’s a book to support your life dream or business. Or maybe writing is a life dream in itself – but you just can’t find the time to write.
Well, you’re not alone.
This is actually the number one problem that writers report. And if you’re caring for anyone else such as parents or children, it becomes an even bigger challenge.
Well, there’s a solution, and it’s easier than you think. What would you say if I told you that you can find time to write . . . and still have time for your busy life?
In fact, I had a client who finished a book and is now in the process of publishing it because she used this technique.
It can be more than a just a dream. And these 3 simple tips are the keys to making it happen.
- Open your calendar and time block an hour a day, 5 days a week for the next 30 days. As one of my clients said, “you can always find an hour.” Look at your calendar. I can almost guarantee that you can find at least one hour a day that you can use to write. It should be the same time each day. Treat it like a weekly work meeting. It should be an uninterrupted hour. Where can you schedule it? These little “hours” add up quickly.
- Next, time block one or two longer sessions each month. Have you ever heard of a writing retreat? Well, this is your DIY retreat. Of course, you should use it to focus on writing. But you can also use it to strengthen your connection to yourself as a writer. I recommend between 2 and 4 hours a session.
- Celebrate, Commit, and Communicate. Once you’ve scheduled this time, you’ll have the first 30 days of your personalized writing schedule. So celebrate! Next, make sure to double-check and make sure it’s realistic. Could you do it during a demanding week? If your answer is yes, you’re ready to commit. Your next question should be: who do I need to talk to? The people in your life have the power to make or break your writing goals and dreams. They support you by holding you accountable, encouraging you, and helping you keep your schedule. Or . . . maybe they do the opposite of these things. Look around. Who has this power in your life? What do you need to say to them so they can step up as a supportive member of your team-awesome?
Great advice, Cynthia! I’m learning to do this now, and not just wait for a moment of inspiration. Discipline and commitment are as important as talent and imagination!
Great! I find it’s key
Fabulous advice! Commitment really is key, as is the principle of little and often. Persistence really does pay off. I’m encouraged to get back on track with my book. I’ve stalled a little and this is a great, helpful reminder. Thanks for sharing.
Vanessa I love hearing this. Please stay in touch so I can celebrate your ups, downs, and everything in between 🙂
I so needed to read this, thank you! I can’t schedule an hour at a time, but I will schedule half an hour every other day, just stick it in my schedule. Thanks for the nudge! 🙂
Joanna, yay!!! Let me know how it’s going or if I can help
Ooh, I love it! I’d got number one down – 3-5 days a week, 1-2 hours from 3pm, that works really well, but I love the idea of my own writing retreat! Getting the calendar out now! Thanks Cynthia. xx
These are some fantastic tips Cynthia! Thanks for sharing. I something similar for most of last year while writing my book, but haven’t quit gotten back into my writing flow yet this year. Will definitely give your approach a go.
Hi Cynthia, great post! Funny, I go on retreats, just me myself and a hotel room, from time to time. yet it never occurred to me to use that time to write (I usually use it to plan and day dream). I am a writer, and I have a ton of unfinished posts + ideas that never saw the light of day. Planning a writing retreat soon for sure!