Time Management, the Priority for Every Writer
How Setting Goals and Deadlines Helps Writers to Achieve More
Feb 9, 2009
The problem for every freelancer is finding enough time in the day. There are not just contracts to be fulfilled and deadlines to be met, but the constant struggle to find new jobs and manage the running of a home.
“To Do” Lists
A “To Do” list can be valuable. But it must adhere to certain rules:
- It must only comprise of actual tasks.
- Tasks must be arranged in order or priority.
- Deadlines must be assigned to each task.
It sounds more simple than it is. Being aware of common mistakes people can make, will help anyone to create more effective “To Do” lists.
Be Clear About the Difference Between Goals and Tasks
Many people make the mistake of mixing “goals” with “tasks” when they sit down to list the things they want to, or have to achieve.
E.g. a freelance writer may have to earn 3,000 dollars in the next month in order to pay the bills, but it would be a mistake to put “Earn 3,000 dollars” on the “To Do” List because it isn’t a task that can be achieved.
A task is something that you are able to plan, to undertake and to finish. A task is something that you achieve in amount of time that you can estimate.
Don’t clutter “To Do” list with goals.
Make a Separate List for Goals
Make a list of your goals and then decide, what, in practical terms, are the tasks you can undertake to achieve them.
E.g. any writer who has to earn 3,000 dollars in the next month, should decide how much time to devote to sending off proposals, or to search for new markets for their writing.
If a writer’s goal is to write a novel, then it’s important to set aside a reasonable amount of time to achieve it. Get up every morning a little bit earlier and set a target of writing 500 words every day. In the end, little by little, a novel will be written. But it has to take priority or it will never be achieved.
Decide on Priorities
Once “Goals” have been broken down into “Tasks”, it’s important then to list them in order of priority.
It’s very easy to become sidetracked and waste valuable time by doing things of things of lesser importance first, simply because they are easier, or on the top of the pile on the desk.
Priorities are determined by urgency. Urgency is defined by
- Deadlines – self-imposed, or contractual
- Importance to you as an individual - for financial, or career reasons.
Allot Time to Each Task
Estimate how long you think a task should take, or how long you can afford to allow it and set a deadline for completion of it. By doing this you can begin to see lists which can spread forward into
- Today
- This Week
- This Month
On each you will accumulate a list of tasks. Every morning at the start of day you should conduct a quick review of the tasks, moving them as necessary up and down the lists according to your priorities.
Remember that Circumstances Change and Priorities Change.
Composing endless “To Do” lists is a waste of time unless some evaluation is made of the items on the list. You should be able to look at the top of the list and see the most important or urgent tasks there.
Completing the tasks, working to deadlines, and keeping your “To Do” list up-to-date will:
- Gain you time
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Reduce avoidance activity
- Ensure that your output is more productive
- Increase your earning potential
For more advice on working as a freelance writer see Dealing with Rejection, and Adapting to Life as a Freelance Writer.
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