Writers and other “creatives” often face a unique challenge when it comes to managing time. Cranking out the work isn’t always easy. Writing isn’t something that can be done quickly and efficiently like on a factory line.
Often, much time is spent staring at a blank page, trying to figure out how to start the next chapter, paragraph, or even the first sentence of a new article or book.
It’s FRUSTRATING, and frustration leads to PROCRASTINATION.
Procrastination means wasted time—time that could be spent writing. Then the phone rings, a child needs attention, or other tasks pile up, and the writer’s focus is lost. That important writing project gets postponed again, and then begins a cycle of frustration about not writing at all or not writing enough.
Is it any wonder, then, that writing (or trying to write) can make a person feel a little crazy and frazzled?
Do writers need to completely change their lives and personalities to get their writing done?
Maybe we just need to learn to think a little differently.
My 15 years in business development taught me that time management was crucial to success. It helps prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and drive efficient growth.
This applies to writers too, helping balance responsibilities, reduce stress, and achieve personal goals.
⭐ 5 TIPS TO HELP TIME MANAGEMENT⭐
🕛 Start Each Day with a Plan of Action:
Without a plan, you’ll spend your day reacting to other people’s demands. Many writers, especially beginners, make writing the lowest priority. If writing is important to you, make it one of the top tasks on your daily list.
🕑 Balanced Your Life:
Our lives have seven key areas: health, family, financial, intellectual, social, professional, and spiritual. Spend time each day in each area to stay balanced. Neglecting one can sabotage your success in others.
🕓 Get Organized:
I admit, this was me! But a messy desk can cost you an average of 1.5 hours a day searching for things or getting distracted. That adds up to 7.5 hours a week! Get organized- stop bleeding time.
🕗 Enough Quality Sleep:
Running yourself ragged during the day can lead to poor sleep. Follow your plan, and you’ll be less stressed and enjoy more restful sleep.
🕛 Breaks During the Day:
Taking short breaks can make you more productive. Many successful writers work for only a few hours each day, but they do it consistently. Identify your prime time—when you have the most creative energy—and write during that period.
Bonus Tip: Hemingway’s Advice
Ernest Hemingway suggested stopping your writing when you know what’s going to happen next. That way, when you return the next day, you’ll already have momentum and won’t face the dreaded blank page. It’s one of the best tricks to avoid procrastination—try it! The man knew what he was talking about.
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