,

3 Tips to {Consistently} Find Time to Write

Let me be 100% plain:

The act of WRITING your book, sitting down and putting pen to paper or fingers to keys, is NOT the first step in writing a book. It’s actually the fourth step. I’ve shared my proven 5-step system over and over so I’m not blowing smoke…

But once you’re at the writing stage, then you DO have to manage your time to make it a reality. Because all the ideas and outlining and Big Dreams in the world won’t make a difference if you don’t actually (and FINALLY) WRITE the book.

So that begs the question: how do you find time to write?

Here are three tips (steps) to make finding the time for your book work in your busy life:

1. Make a decision

This isn’t as easy as it seems! But the first thing you need to do is make the decision that your writing is important. Decide it’s worth your time, energy, creativity, and effort. Decide that it’s something you need to focus on – and that you are going to focus on it.

While it seems like “make a decision” is a once-and-done choice, it really isn’t. You have to keep deciding that your writing is important – every day if need be.

Sometimes the inability to make this decision comes back to one of the 5 Mental Monsters that KEEP You from Writing Your Book. Discover them here.

2. Set a timer for 15 minutes

I call this a mini-goal: you’re going to write for 15 minutes every day. EVERY.DAY. And then do it.

Can you write for longer than 15 minutes? Of course!

But you can’t write for less. No matter how busy or hectic your day is, you can ALWAYS find 15 minutes. Seriously! And any day when 15 minutes is all you have (time, energy, creativity, being sick or tired or WHATEVER) you know you’re still moving your book forward.

On those days when you’re in the zone and you have both time and excitement – feel free to write for as long as you want to! But writing every day for 15 minutes adds up. And it adds up quicker than you might think.

3. Forgive – then get back on the wagon

There will be days when you can’t do step 1 or 2. There will be days when life sucks and for whatever reason (or excuse) you’re not writing.

Forgive yourself.

Then get back on the wagon.

Beating yourself up over a missed writing session doesn’t put words on the paper. Thinking that you’ll “make up the time” tomorrow really doesn’t cut it either – because when you’re facing down an hour or more of missed “15 minute” sessions, you’re feeling the pressure of the clock.

So, the easiest thing to do is forgive yourself and then get back onto the wagon.

Remember, that I NEVER give people the advice to “just write your book” as if that were Step 1 in the whole process. It isn’t and it’s a sure-fire way to make you crazy, stress you out, and make your book feel overwhelming.

If you’re ready to write your book the easy way, then join the Book Gameplan Membership HERE.

Kim Galloway
Find me!
Latest posts by Kim Galloway (see all)