In this article, I'll share with you how I actually wrote a book while having a full-time job and 2-3 hour daily commute. Stay tuned for the steps to follow to reach the one workable strategy for this task, as well as information on where you can dive more into the topic of your author personal development.
// STEP 1: YOUR DRIVING FORCE //
Writing a book is fun, rewarding, and a good career move. But, it takes a lot of time and dedication, especially while also juggling other commitments like work and family. To be successful in this endeavor, you need a very compelling reason why you want to accomplish it.
My why: To create a sustainable passive income that involves selling books while I sleep. I want this so I can drop everything to be with my family if needed without the fear of losing my job. This drive came about as my husband started chemo treatments and I had to think about how to make it all work while maintaining my job. AKA with a lot of stress. I don't want to ever feel like that again.
As you can see, your reason why needs to have a lot of emotion surrounding it for it to be impactful. This will make your efforts more powerful and self-sustaining.
// STEP 2: SEE WHAT YOU ARE PRIORITIZING //
Before you can make time to write (you have to make the time, not "find" the time) you will need a base understanding of what you are doing with your available time.
For three days, keep a detailed list of everything you spend your time on (even Instagram scrolls, blog reading, tv, shower-time, etc)and how long you did those activities. Take is a step further by writing how those things added to your life and made you feel.
+ Before you make cuts and change priorities, you need a handle of what adds value to your life.
// STEP 3: MAKE NEW PRIORITIES //
Now that you are seeing where your time is going, it's time to prioritize what is truly important. You can't write a book if you are spending time on tasks that don't actually help you.
To be clear, I am NOT suggesting you only spend time on your writing and nothing else.
Everything in your daily routine needs to have a purpose. In fact, the majority of my morning (about an hour of my routine) is spent reading and listening to personal development content, as well as journaling. I don't write during my morning routine.
Personal development is the main focus of my morning because it sets me up for success. If you want to know how I tackle my personal development at the identity level, proving to myself that I am an author every day (even before you publish a book), then take this post to the next level with my How to Write a Book Masterclass.
I use time -blocking to prioritize the tasks that help me and make me feel the best.
My routine as an Amazon best-selling author:
4:45 AM - 6:00 AM: Get ready for the day and focus on personal development
6:00 AM - 7ish AM: Listen to podcasts and audiobooks while driving
7ish - 11:00 AM: Work at the muggle job
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Writing, working with patrons, social media
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Work at the muggle job
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Talk to my CP on the phone, listen to books, and to music while driving
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Family time and dinner
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Work on my business, video editing, and work with my patrons
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Writing
9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Settle down for the night and go to sleep
While my schedule is different on the weekends, it is still typically no more than 1 - 2 hours of writing each day.
It's simply about prioritization and consistency.
How do you plan for writing in your day-to-day life currently? Are you going to make any changes based on this article?
Let me know in the comments.
You are unstoppable, Rebecca
Subcategories: #Balance #TimeManagement