Compromising Time

As a writer it’s imperative to have unwavering time management skills, and I’m not just saying be good at your managing time either, I’m talking impeccability… Be impeccable!

I often hear comments like ‘I’d never have time to write like that.’ or ‘I just don’t know how you squeeze it in’, and even ‘I’ve always wanted to write, but I’m just way to busy’, or my personal favorite ‘Not everyone has the kind of free time that you have’.

Every time I hear one of these self-justifying excuses I respond out loud with a giggle, a wave of the hand, and some simplified response like ‘Well, making the time isn’t for everyone.’ Which of course is true, but on the inside I’m thinking something more along the lines of…

‘Oh my sweet simple naïve friend, if you only know just how much time, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment it really takes to be a writer, you would shit yourself. And, besides that, I have a four year old, and a two year old (which I’m proud to say that I’m an amazing parent to, and put them first always!!) , a part time job aside from my writing, AND my husband is even more demanding that yours. I MAKE the time to write because that’s what it takes, and because I’m a doer rather than an excuse maker. I write because I love it, I’m good at it, I know for a fact that I have potential, and because absolutely love to improve myself and consistently grow. I’m restless and obsessed. I refuse to stay in the same mental sink hole you are keeping yourself in. It doesn’t matter how bad I want to tell you the things that I’m thinking, I wont because you don’t need to hear it. I write for me and not you. Even if you did hear the words, you will never actually get it, or care. So for now, I will let my actions do the talking rather than my words, and we will see each other in five years from now.’

I shrug my shoulders and smile. Then I leave it at that, like the cool cat I really am.

Now back to the topic at hand: Time Management!!

It’s important to remember that what works for some doesn’t work for everyone. There is nothing more individualized than time management. I’ve read a countless amount of tips and must do’s when it comes to managing time. I’ve even sat through presentations on the subject, and attempted to use hand-outs on graphing, charting, calendaring, and plotting out what to do when. Ultimately, most of these things were a complete WASTE of time for me lol. Now, if that isn’t the very definition counter productive than I don’t know what is.

My point being, respect the fact that you will have to figure out for yourself what works the best for you and the DO IT!! Don’t slack off on chasing your dreams, spend every single minute of every single day wisely, because time is one thing that you will never ever get back. Surround yourself with the things and people that you love, and make that time for what you want in life!! Down to the second, make the time, don’t throw away your dreams.

Here are THREE key tips on time management that are imperative no mater what system you use in mastering it:

Set goals and be precise on them. Break them down to years, months, weeks and even days.
Prioritizing is Key!! Write your priorities down (in order) if you have to, in order to gain prospective.
Confidence is possibly the most important aspect in time management. Handle your current situation like a boss and then let it go! Time spent worrying and stressing about what you’ve already done, or what needs to be done later on is time seriously WASTED.

In conclusion..

BE MATICULAS IN MASTERING YOUR VERY OWN SYSTEM. Be HUMBLE and keep the thoughts that should be kept to yourself to yourself. Be CONFIDENT (not arrogant) IN EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE. Most importantly, do it for you because your worth it.