Time won’t give me time…
Ain’t that the truth? Thanks for the wisdom Culture Club.
In my ever quest at somehow getting my uncontainable life contained and in some semblance of control, I spent the better part of the weekend reading a fantastic book called Write Every Day by Cathy Yardley. Now you think writing everyday would be easy since I’m a writer and it’s my job… and all.
But hold it there, Sparky, it’s not as easy as one would assume when you’ve got the husband, kids, Facebook, The blog, laundry, Twitter, dishes, The dog, The grocery store, The bank, Twitter, Cleaning well, everything, dinner, pick-ups, errands, family runs, did I say twitter?, oh and the dog needs to run out again all pulling for your attension just because you’re the one there and the one designed to be in charge of all the domestic stuff. Somehow it’s way too easy for the job of writing, that really is your J-O-B to get pushed to the bottom of the list when it should be at the very top. Especially if you want to make a living… and all.
In Write Every Day, Cathy suggests tracking your time for a week to see where what you’re really spending your time on in order to see where you can find more time to write. The challenge is on! It’s time to take a brutal look at how much time I really spend going in circles and clicking on links that have nothing to do with my WIP under the guise of research.
Tell me do you know how you’re really spending your time? Would you want to track your time for a week to see what your biggest time sucks are? As you think it over join me in a little Culture Club. I can’t seem to get this song out of my head now.
All the best,
KMJ
4 Comments
Sylvie Fox
I started using an app called Rescue Time a couple of months ago. Keeps me off social media. It’s horrifying to see those early statistics. I aim to spend time only in Word or on some truly important ancillary writing task!
Reese Ryan
I’m notorious for getting off task when I’m writing. This week I was working on a client editing project and needed to stay focused. I used a timer and did either 50 minutes or 90 minutes of work followed by a 20 minute break during which I could either indulge my distractions (FB, Twitter, etc.) or get some housework or exercise in.
Worked like a charm. I’d forgotten how effective that method is for me. I’ll be doing that from now on.
kwana
Thanks Sylvie. Rescue Time sounds scary but great.
Thanks Reese I love the timer idea too. Great tip!
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