Ok, New Year, new lists! To be successful as a freelance writer, you need to get organised. Here are 3 tips to get you started on making 2012 a bumper one.
1. Find a space to work.
Sounds easy, but if you’re planning on squeezing in writing from home, you might find it distracting unless you set up a dedicated space. I have a great home office, that I regularly tweak to ensure it’s still working for me. (In the interests of full disclosure, it’s pictured – and no, I resisted the temptation to clean up to look impressive. This is it in full swing.) You may not have a spare nook in your house, but at least try to find a space you can use regularly for your writing. The local cafe (if you’re not easily distracted), co-working spaces where you can hot desk for next to nix, or even the dining room table can all work, but only if you stay focussed.
2. Set some goals.
I really believe setting goals works. Write them down, make sure they’re achieveable, and rather than sweating on where to start – just start SOMEWHERE. Great post here from Valerie Khoo at Australian Writers’ Centre about doing rather than just talking.
3. Streamline.
Guaranteed, you’re wasting time somewhere. The faster you figure out where, the quicker you’ll be able to find solutions. I regularly analyse all my systems and processes on work-related tasks to figure out what can be streamlined, outsourced or ditched. Taking time to do this SAVES time.
I recommend checking in (with yourself!) every three to six months just to keep on top of where you can save time and energy during your work day. I reckon I’m not bad at streamlining, but the guru has to be Tim Ferriss. If you haven’t read his book, 4- Hour Work Week, it’s highly recommended. It’s packed with excellent tips on productivity and is one of my favourite reads about the world of work.
I think i’ve got the first two down, but need to work a LOT on the third…will need to check out the 4 hour work week thanks!
It’s GREAT. Amazing how a small shift in habits can save you time. For example, since reading 4HWW I now open my mail in chunks (once a week), pay bills in one go, and use his tip that if my day’s to do list can’t fit onto a post it note, it’s probably unrealistic. Impressive you have the first two sorted though!