Time to Write: 3 Time Management Tips for Creatives
Public Domain from pixabay
When life feels out of control, and you have entirely too much to do, the worst thing anyone can tell you is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. Of course, we all have the same number of hours in a day, but some of us have more to do during that time than others. If you’re working three jobs or balancing work and school and kids, that 24 hours rapidly fills with tasks other than your creative work. So what is a creative person to do? If you spend the bulk of your time working and caring for hearth and home, how do you find quality time to write?
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Here are three tips to help you find time to write:
Delegate. Of course, nobody can clean the kitchen or wash the laundry exactly like you, but you can’t do it all alone and still have time to work on your creative projects. Give up a little of your control and reign in your inner perfectionist. Let your partner and kids help you clean and cook so you can have more time to write.
Tune out social media. I know you want to keep up with what’s going on with friends, family, and the stars of Empire, but social media is a huge time suck. Dedicate one or two short periods of time, maybe 15 to 20 minutes each, per day to catch up on social media. Disable all social media notifications while you’re working. You’ll feel more peaceful and will be more productive not seeing the constant updates on your phone.
Mark your calendar. Make an appointment to write. Inform friends and family that this is a non-negotiable creative period you have set aside for yourself. Put the appointment into your calendar and treat it like any other important meeting you might have. Arrive five minutes early prepared to work and don’t step away from your desk until your creative time is over. Remember this is your time to write; don’t allow interruptions.
These are just a few tips for getting control of your writing time. Creators need time to think, feel, imagine, and craft. Finding the time to write can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Use the above tips to get started managing your time better.
About Michele Barard
Michele Barard, a graduate of Agnes Scott College, has experience as a software trainer, graphic designer, writer, and an editor.
This article is about:
- time management tips
- time management
- time management skills
- writing time
- finding the time to write