Finding Time for Writing
Finding time for writing can seem insurmountable in the busy world of being an LNC. However, writing is crucial to your LNC business growth, whether crafting compelling blog posts, engaging social media content, or composing clear emails.
The biggest reason I hear would-be writers give for not writing is “I don’t have time.”
The secret of time is that we can make time for writing.
When I interviewed Seth Greenwald for my podcast, he explained he wrote his book while commuting from Long Island to Manhattan. He sat on the train, and dictated his chapters on the trip to and from work. /span>
What could you accomplish with an undistracted 45 minutes daily, five days a week?
Prioritize Your Writing
Treat your writing time as you would any other important business task. Schedule it into your calendar and stick to it. Whether it’s 30 minutes each morning or a dedicated block on Sunday afternoons, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
We all waste time if we define waste as spending time on activities that don’t contribute to our goals.
When we write down where our time goes, we can find large pockets of it that can be turned into value.
Here are some time-wasters in my life: the news and YouTube.
My obsession with the news results in long blocks of time staring at the screen. But, nothing in my absorption is changing a single thing about what is happening in the world. And it can be depressing.
I can easily spend an hour watching videos on Facebook. I love to watch YouTube videos of snowy car accidents and other kinds of accidents. My husband watches old and new Star Trek episodes on YouTube.
If you are serious about wanting to find time to write, you’ll look at how you waste time. There are a variety of apps that you can use to record your time. I know people who swear by the app method.
If you don’t like using apps or have too many already, you can also use the old-fashioned method of a notebook and a pen. I know this is primitive, but it works.
Get a notebook that you can carry with you. Keep it near you at all times.
If it works for you, you can supplement notebook activity with a record on your computer that uses a program like Excel or Google sheets. This is also a good way to record your activities at the end of the day.
Set Clear Goals
Having clear, achievable writing goals can help you stay focused. Whether you’re writing a certain number of words, completing a blog post, or drafting a few social media posts, clear goals give you direction and a sense of accomplishment once you achieve them.
Make Categories
Everyone’s day is different.
Some common categories of how you spend your time might include:
Exercise
Cooking and Eating
House Cleaning
Helping Kids with Homework
Marketing
Working on a case
Invoicing
Family Time
Reading
Social Media
If you spend 8-10 hours a day commuting and working, break that time down into distinct activities. I’m not recommending you steal work time to write, although you can use your lunch hour. Also, you may find it insightful to see what you do during a workday.
Be honest about the time you might prefer not to record, such as time spent on the news, Internet, social media, emailing, gaming, or anything else.
Write it down.
Find Time for Writing
Some people recommend writing down time every 15 minutes, but that’s a good way to defeat the program.
I suggest writing down the time spent when you’re about to change activities. For example, if you spent 30 minutes cleaning the house, write that down before you cook dinner.
Create a Writing Environment
A conducive writing environment can significantly enhance your productivity. Find a quiet space where you can focus, free from distractions. This could be a dedicated home office, a cozy corner in your favorite café, or even a library.
Utilize Tools and Technology
Numerous tools and apps are designed to help writers stay organized and productive. Tools like Scrivener, Grammarly, OneNote, and Evernote can streamline your writing process. Productivity apps like Trello or Asana can help you keep track of your writing tasks and deadlines.
Batch Your Writing Tasks
Batching similar tasks can save time and mental energy. Set aside specific times for brainstorming ideas, outlining, drafting, and editing. This approach can help you stay in the flow and maximize your writing time.
Embrace the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique involves working in short, focused bursts (typically 25 minutes), followed by a short break. This method can help you maintain concentration and avoid burnout. Use a timer to keep track of your sessions and ensure you’re taking regular breaks.
Leverage Downtime
Look for pockets of downtime throughout your day that you can use for writing. This could be during your commute, while waiting for appointments, or even during lunch breaks. Carry a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down ideas or write drafts.
Stay Accountable
Join a writing group or find a writing buddy to help keep you accountable. Regular check-ins and feedback can motivate you to stick to your writing schedule and improve your skills.
Be Kind to Yourself
Lastly, be kind to yourself. Writing can be challenging, and it’s okay to have off days. The key is to stay consistent and keep pushing forward. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and refine your process.
As with any change in routine, getting used to this may take time, but if you persist, you’ll be glad you did. And who knows what else might result from your promise to find time for writing?
Making time for writing is possible, even for the busiest entrepreneurs. You can successfully integrate writing into your daily routine by prioritizing your writing, setting clear goals, creating a conducive environment, utilizing tools, batching tasks, leveraging downtime, delegating, staying accountable, and being kind to yourself. Happy writing!
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Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs in obtaining more clients, making more money, and achieving their business goals and dreams.
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