By Leilani Squires

The week of writing this post, my deadlines looked like this: 

• Write Article 1
• Write Article 2
• Write Article 3
• Edit 5,177 words
• Proof a 128-page manuscript
• Edit 5,861 words
• Finish/launch website

Also, both kiddos were sick, one with “the coughin’s” and one with “the throw-ups.” And you know the rest of life doesn’t pause just because germs take residence. Did it feel like a heavy week? Yes. Did all my deadlines get met? Yes. Did I drink copious amounts of coffee? You betcha. Did my family come first? Absolutely.

I’m flattered when family and friends go, “I don’t know how you do it all!” But really, the truth is, I don’t. I have learned several productivity tricks (some the hard way) over the years. Here are my top six:

Take advantage of minutes.

This is my favorite. You know those studies that tell how long we spend at red lights in our lifetime, or standing in line, waiting in the doctor’s office, or waiting on hold? What would happen if you turn those minutes into productivity?

Take out your phone to do some research, or outlining, or write out those questions for your next interview. I have written most of an article while my husband is helping our kids brush their teeth. I have also finished articles while my phone’s speaker played “on hold” background music. I have contacted potential interviewees while waiting in line at the grocery store.

Brainstorm ahead.

I don’t have time to wait for inspiration. I drag it around wherever I go. I use driving time to brainstorm. While doing household chores, I brainstorm. While mowing the lawn, I brainstorm. Then, when I do pull out my laptop, I know what to write because I’ve already done the brainstorming. Don’t lose that brainstorming time by always having an idea pad/journal with you, or use an app on your phone, or speak into a voice memo for use later.

Talk it out.

I have a few clients who are better speakers than sitters. They are quicker to process and organize their thoughts while speaking than they do facing a blank screen. Instead of taking hours to write an outline or a rough first draft for me, they take eight minutes and talk into video or voice recording. They send this recording to me, and I transcribe/edit/polish the piece before returning for their approval. Several apps exist that will transcribe your words for you. Your Word document even has that lovely Dictate feature! Dictating is also a great way to achieve more natural dialogue for your novel or screenplay.

Recruit help.

When it’s a deadline-heavy week, we adjust accordingly. There are times when my husband brings home dinner so I can keep editing right up to the minute he comes home. There are times we as a family pick up the house, fold the laundry, cook the meals, or do the dishes together. There are times a grandparent takes our littles on an afternoon adventure. We have occasionally hired someone to mow the lawn or clean the house.

You can also recruit help with your writing. My writing friends and I have called upon each other to brainstorm trouble areas, read over latest projects before submitting, or counsel a career decision. This is where networking with other writers and being a part of a writer’s group can be beneficial.

Have a clock-out time.

I learned this one the hard way. I used to push through and work on a project until it was done even if that meant working until 2:00 and 3:00 in the morning. Yes, I got a lot of work done. But if this occurred more than two nights in a row, I had trouble focusing on projects later in the week, was zonked by the weekend, and grumpy. So, set a clock-out time every day. Use your after hours to refresh—socialize, feed your creativity, let your subconscious work, do a relaxing hobby, and rest.

Keep in mind, some of these strategies may not work for you. My challenge to you is see what will. Maybe this list will spark another idea that works better for you. God has equipped you for every good work, and that includes creatively finding processes that prevent burnout.

Leilani Squires is a writer and editor who began working with authors, organizations, and entrepreneurs in 2002. She helps each client develop their message or story clearly, concisely, and compellingly. She has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University and a master’s degree in Communications from Regent University. Leilani speaks at writers conferences, universities, and is an adjunct professor. View Leilani’s services for writers at leilanisquires.com.