Setting aside time for writing my book, or for that matter any other special
project, poses its challenges. Like most everyone, I have lots of fun ways I
like to spend my time plus many commitments and obligations.
Right now, I divide my time among:
- interacting with my coaching clients
- writing for publication
- working at a resort and RV park in exchange for our RV site
- walks and other physical exercise
- meditation and spiritual practices
- reading, watching DVD movies
- cooking, laundry, and keeping our home clean, uncluttered and comfortable
- personal time for journaling, professional development and spiritual growth
- outings to explore the area around us on hikes and scenic back road outings
- treasured time with my husband, dog and friends.
That’s a lot even without including important
time-users such as sleep and personal grooming!
So WHEN will I write my book? The most important thing to me
is that my time commitment be one that steadily moves my book
writing journey forward with ease and grace—AND one I can and will honor.
Based on my current life and work style while we're in
southern Utah, my WHEN is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for an hour from 4 to 5
pm. That’s a commitment of three focused
book writing hours a week. I may continue writing beyond the appointed hour. I
may even find open time on other days to do additional book writing.
That certainly would be a plus. But the critical factor is
to hold to my commitment to write three hours a week, preferably on Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 5 pm—times that are available and have the
lowest likelihood of interruptions and distractions. If circumstances arise
that interfere with my current WHEN, my schedule still offers flexibility to
squeeze in the writing on a different day or at a different time.
My next step? Schedule those book writing times as firm
appointments in my calendar and honor them!
Rose, I love that you actually took the time to write all your commitments other than the book. I had initially put down 2 hours at a time 3 times a week. That is what I would ideally love to do,because I know that once I sit down to write, I enjoy longer stretches of time.
ReplyDeleteI might shorten my sessions to 90 minutes but still 3 times a week, which are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I also have another day put down to write articles for my work, but did add a part of the book if I have additional time.
It's scheduled in my calendar as a repeated event so that I won't have any appointments added to my calendar.