One Little Word – How It Can Make a Big Difference For Your Work
If you’re a writer or entrepreneur with a “normal day job”, then you know what it’s like to have limited time to work on your writing or business. Spare time is rare and you feel frustrated that you don’t have the ability to devote as much time as you’d like to your “special” work. And most days, you feel wiped out after taking care of your everyday responsibilities.
On top of that, you get frustrated when your spouse, friend, or family member requests (or rather, demands) your time when you’ve finally battled your resistance and sat down to write.
Getting pulled from the work you really want to do can result in stress overload. It can also lead you to feeling helpless and hopeless. You’ll never get time to sit down to write, so what’s the point of trying?
But wait – if you really want to write (or work your business), there are some things that require a little effort on your part. Wanting isn’t good enough – you have to take action.
And that action involves learning to say one little word ("No") to things that keep you from your work.
It helps to have a schedule or a set time when you can devote time to your work. It's a way of setting boundaries for potential distractions so you can stay focused during your work session.
Tip: don’t overload your schedule. If you’re having a hard time getting work done now, focus on completing just one task per day. If you can do more, great! If not, you won’t beat yourself up about it because you've given yourself a plan.
Learn to say "no" to things that can distract you. Turn off your cell phone, log out of social media sites, close your email client, and lock the door.
And when someone asks you to do something, tell them you can get to it after your work session or let them know it will have to wait until the weekend.
Fight hard to keep the time for your work. Your time is valuable and you need to spend it on the work you enjoy. This will be tough for others to honor, but stand firm in your decision. Once your work is done, reward yourself and go spend some time with someone you love.
Satisfying your need to work on your stuff allows you to be a happier person (and more enjoyable to be around, too – or so I've been told!). So, practice saying that one little word so you can get your writing done!
- It’s been a long time… - February 10, 2024
- Realizations About Tracking Progress - May 28, 2020
- Goal Setting & Productivity 101 - May 25, 2020