How to Keep Writing When Busy?
Balancing a busy schedule with your writing passion
Finding time for any passion amidst a hectic schedule is a challenge and can be overwhelming. You want to keep a balance but are unable to because of your multiple commitments. Sometimes, you can feel like time is slipping away from your grasp. Sounds about right? You are not alone.
It has been around a month since I wrote or shared anything on Medium. The reason was simple yet frustrating for me. I could not find time to sit and brainstorm ideas peacefully. My other commitments took over my passion for writing on Medium and WordPress. A few of the publications also removed me as a writer because I was not writing actively here.
Can’t blame them, right? It is on me to find time for what I am passionate about amidst the occupied agendas for the day. That is why I decided I must change my ways and share the journey with fellow writers facing the same dilemma.
Since time is precious and limited, I won’t waste yours by writing jargon. Let’s dive straightaway into the 5 strategies that will help in effective time management.
What Are the 5 Effective Strategies?
- Setting Clear and Achievable Goals- It can be as simple as writing 500 words per day. But once you have set it, you must stick to the daily goal. Also, don’t set unrealistic goals because you will end up feeling bad if your plan faces any hindrances.
- Daily or Weekly Schedule- Don’t set a long-term goal. Begin with the shorter ones and aim to achieve them. Your long-term goal can be a weekly goal. Once you complete your daily goals consecutively, you will feel more confident about setting monthly plans.
- Divide the day into Blocks- The time blocking technique is an effective time management strategy to holistically divide a day into blocks. Ideally, it can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Set priorities and assign tasks to each block. Now, aim to finish these daily blocks.
- Waking Up Early- If you are a night owl, you can stay up late as well. But I will recommend you get a good amount of rest after a hectic day. Hence, waking up earlier is a better alternative. I am writing this after waking up at 6 a.m.
- Use Short Breaks- You can also reserve 10 minutes of a break for writing.
Be it writing or anything else, a passion requires unwavering dedication.
What Are Some Tips to Overcome Procrastination?
I enjoy daydreaming. I am sure many of my fellow writers do the same as well. But there should be a fine line that it does not end up as day-long procrastination. We all must recognize that. Here are 5 tips for overcoming procrastination and making time for your passion or writing.
- Set a clear deadline and hold yourself accountable when you miss it. This is an effective way to overcome procrastination.
- Break a task into fragments and combine it with another work, if possible. I got occupied with another assignment, and I am continuing to write this article after completing that task. This strategy makes it easier and less overwhelming to finish a work.
- Minimize distractions while writing to get your work done faster. Learn to say no to distracting apps as well.
- Reward yourself after completing an article. I will treat myself to a cake after finishing this write-up.
- Reflect on the benefits of taking out time to pursue your passion instead of procrastinating. For example, you will ALWAYS feel good.
The Benefits of Regularly Making Time for Your Passion
Enhance your life by fueling your passion. How? By making time for it in the middle of your busy day. It can be a great stress buster. Even if you are brainstorming ideas, you will find the process relaxing.
Additionally, following your passion will also help you to grow as a person. Regular practice can stimulate creativity and innovative thinking. It will further benefit in various aspects of your life, such as better decision-making and quick thinking. Sharpen your skills and resilience in the approach.
However, don’t push yourself too hard. Maintaining good health should be your number one priority. Take care of your physical and mental health first. Everything else can wait.
I want to thank this publication for not removing me as a writer. It means a lot to me, and I will do my best to contribute.
