5 Tips For Busy Writers

I used to think that if I had a clone, I would sleep with her. Don’t make that face. You know damn well that if you had the opportunity to have sex with yourself, you would; if only to give new meaning to the phrase “go fuck yourself”. But now I think that if I had a clone, I’d make her my assistant.

In order not to feel overwhelmed by my own (arguably too high) standards and the load of work I have on my plate, I’ve been utilizing these dos and don’ts:

1. Don’t underestimate your tasks

This is something I’m constantly doing, typically because I want to get more done than what is actually capable in the given amount of time. It’s no good having a plan and then not being able to follow through with it because you didn’t give yourself enough time. I’m getting better as I go but this is one of the most important things I’m trying to improve.

2. Do plan and stay organized

The easiest way to get overwhelmed during a busy period is to not keep track of what you’re supposed to do and when you’re supposed to do it.

3. Do make time for the little things

Apparently, I’m a workaholic (according to my best friend and current roommate). I used to disagree with her but with every late-night, skipped or delayed meal, and more semi-unhealthy behaviours I engage in so that I can keep working, it’s getting harder and harder to deny her point. It’s why I’m dedicating more time to reading for pleasure. I was already supposed to be doing that more (my reading challenge for the year is 35 books) but it’s also become a way of taking my mind off of work and enrich myself in another way.

4. Don’t neglect your body

Yikes. I’m going to be totally honest here. I’ve been sucking at this. Besides from taking walks (often as part of running errands), I’m afraid I haven’t been giving my tall self the love and care it deserves. I’m supposed to be getting into yoga but I have not been consistent.

The reason I’m including this important point is because of how I just experienced what happens when you do neglect your body. It crashes. Not only is that bad for your health, it only serves to slow you down. Going forward, I’m taking greater care in balancing work with rest and fitness.

5. Do re-prioritise and adjust

Despite the fact that Gal Gadot and I are both two of the most beautiful women on the planet, I’m not Wonder Woman. I’ll have to accept that I can’t always do everything, especially when I’m mostly doing it myself. Until I can get to a point where some of these tasks can be managed by other people, they have to take a back seat to what’s most important. After all, it’s better to do a few things very well rather than to take on too many responsibilities and tackle them poorly.

There we are creator — 5 DOs and Don’ts for when you’re super busy!

Which of these do you think you should start utilising ASAP? Do you have your own tips for staying whelmed when you’ve got a million things to do?