Do you need to find more time?
Does anybody not need to find more time? Is there someone out there who has extra hours they can share around? Anyone? No? Then I think I’m right in stating that being time-poor is pretty much the norm these days.
From day-to-day chores (so many of them!), going to work or running a business, being with family and friends, to our own individual pleasures and hobbies, it all takes time.
And time is precious.
What’s important to you?
Where would you like to spend more of your time? And, by the by, isn’t it interesting that in English we speak of spending time, as if it’s money? I don’t know about you, but I would dearly love a bank account from which I could draw a few extra hours!
Perhaps you want to give your loved ones more of your precious minutes, because, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t like to find more time for the favourite people in their life? Maybe you’d choose another hour in the day to play with the kids, because, oh my goodness, don’t they grow up so fast! Or how about more date nights with your special someone? And a lot of us could sorely use some space just for ourselves, too, to relax and unwind with a film, a good book, a bubble-bath.
Or maybe your business would benefit greatly from more of your attention, but you’re spread so thin already, chasing your own tail trying to get everything done…
Where to find more time
So, where can we find more time? All the above-mentioned activities and pursuits are worthy and valid. They need our attention, but where can the hours come from?
Start by being organised. I know that sounds basic, but it’s true! Planning the day is a beneficial exercise so we know exactly where we are at. As a writer and proof reader working from home, I know that organisation is key. There are too many distractions lurking at home, so many other things that need to be done, so planning my time helps me keep a tighter hold of it. (Being slightly obsessive doesn’t hurt, either!)
And don’t procrastinate. What a time-thief! I can’t count the occasions I’ve sat down with a cup of tea and a solemn promise to get down to work and start writing, only to still be staring out of the window half an hour later! I can kid myself that I’m thinking my story-line through, or working out a plot-hole, but in reality? Yup. I’m wasting my time, not spending it wisely.
Here’s another question. Does the task really need to be done? Is it important? If not, maybe you can put it off until another, less busy day, or simply forget about it altogether. And whilst it’s tempting to think that everything must be spot-on, just perfect, sometimes perfectionism is the enemy of productivity. Sometimes, adequate is enough.
And consider this, too. Must you do everything yourself? With your own two hands? Or can you delegate? Outsource?
Help is good!
I love my work. Writing is my passion, and editing and proof reading a full-on obsession.
I can spend all day, every day, living in my fictional worlds with the characters I created and fell in love with. (Have a look at my books HERE for some escapist enjoyment) I adore crafting their lives. Making them happy, making them miserable, fixing their problems and coming up with whole new ones for them to cope with and work through is me living my best life!
Then, when the story is finished, the serious work of editing begins, and that in itself is a complete delight to me, absorbing and addictive. I do understand, though, when other writers say they hate the very thought of editing. I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
That’s why editors and proof readers exist!
Whether you have a full-length romantasy manuscript in dire need of editing, or some desperately important business documents to be proof read for grammar and accuracy, isn’t it a good idea to hire someone who loves the work to do it for you, thus enabling you to find more time for the things you really care about? In this respect, you can actually buy time.
Find more time for you
One phrase I personally hate and despise is that ‘we all have the same amount of hours in the day’. Meaning, I suppose, that if we are struggling with apportioning our time, it must somehow be our own fault for not managing it better. Whilst there can be no denying the absolute truth of the statement, I feel that quoting it to someone who is feeling time-poor is nothing short of cruel. Yes, our hours might well be the same, but our responsibilities differ vastly.
So find more time for yourself by tightening up your organisational skills if possible, avoid procrastinating, and, upon occasion, allow yourself to do a job adequately instead of perfectly. You can always clean it up later if you have to, or outsource, and hire a professional to do it for you.
They’ll love you for it!
Do you have a document in need of proof reading?
I will be delighted to do that for you. You can call me on 07803 072006 or email me at claireshaw.proof@gmail.com. I will always be sympathetic to your own voice and I am never judgemental about mistakes. I understand we all make them. Or you can visit my proof reading service page to find out more.