By Dr. Yvonne Madison
Many women writers are juggling full-time jobs as they work to build a blog, write a book or land freelance gigs. Additionally, a typical day might include maintaining a fitness routine, volunteering, parenting, care giving, and all of the other hats writers can wear.
So, how does a writer juggle everything, stay sane, and have the energy to write another day?
Here are a few suggestions for your consideration:
Set realistic goals and determine reasonable ways to accomplish those goals.
The goals we set for ourselves are based on our priorities. You can begin this process by first deciding what is important enough to you that you are willing to possibly make sacrifices to attain it. Also, at this point, you will need to determine if this is a short-term goal or a long-term goal. Short-term goals can be stepping stones to accomplishing long-term goals.
Write the goal down so that you can visualize it. Start brainstorming possible scenarios for accomplishing the goal and determine which ones are feasible. Write down those you will use. Decide upon a realistic timeline for accomplishing the goal. Determine how to evaluate the effectiveness of the steps you have taken and decide upon your reward for accomplishing the goal.
Consistent re-evaluation is important when accomplishing goals. Be sure you are flexible and willing to make adjustments, if needed.
Find appropriate ways to control negative emotions.
Begin each day with a positive mantra and stick to this statement. Your day is what you make it. Over the years, I have reflected upon several mantras; however, one that has outlasted the others is: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Power is given to mantras when you truly believe what you are voicing. Figure out what works for you.
Also, be willing to perform self-examination to determine the root cause of the negative emotions and be willing to let go of these emotions.
Identify, ahead of time, possible stressors and have a workable action plan for positively dealing with these stressors.
Working in a helping profession, as I do, can bring on all types of stressors, because you have to maintain a professional approach in order to assist your clients and also deal with your own life issues. I approach this dilemma through first realizing that stress will happen and it is up to me how stress will affect my life. I have found that if I remain calm, focused, and prayerful that I will be less likely to deal inappropriately with the stress. Also, if I know beforehand that a situation will be stressful, I think about what I need to do to keep things positive for all.
Take time off.
Make time for positive leisure activities and positive relationships. Renew hobbies or discover new ones and feel OK about taking time to pursue these activities. Surround yourself with positive individuals support you and your goals.
Effectively manage your time.
You always hear the saying that “there is not enough time in the day to do everything you want to do.” This may be true if you are ineffectively managing your time. Your time is precious, so determine how you want to use each day. First, consider all the things that must be completed on that day. Then, break your day into segments; i.e., realistic work day obligations, household priorities, any community volunteerism, meetings, family time, “me” time. This seems like a lot; however, realize that you don’t have to do everything in the same day. Of course, family time and “me” time are always important. Decide on a reasonable time limit for each segment and stick to the timeline.
Some of the segments will go faster if there are no distractions.
Write down what you want to accomplish that day and check off each item as you finish it. I write down goals for each day, decide on what I need to get the tasks finished, and check it off. If I am not able to complete my time management schedule, I know that I tried and I carry it over to another day. Always pat yourself on the back for trying to follow through.
Accept that at some point you may need to narrow your life choices, which includes your passion for writing. This does not mean you are giving up your dream; it just means that you provide a place for it in your life. You keep the dream close to your heart, you think about all the creative ways you can make that dream come true, and then at the right time you show the world your greatness as a writer.
Whatever life choices you make, find the motivation and inspiration you need to stay the course.
Dr. Yvonne Madison is a business owner in the Birmingham area. She enjoys reading, sports, and discovering new places to visit. You can connect with Yvonne via LinkedIn.
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