This week we decided to bring back the challenge episode. It’s the middle of winter here in New Zealand – it’s cold, wet and dreary, and we’re all feeling a little frustrated with where we’re at. So we decided to talk about finding our focus again and pushing forward in our writing careers.

We talk through the issues that we’re each having, from changing family schedules, to slipping in our usual writing and marketing routines or recovering from illness. And then we talk through the plans we have to solve some of these issues and get ourselves back on the track that we’re aiming for. Once you’ve listened to the episode, head over to the Facebook page and check out the posts on what we’re planning to do, and comment on how these things work for you in your life… 🙂

This episode began with the thought of writers we admire, and why they are so successful. To be prolific while maintaining an acceptable financial level (which will be different for all of us) a writer needs to be organised and focused. So many of us are frustrated by not having enough time. Or do we?

Circumstances change – environmental, family, work, distractions, demands on your time. Combine these with housework, cooking etc, and it becomes too easy to justify putting things off for another time or day.

Here’s a few tips to find your focus or, in our case, to refocus:

Set up your habits early.

Make a business plan for six months (more or less if that works for you) – Write down what you want to do, what you need to do, and what your goals are.

Make these visible – use a diary and/or a whiteboard with monthly and daily goals. Tick them off as you achieve them and then add more.

Use your time wisely – no e-mails or phone until you have reached your goal or target.

Be more organised – Break up the day into tasks eg. admin, writing, editing etc. and focus on what you have to do.

Be accountable – ask for help and support to achieve your goals.

Be flexible – figure out new routines when life changes for you.

Health does affect productivity and mind-set. Look after yourself and don’t burn yourself out by pushing through the work when you are not well.

Make a to do list – add audacious goals to push yourself if that’s what you need, otherwise make them realistic.

Note: It is far more important to spend your time writing than all other aspects of the business, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Apply the 80:20 rule. (80 % of your time should be for writing and 20% for business).

Our Challenges

Wendy – Making herself accountable, and stop using outside influences as a crutch. Using her diary and whiteboard to make her goals visible.

Cheryl – Appreciating she can’t do it all. Looking for an assistant to help her with promotion and social media.

Trudi – Miracle morning – Concentrating on her writing, her newsletter, and perhaps Facebook.

Shar – Miracle morning – finding creativity time amongst heavy load work and volunteering. Follow along and, if you’d like to join in, tell us what your challenge is.

Change can be good. J

Steve Scott – Miracle morning