How to Manage Your Time

The Dream: to be a successful, PUBLISHED author adored by millions.. or I would just settle for a devout fan base.

Just kidding.

But I'm not kidding about my dream of being a published author. The hitch in the setup is finding the time to devote to my dream. The tagline for Nation Wide Insurance's commercial is "Life Comes At You Fast", unfortunately this is so very true. To accomplish one's goals you have to be willing to make the time and effort even while facing whatever life throws at you. A few simple guidelines to help keep your goals in sight could be just the thing to help strengthen your resolve.

1. Clutter: Clutter is an evil hindrence. Straighten up your creative workspace. Keep distractions around the area to a minimum. I've heard this called Streamlining your Desk. Just make sure when you streamline it, you don't get rid of the tools you will need to create. Also,it is a good thing to have items around you that inspire your creativity. I know an author who keeps a Spike doll (from Angel the Vampire Series) on her desk.

2. Plan out your time: Making time in your day for your dream can be very helpful. Even if it's only 15 - 30 minutes a day to work on it, you are doing something productive to achieve your goal. Don't stress yourself out by constantly looking at the clock. Give yourself some leeway with the time. If you are on a strict schedule, set a timer and forget about it until it dings. Of course, if you find the time allotted for your creativity is too short, experiment with your time and see what works best for you and your schedule. Another thing about setting your time to work is thinking about when you work your best. Are you a morning person whose best ideas arrive at the crack of dawn? Or are you a night person whose creativity flys upon the wings of an owl. Think about this and use your biological peak times to your advantage.

3. Setting goals and deadlines for yourself: A helpful rule of thumb to follow is DON'T MAKE YOUR GOALS TOO LOFTY. Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. Start out simple, then build up your goals. Make your first goal to finish 5 pages. Setting your goals too high can stress and discourage you from trying. Accomplishing smaller goals will build your confidence and start the creativity flowing.

4. Go with the flow: Looking at the words you have typed can make you second guess what you have wrote. Don't think about editting your work until after you get through the inspiration. You have time enough later to critique your creation. Stopping to pick it apart will not only waste the time you have allotted, but it will discourage your progress.

5. Making use of wasted time: Think of all the times you spent commuting, standing in lines, etc and an idea hit you. But you have nothing to write it down on. Carry a pocket notepad and pen to jot down those ideas. Or for those times you are alone in the car, a mini tape recorder is perfect to voice your ideas and not forget your thoughts. And it doesn't have to be a top of the line tape recorder, it can be inexpensive and still be just as handy.

These 5 things can be very useful in helping persue your dream, but without your drive and resolve they are nothing. My last suggestion for those struggling to find their way in the world of the published; find like minded individuals who share your dream. Together you can encourage, inspire, learn and help each other to your goals. Some communities have writing groups and there are ones like Southern Fried Writers on line that you can join.

Remember, Dreams aren't just for children and when you dream; DREAM BIG!