While my husband and I were having breakfast together at a local restaurant a few days ago, I noticed that he was almost finished whereas I had barely eaten any of my meal. I asked him why he eats so fast, and he replied that he doesn’t—he just gets done first because I never stop talking long enough to eat.
When it comes to writing, I think there are many of us who spend more time talking about it than working towards our goals. We have reasons, many of them good ones, why we have to do other things before we can complete our novel, memoir, or other projects, but that doesn’t change the fact that we aren’t achieving the success we hope for.
One factor holding us back may be a lack of time management skills. I know it’s an area I struggle with, so I did some research. Here are some of the ideas I’m hoping will help me manage time more effectively:
- Set realistic long-term and short-term goals.
Knowing what we want to accomplish is the first step toward getting it. If we separate each big goal into smaller ones, it will keep us from feeling overwhelmed and we are more likely to succeed.
- Set priorities, and stick to them until they change.
Every day, figure out what’s most important and work those into our schedule, allowing more time than we think we need because everything takes longer than we think. Life has a way of throwing obstacles in whatever path we choose, so we need to be flexible.
- Develop a routine that fits our lifestyles.
We all have different responsibilities, talents, and personalities, so we mustn’t get hung up on what people say we should be doing. If our priorities don’t allow for a regular routine, so be it. We should do the best we can, when we can, and not get discouraged by comparing ourselves to others. Giving up is the surest way to fail.
That last point was one I made up myself. Apparently I lost the focus of my post somewhere along the way and started thinking philosophically instead of practically. If you want more specific tips, here are a couple of sites that I thought were especially well-written and helpful.
13 Tips for More Effective Time Management
In closing, here’s a bit of advice that I’ve always followed: Try not to stress over what doesn’t get done today, because it will probably still be waiting for you tomorrow.
Do you struggle with managing your time? What are some ways you fit writing into your schedule? What’s the most useful tip you know of for those of us needing to improve our time management skills?
It’s true, developing a routine is so important when it comes to meeting those writing goals.
I always find that I always finish eating last in a group because even though I’m hungry and want to focus on my food, people keep asking me questions I’m obliged to answer and so while they’re munching away I’m stuck talking when I would much rather be eating!
I guess social pressures are one of those things that get in the way of writing too.
Jai
Jai, I agree that social pressures can get in the way of our writing. Effectively juggling all the things that require our attention during the day requires good time management skills, especially the ability to set priorities.
I would much rather eat than talk, too, but when I’m out with my husband I can’t resist taking advantage of having his whole attention–other than his plate, that is!
I smiled when I saw your title because I’d just come from Jody Hedlund’s blog and both of you have finished the week off with posts on time management. I think the universe may be trying to tell me something!
Since retirement I’ve had the freedom to organize my time to suit my desired activities. Unfortunately, it seems I don’t organize nearly as well as I did when I had a more structured lifestyle! I work fairly efficiently when I’m up against a deadline so my dilemma has become how to convince myself to stick to some kind of schedule. I suspect it’s not so much time management as it is self-discipline. LOL!
Carol, I can relate to your problem! Deadlines are good motivators, and without them it’s easy to procrastinate. 🙂
You’re a good philosopher, Carol, for when I read that third tip I thought it rang truest of them all. I also like that last bit you thew in at the end. Sure enough, it’ll still be there.
~jon
Thanks, Jon! 🙂
I agree with Jon Carol. Even though you say you lost focus somewhere I think your philosophical words are exactly what many of us need. I found them to be encouraging and uplifting. I have terrible trouble making goals and keeping them. Like Careann says, it’s a lack of discipline. But that means I do feel bad when I look at what others are achieving with a little structure to their routine. I will strive to make and keep some goals but rest in the knowledge that if I don’t all is not lost.
I set some goals for yesterday and through sheer willpower actually accomplished them. 🙂
I love your posts. I always learn something from them.
Thanks, Elizabeth. Your comments are always so encouraging.
I’m glad you were able to meet some of your goals this week. 🙂 I’m good at setting goals, but have trouble keeping them in focus. There are so many things I want to do that I tend to flit from one thing to another instead of sticking to one at a time. It’s that lack of discipline you mention.
Hey! you changed your photo. Love the flowers. Hope you are well.
Hi, Elizabeth. Changing the photo is easier than writing a post, and flowers always brighten my mood. 🙂 Hope to get back to blogging soon.