0.3 TIME MANAGEMENT

procrastination and the modern writer

You could argue that myself writing this article is perhaps hypocritical… I am no guru that somehow manages to do everything to the set amount planned by a certain time. Sure, it’s a different story regarding deadlines, deadlines are a black cloud above your head you can never steer away from. If I don’t meet them then I know I’m stuck in the rain. Meeting my own time management though…

I’m going to first point out that as I write this it’s six o clock- in the evening. I intended to begin this after my breakfast, but became heavily influenced by procrastination. But

This is okay.

The moral of the story is that I am sat writing this now. And I very much want to. Time management works as a guideline and keeps you on the straight and narrow, it’s easy to fall off by distractions or sudden alternate plans. Time is always there, it’s easy to be compromised to suit you better. Whether it means doing an extra two hours writing after work because you wanted to stay in bed a little longer this morning- balance the time and you’ll feel under control.

In the article I’ll provide tips and tricks of my own that I use for time management. There’s no proof that they’ll work for everyone, but they help keep me in check.

First off, I leave post-stick notes on my wall of what work needs to be completed, then when they’re done I become overwhelmed with self-accomplishment as I rip them off the wall to never be seen again. Or, I’ll leave my script page plan on my desk so I can pick up where I left off, then when I feel my mind’s hit a wall I’ll take a break. If I feel I’ve done enough for a day, then I’ll leave it at that. Balance.

a good routine will save you time and energy

I start the week with a rough idea of how I can manage my writing time around part-time work and my Masters. I try to focus at least two days to writing work, if I know I can fit in a few extra hours here and there then I’ll try, even if the extra hours go towards research or future plans. If the extra time is only half an hour… try and get something written up if you’re feeling motivated. The extra words add to pages, and before you know it, you’ll have a completed script!

know your optimal work hours

The important thing is to listen to your mind, if it’s adamant it can’t focus on a script no more then you need to call it a day. More often than not, you’ll find you will come back to the forced words on the screen the next day and wonder- what even is this? And it will be deleted anyway.

create a visual time line of work

Time management can work as a double-edged sword, you can become slack with it and struggle with deadlines, leaving all work to the last hurdle. Or, put yourself under too much pressure, which can lead to no longer enjoying what you do despite getting the script done months in advance. The best way I can advise to manage your time is lay it all out before you, whether in a diary or post-stick notes on the wall like previously mentioned, if you can see what days are more free, several hours can be dedicated to writing. It’ll be easier to judge whether you’ll be taking on too much and burning the candle at both ends by seeing it right in front of you.

the early bird catches the worm

Personally, a routine helps me keep my time management. For instance, the earlier I wake up the more hours are available to be managed. Then again, going to bed early and waking up early is only easy for me because I’m 21 going on 60. If you’re really motivated to keep in control of your time management then it won’t seem that difficult, the more determined you are the more accomplished you will feel when you’ve met your set writing goals for the day. If waking up early is a psychical struggle, perhaps work on the other side of the spectrum and spend an extra hour before bed on some work. Managing your time includes picking and choosing where you want your writing slots to be to your preference.

keep a note pad for the times inspiration strikes

I sometimes feel like I’m juggling different alarm clocks due to go off any minute with part-time work, university, social life, writing… I question how I manage to get it done but I’m always aware they’re things I want to accomplish and control at my own pace. As long as I feel this, then I’m constantly reminding of why I choose to manage my time how I do. If ideas for plot points suddenly come to me but I’m not ready to write them up, I’ll note them down and leave them for a day where I can bring more focus. Even the smallest contribution to writing are helpful and make life easier when you find yourself ready to sit down and write that first slugline.

recharge your mind

Everyone has different methods for their time management as they do with their everyday routines. The vital priority is your mind, that’s the keeper of your imagination, the fuel behind the script. If that’s tired, allow it to rest. Then, once it’s rejuvenated, pick up where you left off.

Don’t wear yourself out. Time is infinite- you’re not.