Today is Monday, the start of a new week that will be filled with success and failure. The key for the part-time writer is to find, well, time.
There are many distractions that can stop you from reaching your writing goals, or any goal for the matter. There are places where you will want and need to give time: family, friends, and work (maybe not!). There are optional activities that will require time eventually: Laundry, dusting, cleaning out the garage, power washing the house or car. And finally there are those things that suck us into the whirlpool of time wasted: television, internet, movies, and other mindless (but tremendously fun) entertainment.
Stop here. I am not trying to be a motivational speaker, but perhaps I am being one now. There are many times I have to remind myself what I am. There are days when I have to seek out a hour to write, whether that is in the morning at 5:30am or at night from 12am until 1am.
I write this not to make you or I feel guilty but to focus on the task at hand. Time is irrevocable. Once spent, there is no getting it back. While Mr. Phelps’s or Mr. Bolt’s Olympic events will be tremendously entertaining, I am positive that they did not get to where they are now by watching the latest episode of _____ every night.
So today, take television, sleep, and even reading off the mantle. Take writing, if it is your dream, and put it in its proper place.
Write sometime this week.
Cheers,
Bob
PART-TIME NOVEL 
Quite well said, Bob! While I’m saddened to give up all the pop culture references, I’m trying to let go of TV. It’s easier than getting rid of the timesuck that is Facebook.
WOW! How did I forget Facebook! I guess I am not huge on the FB front. One way to get rid of that altogether is when you sit down to write just turn the internet off so there cannot be distractions. Just a thought! Thanks for the comment Lem.
Excellent advice, Bob! One positive thing about being disabled is that we are forced to “slot time” for everything we do, according to our mobility, pain and exhaustion levels. One of the most important things I need to remember is rest time between any activity – I’ve been learning to do that this year – it’s definitely challenging, but ‘doable’! Today is divided between doing some more packing for my move in October; writing articles, and resting …. I know the heat is going to be a major factor today, so baby steps will be important ………. I honestly don’t think I could get through a day without writing something though – anything, lol. Great article! ~ Julie 🙂
Thanks Julie! I love the attitude about not being about to get through a day without writing. I know my commitment level to writing in the past is not what it is now, and I am glad to hear that you are in the same boat I am. Writing is now like a meal – essential to everyday life!
A helpful post, it is indeed a constant struggle to find time.
I love when you write posts like this, Bob. You are good at it. Thanks for the constant encouragement.