The job of a writer is daunting but rewarding. However, you can only reap the reward when you are consistently productive.
As lucrative as writing is, it is also a saturated space. So, there are many writers like you out there, it’s only a matter of time before you’re forgotten if you are not consistently productive.
And you can only be productive when your work is well-structured. You can have all the hard and soft skills of a writer but without a strategy and a structure, you will not achieve much.
Also Read: 8 Soft Skills to Have as A Content Writer
6 Practical Ways to Be More Productive as a Full-Time Writer
Unfortunately, many full-time writers lack in the area of organisation and, ultimately, productivity. Practical steps that they can take become necessary. In this article, I’ll show ways to be more productive as a full-time writer.
1. Organisation and Planning
Several tasks are involved in completing a writing piece; they’re dynamic and always changing. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t have a structure in place. You need to outline and organise your ideas before you start writing. This will keep you focused.
Some large projects are massive and often intimidating, especially for a new writer. No matter your expertise, you’ll need to break them into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you won’t bite more than you can chew. You can use mind maps or project management platforms to lighten this burden.
It’s wise to keep a list and status of your projects handy for a glance.
2. Establish a Routine
Having a routine will make you more productive as a full-time writer. A routine will ensure you perform your writing tasks well.
Map out a daily schedule for all your tasks and consistently follow through. Sometimes, you may not meet up due to meetings or appointments. That’s fine as long as they’re one-offs and you don’t make a habit of it.
As a full-time writer, you’ll often work on many projects at the same time. You must prioritise them based on urgency, deadlines, and complexity. You won’t only meet your deadline by doing this, but your writing will be great.
Incorporate breaks into your routine; they are important. Breaks will energise you and give you fresh eyes.
3. Effective Time Management
It’s easy to get lost in time when researching and writing. But some other tasks and projects need your attention. To manage time, allocate specific working hours to your writing schedules. Every task should have its given time.
When working on many projects, spread and divide time for all of them. Doing so gives you ample time to give your best, and you’ll not be bothered about deadlines.
Leverage technology to maximise your time. Work smarter by making use of writing tools, it will save you time and energy.
You can also use timers or time managing apps to stay focused on your tasks.
Also Read: 7 Best Writing Apps You Need to Own as a Writer
4. Focus and Concentration
Distraction is a writer’s nightmare, and you have to block it. Calls, messages, and other notifications on your mobile devices are distractions. Switch your devices to silent mode for full concentration while in the writing zone.
You can use noise-cancelling headphones if your work environment is noisy. And if that seems impossible, like, say, there’s a construction nearby, you can find nice and quiet cafes to use.
Avoid procrastination, or else you’ll lose focus. Activities, chores, and family can derail your concentration. But they’re also important, so plan your day and stick to your plans. For instance, don’t spend time on social media when you should be working, stealing into your family time.
5. Cultivate Healthy Habits
Writing can be mentally draining. Writers work long hours, and your free time is not free. Ideas come when they want to, and you may need to jot them down.
So, you need to cultivate healthy habits as you maintain your writing routines. Sleep well, take some rest, eat healthy, and exercise often. Your health is paramount to being effective.
You might feel strong, but there’s more to good health than not being ill. According to WHO, Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Healthy habits will keep your mind sound.
6. Self-Development
Writers are learners., or should be voracious readers. Self-development will increase your capabilities as a writer. Don’t limit yourself to your field, there’s more to learn outside your niche.
Read journals, books, magazines, novels, press releases, and other online write-ups in different fields.
Watch YouTube videos and documentaries, and listen to podcasts, too. Knowledge is not wasted; it will enrich your writing instead.
Additionally, socialise and network, seeing them as good learning opportunities.
Be a More Effective Writer
The demand for quality writing increases every day, especially in these days where people churn out so much quantity without quality.
Stand out by insisting on being excellent. Learn all you need from social media, books, and other writers to ensure you are consistently producing the best. Hopefully, this article will help you even be more productive in your work.
Do you have any writing hacks that increase your productivity? If yes, kindly share in the comments section below.
