"Writng Can Change Your Life...CSI Miami Won't"

I know, I know..."you just don't have the time to write that report or long email".

You have a long "to do" list, not enough time and you are freaking out...Time is just

not on your side!!!

I have a confession. I struggle with the same things.

However, I found some proven tactics that can really help us sit down and write.

1)Identify when you are best able to crank out writing. It's early morning for me,
between 6:00-8:30 AM. I know I'm in the "zone" then and can easily write my
reports, ebooks, etc. When I'm outside those hours, it's tough for me to write a
couple of paragraphs.

2)When you are in the "zone", ONLY write. If you are like me, you would rather make
phone calls, respond to emails...get in the habit of only writing during those times.
Let your clients know those times are reserved for writing...they usually won't call
during those times.

3)How to stay focused on writing. You and I know that there are times when you will
get dragged out of the writing "zone". Here are some of the things that I do:

a) Shut down my email...I usually read my email later in the day.

b)Turn off the phones...I have calls go directly to voicemail, including the mobile
phone.

c)Shut down the internet. This is tough for me, but I know if I don't shut it down
I'm sunk(too much info on the web for my curious mind to ignore). By shutting
it down I eliminate the temptation.

d)If you have an office, shut the door and hang a Do Not Disturb sign. If you
work in a cubicle, have a "neighbor" deflect the traffic.

e)Use music...it will help you focus and drowns out the background noise. I've
been told that some classical music actually stimulates creative brainwaves.
Use your ipod.

4)How to Accomplish More Writing.
The first tip I have is to write free flow. This means to just get the words down
and worry about how they sound later. I use a pen, since you can't erase ink, I don't
slow down and worry about spelling and grammar.

Set a writing goal while you are in the writing "zone". One or two pages might be
a good, easy objective for most documents. It seems to make writing easier when
you have clear writing deliverable...especially one you have chosen.

5)Celebrate when you get the writing done. Rent a movie, go to Starbucks for one of their
concoctions, etc...make yourself feel good about your accomplishment.