By Dr. Chrissy Whiting-Madison @joyfulgurly

When I completed and published my first book, Choosing Happiness, being disciplined to sit at my computer and write was easy. I was passionate about what I was writing about. In fact, I wrote the majority of my book over Christmas break, with my laptop on my lap, wearing fuzzy pajama pants, and sipping hot cocoa. A few short months later, my publisher suggested a follow up, tentatively named Even Happier. Still passionate, I almost immediately jotted down an outline for my second book, began the research and then stopped. The passion was still there, the desire was still there, but I was not writing.

Perhaps this resonates with you. You’re passionate about your calling to be an author. You know God put you on this earth to reach others through your gift of writing. You even know what to write about. You just aren’t writing. Your heart knows that you need to figure out why and correct it, so your words are shared with the world and not locked in your head forever.

One common problem is time management. Many of us are parents with other jobs and other responsibilities. If this is your problem, we can correct this with some basic time management skills.  Use your favorite calendar app, calendar or planner and schedule writing time every week. Make sure that someone else has your children and that you don’t have distractors. For example, you might want to clean your kitchen first, so that you are not trying to write while simultaneously glancing into your kitchen thinking about the dishes that still need to be done. Schedule your time in such a way that distractions are at a minimum so that you have the time to truly focus on your writing and nothing else.

What if you are like me and can manage your time, you just can’t bring yourself to write? I recommend a reward system. For example, I love having my nails done, so with each chapter, I allow myself the treat of a manicure or a pedicure. Nails already flawless or just not your thing? I am sure there is something you like, want or need. Many authors are known for enjoying a cigar or a favorite ice cream upon completion of a chapter. Find what works for you to keep you engaged in your writing.

God gives each of us unique gifts that he does not want us to waste. It’s time to find out what it takes to jeep your gift flowing, so that you can bless the world!

Dr. Chrissy Whiting-Madison obtained her BA in Psychology from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University and her PhD in Rehabilitation & Research from the University of Arkansas. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Rogers State University where she avidly researches positive psychology, happiness, humor and joy. Dr. Chrissy has published two books Choosing Happiness and Even Happier. She has presented all over the United States, and is currently working on her second book, Even Happier. You can connect with her on her website.

When Dr. Chrissy is not teaching, reading or traveling, she loves scary movies and spending time with her friends and family. She is also a proud mom of one daughter and 6 cats.