Start your Day off Right
As of late, I have been thinking a lot about how to become as productive as possible. Many freelance writers think that becoming more productive means working more hours. This can be the case for some, but not everybody. After all, you can only work so many hours before you begin to burnout.
I have found that one of the best ways to increase productivity is to start your day off right. Of course, this means something different to everybody. That being said, the three tips below can help any freelance writer to increase productivity by starting their day right:
1. Do not sleep-in. I know, I know. Some of you guys like to work at night, and sleep during the day. If this is the case, and it is working for you, continue with this lifestyle. But personally, I like to keep a more “normal” work schedule. Over the past few months I have been experimenting with what time I wake up in the morning. I have found that 630 am has led to the most productive start. While this may sound early to some of you, it works out perfectly for me. Simply put, you need to do your own experimenting in order to find what works best for you.
2. Don’t start working until you are awake! It is one thing to get up early, but another to be on top of your game. Trust me, if I was not capable of writing quality content at 630 in the morning I would not be getting up this early. For some, all it takes is some breakfast and/or coffee to get up and moving. No matter what, you need to be energized and in the right frame of mind when you begin to write.
3. As I have said in the past, you need to know what tasks you are responsible for in a given day. I keep track of this by putting together a to-do list at the end of every workday. This way, when I wake up in the morning and head to my office, I can look at this list and know where to start. This saves a lot of time trying to get organized, and in deciding a work order.
By starting your day off right, you will find that you are becoming a more productive freelance writer.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Hi Chris,
I have been doing a little experimenting myself but wonder if you have some advice.
I am having a REALLY hard time with being productive while working. I am easily distracted and am a heck of a procrastinator. By the time I actually sit down to start work (about 8:30a) I’m all over the place. I find myself “working” literally all day long. All day long on the computer, all day long “working”. One of my issues is that I have a four-month-old who still wakes during the night for feedings so I don’t get proper sleep. Along with this, I wake up between 7 or 8 ready to go and crash by 3 (if I’m lucky) only to have done absolutely “0″ in between. I pick back up at about 5 or 6 and “work” until about 12. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not fooling around, I do A LOT of personal career research but I’m never doing what I’m supposed to be doing, which often results in getting down to the wire on deadlines. This is a BIG self discipline problem but I finding it hard to fix it (however, I am truly determined to kick this problem in order to be truly successful). If there is any advice you can offer, or anyone else I would be greatly appreciative.
Thanks,
Tierra
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Tierra - Have you tried putting together a to-do list? That is what I do, and it always works. Simply put, if I dont finish the tasks on the list I dont quit working. But if I finish early it means more free time. Let me know how that sounds!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Great article. I wanted to comment and say that I, too, am an early riser. My mind is so much more focused. Plus, I like complete silence when I write - no radio, tv, NOTHING so it is pretty much guaranteed that if I wake up at 5:30 I have a few hours of blissful silence.
Tierra - I find it very useful to keep track of everything I am trying to accomplish and need to accomplish by writing it all down in a planner. I am naturally organized and like to stay on top of things. With a little one, make sure you are taking some “me” time as well. Don’t be so focused on working that you are constantly shifting between “work” and “baby” - take a break, preferably a whole day to just BE.