7 Unconventional Ways to Make Time for Your Book Project

7 Unconventional Ways to Make Time for Your Book Project...SQUIRREL!

 So much to do, so little time! Our lives are filled with so many things for us to do.

Think about your busy life. Now think about the distractions that have played a role in how you spend your time.  Where is your book project in this list?

I get it. Your book idea is important and difficult and all consuming. It’s scary as hell to spill out your heart and soul onto a blank piece of paper. It is no wonder that distractions pop up to save us.

Your Saboteurs enjoy:

1. Doing busywork, instead of work that is moving you forward.
2. Allowing distractions instead of doing a task that is difficult to get through.
3. Seeing the super-big picture instead of what is right in front of you to the point of Overwhelm.

Don’t get me wrong. I get distracted, too. I deal with Saboteurs on a daily basis. I put unimportant tasks (checking email) or distractions (like social media) ahead of getting the important things done first. I feel ya!

But what if you could dive head first into your book project with excitement. Visualize this…

1. You clear your creating space.
2. You turn off all distractions (internet, cell phone, TV…anything you use as a distraction)
3. You sit down and are ready to write or illustrate.

How do you feel as you visualized that? Are you having a panic attack? Is Fear coming for a visit? Is your mind looking for a distraction? Do you feel like you want to run away? Great! Distraction provided ahead…
There are a ton of productivity books out there. Believe me, I’ve read a lot of them. I'm always looking for more ease and joy in my processes. What these books don’t talk about is how to deal with your discomfort and fear as it relates to your book creation.

So here are 7 Unconventional Ways to Make Time for Your Book Project:

1. Decide now how much time you’ll devote to your Book Project. Remember, there are 24 hours in a day. You sleep 8 of those (or at least you should be). You need to eat and prepare your food, so that’s another 3 hours or so. If you work at a 9-to-5 job, that’s at least 8 hours, plus your commute time, possibly another 2 hours. You need at least an 1 hour of exercise (yes you do!). Then there are relationships to maintain that’s another 1 hour or more each day. That leaves you 1 hour each day for your book project, which adds up to 5-7 hours per week, 20-28 hours per month, 240-336 hours per year. That's a chunk of time! Now, you can adjust your times according to your life, but be realistic. Don't forget to communicate with your loved ones about your need to write or illustrate.
2. Set your Most Important Tasks each day. This will help you stay focused on what needs to be accomplished, instead of being distracted by all of the shiny objects. Squirrel!
3. Do one task at a time. If you are writing, then write. Don’t start doing research in the middle of trying to write, just make a note. Draw the outlines, but don't start thinking about paint at the same time.
4. Add breathing space. If you are noticing some distractions, physical discomfort, or negative feelings or self-talk rising to the surface. Stop a moment and investigate them with compassion and curiosity. There is no need to berate yourself. There is enough of that going around. Take a deep breath and begin again.
5. Set an intention for your book project. Why are you writing this book? Why are you creating these illustrations? Where is your heart and soul in this intention? Where is the L-O-V-E? Before each writing or illustration session, repeat your heart’s intention.
6. Open your heart. Write or illustrate with the love that comes out of your intention. Make it a mindful practice every time you sit down to create. I smudge my space before I write or illustrate. It helps me clear out any negative energy that does not belong in the love for my work.
7. Take breaks. If you’re on a roll and in the zone, by all means keep going. However, if you’re struggling, get up every 15 to 30 minutes. Stretch. Get a drink of water. Pet the animals. Check in with your mind, body, heart, and soul to see how you’re doing. Then, return to that task or pick another one to work on. Follow the energy of YOU.

Each of us has 24 hours each day (unless you can time warp, in which case, let’s talk). How will you spend the few extra hours? Please share in the comments below.