How do I know? Because I’ve actually already written some 🙂
I got fed up with being too busy to write, then when I had time being too brain dead to focus (I really need to learn how to write when I’m tired) but I digress. I said that I was going to get myself sorted this weekend and I did!
That productivity app I mentioned earlier? I used that and the default calendar app to map out my schedule. Following advice in a book (Lifelong writing habit) and because I know I respond to routine better I decided the same time everyday was best. So this morning I set my alarm for 5.50am to give myself a guaranteed solid hour between 6 and 7 to write.
I know I’ve only done it once and the real test is doing it everyday but I’m feeling pretty stoked that I actually got up and did it. The day had a 5 in the number and it’s Sunday, the urge to stay in bed where it was warm was massive, but my desire to write was greater. Also yesterday I did 6 hours of uni work so I’m feeling pretty accomplished right now. That’s a great feeling 🙂
Wow just wow. Love the passion to write!
Good news! Also, tell me about this productivity app of which you speak
The app is called Wunderlist, I have it on iPhone but I think there’s an android version. What I love about it is first and foremost it’s free. I love free, it meant it was easy to try out without wasting money.
Anyway you can create lots of lists, you can put the lists in folders, I think (though haven’t needed to use yet) that you can create sub-lists as well. I have a folder entitled “Uni” and then lists for each of my modules for example. So tasks can be broken down and organized for easy viewing.
It’s relatively simple in that I just put the title of what I’m doing e.g. “The Price We Pay Prompts” and then I set a deadline for when I want it done (this Tuesday) and there’s an option to have a reminder set. The reminder can be on push notification and/or emailed.
Once tasks are in there the app itself creates smart lists labelled “tomorrow” and “this week” so at the touch of a button all the tasks from the various lists are compiled into one screen so I can see what’s upcoming. It’s not particularly revolutionary but just having everything written down in one place is a relief on it’s own. I’m always scared I’m going to forget something important.
As I said I’m using that in conjunction with the calendar app. Now I have a clear overview of what I need to do, I have an idea of how much time I need to do it. So I’m blocking out time on my calendar to hopefully ensure it happens. It’s still early days, I have no clue whether it will work long-term but I’m pretty pleased with how it’s ticking on at the moment.
