As writers, we have more to do than just writing. We have to build our brand, develop a platform, connect with potential readers… the list can feel endless. And that is on top of all the normal everyday life stuff such as working, taking care of the family etc.
So, how do you manage to do all those extra tasks that are part and parcel of a writer’s journey?
A Writer’s Life
A number of writers have told me about the difficulty and overwhelm of trying to keep all these tasks going.
After all, we need to be running blogs, connecting with other writers and readers, marketing before the book’s even finished, spending time on social media, starting up a newsletter… who has time for all that?
Little and Often
The best method, I have found, is to think about every aspect that needs your attention – for example, social media platforms, blogs and newsletter do small amounts, little and often.
If you sit and list all areas that need your attention, you are bound to be overwhelmed. Here’s a list of mine (currently, as I’m going to be adding more soon):
- Newsletter
- Instagram – Feed
- Instagram – Stories
- My Blog posts
- Guest posts
- Tumblr
That is a lot of platforms and areas that need my attention.
So what is a Commitment List?
A Commitment List is where you have a set of tasks you commit to doing as a minimum.
Yes, maybe the best thing is to tweet 15 times a day, maybe you even want to aim for that. But you would set your Commitment list to state, say, Tweet 5 times a day.
The idea behind it is that you build up a habit of do-able tasks that keep you visible and relevant. You stick to what you know you can do, even on bad days or busy days etc.
This way you are moving forward but not overstretching yourself.
However, as I said, the purpose of the Commitment List is to be the minimum you have to do. So make it easily achievable. Then aim for doing more than this.
My Commitment List
Here’s my (current) Commitment List. I have it in a prominent place to act as a constant reminder of what I need to be able to do.
I mostly exceed this list but it’s nice to have it as a driving force. It lets me ease off if I need to, but keep making developments.
You can create Commitment List’s for anything – your writing schedule, your chores, whatever you want.
Do you have a Commitment’s List?
Happy writing
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I do the same otherwise it would seem so overwhelming I’d probably walk away. It feels good to be organized and the rewards are that much greater when achieved.
Thank you, Ari.
Thanks for reading. Yes, I think without something like the Commitment List I would definitely have thrown in the towel in regards to social media. 🙂
Where on the list is writing your book? 😉
Lol the Commitment List is just for social media – since I’m not the biggest fan of social media and rarely use it outside of my networking and marketing, I need this list.
Bigger things like writing the book, that goes in my Goals 😀
This is wonderful idea and I was just reading Chopra’s book and it was similar – well
Different but some similar is making sure we strive for “x” at minimum
And your commitment list seems like great idea.
Thanks
Thanks so much for reading and I’m so glad you found it useful. I don’t think I’d be able to keep myself organised re social media if it wasn’t for the Commitment List. I am too scattered and there are so many things to remember – I need it to keep me sane 😀
🙂
I am going to start this soon… This is an awesome idea I am so disorganized. I forget most social apps..
Hi Shalini, thanks for reading. Glad you found it helpful. I know what you mean. I am organised in some aspects of my life and totally disorganised in others – especially when it comes to social media – which I actually am not keen on in general.
So this list (kept in a VERY visible place) helps to keep me (mostly) on track 😀
Very sweet.. I have to do this soon… I started writing in a book…. But it is too haphazard
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
Thank you so much for the reblog Chris 🙂
Welcome, Ari 🤗
Sensible and helpful advice, Ari… something to think seriously about…
Thank you so much! I am always so pleased to hear people like my tips and tricks. Most of these ideas are borne from me being such a scatterbrain and really trying to “reel all the scatter in”
I need help with the reeling, my scatter is unreelable…
LOL Well, you know I’m always here to help. Us scatterbrains need to stick together 😀
Thanks, Ari…
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
Thank you kindly for the reblog 😀
Spreading the good stuff around!
lol Yay 😀
That’s a great idea!
Hi Mim, thanks so much for reading. I am glad you found this useful 🙂 I seriously couldn’t keep all my plates spinning without a Commitment List (easily visible…since I forget things!) 😀