12 May 2010
by 
“Goals are dreams with deadlines.” ~ Diana Scharf Hunt
Being a freelancer often means burning the midnight oil – at both ends – and sadly, by the time assignments are completed, invoices are sent in, files are up-to-date, the laundry and dishes have been tamed, we’re simply too exhausted to turn our attention to our own projects.
You know what I’m talking about, right? The novel that’s burning a hole in your soul. The eBook you want to share with the world. Stacks of poetry that’s crying to be assembled.
Don’t let the dreams and goals you put on the back burner because life – and work – comes first become so removed that the flame goes out.
There’s nothing worse than realizing one day that something you intended on completing years ago, is still left unfinished.
Don’t let your dreams collect dust in a drawer or on your hardrive.
Life is short. Our dreams are valid. And there’s always a few minutes to spare if we find them.
Here’s a few tips to help you move your passions from the flickering back burner, to the front:
- Wake up before the house does. Whether you live with roommates, a husband or wife, have children – or even pets – consider sneaking up while they’re all sleeping so you can steal a few moments (or an hour or so!) for your personal projects.
- Not an early bird? Okay then, stay up after everyone’s gone to bed. If you have to, sneak back up once they drift off to dream land. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Savor every moment!
- Leave the house. If you have a laptop, steal away to your local coffee shop or library. And if the weather’s nice, try the park.
- Evaluate your dreams and set realistic, short-term goals to help you achieve them. It can be done. You can find a few minutes here and there to work on your own projects.
- Create a vacation for yourself. You took vacations off work before you started freelancing, right? Why not enjoy a little downtime now? Allow yourself a couple days a week or even take off a week. Save up for it. Plan for it. Make it happen!
You absolutely do not have to give up on the very dreams and goals that made you write to begin with. Nothing says you have to write for everyone else for the rest of your life. Stand up, rare your shoulders back, but a confident smile on your face, and step in to your writing destiny. You can do it!
And as my good friend, George Angus, recently shared: It’s Never Too Late!
Credits:
Photo:Â djcodrin
Resource: Tumblemoose.com
Great tips! Sleep is important to keep the “writing juices” flowing. Sometimes burning both ends leads to early burnout. Creating a schedule will give you a sense of normalcy. Keep regular hours and make sure family and friends know what they are. If you’re leaving for vacation, make sure your clients know and make sure you enjoy your vacation! In the case of travel writers, sometimes they need a vacation away from traveling!
.-= Travel-Writers-Exchange.com shares: The Write Time =-.
Hi Michele,
I love those five things. Sometimes, shaking things up a bit is just the nudge that is needed to get your passion going again. And, thank you for the mention!
George
.-= George Angus shares: Ten Signs Your Writing is on Track =-.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RawJuiceGirl, RawJuiceGirl, laffarsmith, April Smith Aragam, George Angus and others. George Angus said: "@rawjuicegirl Don’t Let the Back Burner Go Out! Writer's Round-About Writing" ( http://bit.ly/dkYgXI ) [...]
Reading this I was struck by a coincidence. I used to write a haiku diary which I posted monthly in my blog at Writelink. Then I got so busy I had to stop. Months went by until today some of my buddies at Writelink have been asking if I’m going to post them again. Now I read this.
Now I really will find the time.
.-= Jean Knill shares: Wordless Wednesday: Penguins at Weymouth Sea Life Park =-.
I used to set my alarm for early in the morning so I could work on my novel for 20 minutes before the kids woke up each morning. That early morning writing felt wonderful, but, I found the kids got into the habit of waking earlier and earlier too which completely defeated the purpose. lol
So, I started working later and later into the evening. On a good day it works. But most of the time, by the time I’ve got the kids in bed my brain is too tired to work creatively. I’ve found I can get a lot of “loose end” work wrapped up in the evenings. Sometimes, when I’m absorbed in a new Web design project I can work “in the zone” until the early hours of the morning. But, working at night only seems to work for a few days at a time in a row.
I’ve learned there just isn’t any ideal time. I need to maximize my efficiency at the times I can work. Cut out distractions, limit my time, and go into each task with a clear understanding of my personal expectations for the outcome.
But, even doing that there are so many things I’d “like” to do that get lost in procrastination. Perhaps it is a weakness of will. It’s time to strengthen the willpower muscles and commit to getting one project finished at a time.