Get Organized!

With the new school year well underway, a boy starting middle school and a diva daughter that keeps things lively...I've had to create a way to get organized. And fast. Either that or give up writing. And that's just not going to happen.

So how does one go about making such changes? What can you do to accomplish more of what you want to do? Here are some immediate suggestions that I've implemented at my house:

1. Choose the easiest place to start-
You don't always have to start at the beginning. If that first step seems the hardest, start with another part of the project instead. I started by listing everything I had to accomplish each day, and went from there.

2.Fix your workspace- During the summer I make it a habit to sit and watch TV with the laptop nearby and leisurely write throughout the day. Not going to happen when I have to work. So I fixed an area that is all mine. Everything I need to write is at my fingertips. That way when I have a few minutes I can jump right in and capitalize on my time.

3.Work from a to-do list- Tackle the more difficult tasks during your prime time. During revisions, I need absolute calm and quiet. The only time this happens at my house is early in the morning while everyone else is still asleep, so I make sure that's what I'm working on at this time.

4.Be realistic about what you can do-don't set unrealistic goals when you only have a set amount of time each day. This will only stifle your creativity and ruin your efforts.

5.Use the minutes available to you
Remember that even five minutes is enough time to get something done.

6.Reward yourself
This is the fun part! After you meet small deadlines, promise yourself a little treat. When the entire project is completed, think on a little grander scale. I'm thinking shopping spree in Kansas City!

7.Create more time
If it seems like there really is no time, carve out a half hour or so from your existing schedule. I found that if I waited until the end of the day, I didn't always get as far as I wanted. To remedy this I get up a half hour earlier.

8.Get started
The hardest part is getting started. Once you're in motion, it will be easier to keep going. I thought going back to work was going to set me back by miles, but with my writing tools organized and my schedule set, I've actually been more productive in the past week than I have been all summer.

So take it from me...it can be done!
Have a great day everyone!