My summer list of writing distractions seems to be much larger than any other season.
First, there’s the span-dangle glorious weather that invites outdoor pastimes.
Then, don’t forget about the chores you’ve been putting off all winter.
Did you promise yourself that you’d repaint the door frame?
How about the garden you think would be a great motivation to make better food choices?
Inviting friends over for desserts and catching up time?
I’ve felt that excuses, even when legitimate, don’t help me meet my goals.
We can all learn from those who’ve overcome what we’re trying to improve.
Established quotes stick around for a reason. They’re still true today.
I’ve found helpful quotes about the value of time to share.
My own applications of these quotes are written underneath.
TEN TOP TIME TIPS:
“Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin
Keep lists and journals to manage your time. Tape these on your bathroom mirror.
“Time and tide wait for no man.” – Geoffrey Chaucer
Do set your alarm clock early.
If desperate, place your alarm clock on the other side of the room.
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin
Form a habit to write down inspired ideas as soon as you can.
I try not to be fussy with my first draft because I’ll fix errors during revision.
“The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Buddha
My work time is like entering a time-warp.
I might sit down to write the next scene intending to last for thirty minutes.
I’ll look at the time and realize I’ve been writing or planning for hours.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
I can’t wait for the perfect circumstances to write.
This week I’m at an out-of-town wedding and renting a room.
I’m writing this blog late in the evening and I’m tired.
Next door neighbors are making it difficult to concentrate.
They make screaming fans after winning the Super Bowl seem like wall flowers.
I continue to write because that’s what I want to do.
Is it the ideal time?
No.
Will I enjoy my writing time?
Yes.
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Don’t hit ‘send’ late at night.
Tomorrow’s ideas may be better.
Or, at the very least, you’ll find and correct at least six typos.
“It’s not that we have little time, but more that we waste a good deal of it.” – Seneca
The ancient wisdom rings true with this quote but remember to take a break sometimes.
It may seem wasteful to break up writing tasks, but it’s a helpful practice.
I’ll be walking or putting away laundry and I’ll figure out a way to get through a tough scene.
“You may delay, but time will not.” – Benjamin Franklin
This quote tells me not to make excuses.
Well, you can if you want, but it opens the door to others thinking that you don’t care about your work.
I care deeply about my work, so I won’t open that door of speculation.
“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
This quote goes along with an old saying I heard while growing up. “Once begun, half done.”
“The shorter way to do many things is to only do one thing at a time.” – Mozart
I used to believe in multitasking.
A small percentage of people may be able to successfully accomplish multiple things at once, but if you think about it, even in multitasking you’re doing one thing at a time.
I do better if I work on one thing at a time.
Wishing you find the writing time that works best for you.
Photo: I’m writing while staying overnight in a vacation rental for an out-of-town wedding.
I think the people staying next door are members of a mariachi band getting in a few more practice sessions.
That’s not an excuse for me missing a deadline, unless I decide to join them.
Olay!
