The Writing Jobs

The problem with our eccentricity is that sometimes we fall prey to wasting time because of the lack of self-discipline. How many times have you heard a writer say, "I'd write that book, if only I had more time,"? I personally have always had a problem with procrastination. And the biggest reason was because I didn't discipline myself to spend my time more wisely.

If you are having trouble trying to juggle several writing pens at once, try some of these tips to discipline yourself and see if your productivity increases.

Self-Discipline Tips For Writers

1. Create a schedule for yourself. I have found that I am most unproductive when I'm not working on a schedule. When I plan my days on a calendar, I am likely to get much more accomplished. I can grab my planner, take a quick look at the week and know what needs to be done. This creates a whole different mindset, than if I just fly by the seat of my skirt.





2. Refrain from buying new "toys" while you're in the middle of an important project. We writers love our tools, don't we? And we always get excited when we discover a new fountain pen, pretty notebook, or a sale on printer ink. The only problem with buying new "toys" when you're in the middle of a writing job is that you get sidetracked and lose precious time. Stay focused and get the job done, then go out and buy yourself a new writing toy.
3. Learn how to say NO. This is a really big one for most writers. You know it's feast or famine sometimes, so saying no to a prospective client can really be hard to do. It's important to remember that while you want to be sure you have enough work to keep you busy, you don't want to take on so much work that you become overwhelmed. Figure in some time to relax every now and then so you don't get burned out.
4. Open a savings account. So you finally completed that big job and received payment. You've got a nice check coming in the mail and if you're not going to put that money towards a bill, you're probably already scheming up ways to spend that hard-earned money. Instead of blowing it all, why not take it to the bank and open a savings account for yourself. Or, if you already have a savings account, deposit that check into your savings. Be more controlled over how you spend your money. If you're tempted to go on a shopping spree but don't really need anything, take your money straight to the bank instead. You'll be glad you did later!

Self-discipline is all about learning how to control yourself. If you are an impulse buyer, you haven't learned the art of self-control yet. As a writer, self-discipline is important to your long-term vitality. Learning how to deny yourself some things right now can mean having more later in life.

How do you practice self-discipline?

Need a writing boost? Subscribe to the Hope Writes newsletter and get free writing tips: http://www.hopewrites.com/free-newsletter/ Visit HopeWrites.com for more helpful writing tips: http://www.hopewrites.com/