I’ve had good results from following circadian rhythms and “ring fencing” time for writing.

Thought I’d share this link to a great PDF about a little-known efficiency technique called Tabata: http://bit.ly/jksvHW It’s used for speedy gym work outs, but, as you’ll see, the author suggests it for efficiency in getting mundane tasks done.

The basic idea is that if we become speedier at things we have to do, we’ll have time for things we want to do.

Also, I’ve had some pretty good success with varied applications of Tabata. As for writing, I’ve figured out that early morning is my best time, so I block out 2 hours to do absolutely nothing else but write (I do mean early, i.e. 5:30-7:30am, when there’s almost no possibility of interruption).

Knowing that a timer is set (I actually set one) makes me mindless of time and helps me get into “the zone.” I work faster and better because I get really focused. When the timer goes off, even if I’m on a roll, I go do a short work out, and then go forward with my day as planned (which almost always includes more timed writing).

There’s something about timing – and a timer.

Very helpful post. Thanks.

Susan

And guess what? It made me a better writer and now I always want to write even though it’s not yet time to send out new messages, I write ahead!

@ Paula – Interesting to hear how important groups can be in prompting us to ‘find time’. One of the reasons I’m attending a poetry workshop is that I know I’ll write more poems when I’m part of a group of others doing the same. Something to do with accountability and shared enthusiasm.

@ Marge – “It’s also nice to know these challenges are shared by many and all part of the creative process.” Good, that’s one of the main reasons why I’m doing this series.

@ Stacey – “I don’t know if it worked, but they got a good laugh out of it.” Me too! Great idea.

@ Marwa – And the thing is, the first 15 minutes are often the most difficult – once you get started, it can be hard to stop…

@ Mimi – When my wife and I first got married, we didn’t have a TV for 6 months, and we didn’t miss it. Of course, we HAD to get one for the World Cup!

@ Shane – Maybe partnering is similar to Paula’s groups – mutual encouragement/accountability. E.g. I tend to write my Wishful Thinking blog as and when I have time, as it’s only down to me. But I’ve told Tony and Brian I’ll make sure there’s something new up on Lateral Action every week, and hey presto…!

@ James – Yes, I used to do it the wrong way round too! i.e. feel I should ‘clear my desk/inbox’ so I could concentrate on my real work… then found I’d run out of time/energy to do the important stuff. Probably my biggest ever productivity boost was when I reversed that pattern.

@ Pia @ Maria – The good thing about doing the early morning sleep sacrifice is it gets it (and the important work) done and out the way, so you can enjoy the rest of the day, without it hanging over you…

What I started doing a year ago is waking up 2 hours earlier (ugh, it’s hard!). But, I write best in the early morning, when the house is quiet and my mind is relaxed.

It’s been a sacrifice, but I’m doing it. Sometimes I’m really tired the rest of the day, but this routine is the only one that works.

I found that if I waited until the end of the day to write, it never happens, because too many other things would pop up, or I’d just be too tired.

I’ve read about people who have written novels just by writing early in the morning before work. It’s inspiring, and if they can do it, so can we!