Weekend Quick Tip: Make sure you Work!
While this may sound silly, some freelance writers don’t get their work done because they spend a lot of time browsing the internet, checking email, searching for new jobs, etc. Sure, I want you to read my blog, and I hope you visit everyday, but not if it means you are forgetting to do your work. This is not something that affects every freelance writer, but some struggle greatly in this area.
Believe it or not, this is an issue that I faced during my first year as a freelance writer. Instead of concentrating on the work I had I spent a lot of time searching online job boards and checking my many email accounts. The end result was getting behind the eight ball with the projects I did have, and basically wasting many hours of solid work time every week.
You should definitely set aside time each day for miscellaneous activities such as those discussed above. I take care of these tasks first thing in the morning, during lunch, and after I complete my work for the day. This way I can take my time without having to worry or feel bad that I am not doing my work.
Don’t dismiss this post as a waste of time. It sounds stupid, I know, but you want to make sure that when you are working you are working. And working means completing projects not checking email and browsing the internet.
February 8th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Great post, Chris. Not a waste of time at all!
February 9th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I would love to hear some ideas from other freelancers on how they organize their time and how they make certain they keep their plans on track.
regards,
Wayme
February 11th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
You make such a good point! It’s easy to get distracted that’s why I set aside times to check email. I’ve also come across a good program to get me up & moving so I’m not planted at my desk called EyeRelax. Turns the screen blank for a minute so I remember to drink water, take a break, etc.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Chris – EyeRelax, that sounds like a cool idea. I wonder how many other people use that? It sounds like it could be quite useful.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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March 9th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Chris,
I too with this syndrome of trying to read many blogs, before actually working on the project on hand. I like your idea of scheduling time.
Solomon