Schedule Everything

August 9, 2022

 

 

Note From Rochelle

 

Dear Writers,

 

I am back in the office and excited for a new fall of working to help you achieve your dreams!

 

Today’s tip is the second in our series on how to overcome distractions and focus on your writing!

 

Happy writing,

Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach

 

 

How to Focus: Schedule Everything

 

The most successful people schedule their days. They know what they want to achieve and schedule their tasks so that they can reach their goals. In Peter Bregman’s book, 18 Minutes he quoted a study of two groups of recovering addicts who were asked to write an essay before 5 PM on a certain day. The first group was given no more instructions. The second group was asked to decide when and where they would write it. No one in the first group completed the essay but 80 percent of the people who scheduled their when and where finished the essay.

 

Try this. You’ve mapped your energy and know when you write best. You also know when you do everything else well. No doubt, you know what you need to do to reach your goals. Now schedule those tasks in your calendar.

 

Pro Tip: Cluster tasks. Instead of switching between your many tasks, cluster like tasks together and schedule everything. So instead of switching between writing and social media every five minutes, set aside time each day to attend to each of your tasks, including writing, email, social media, and more. That way, you’ll still get to everything, but you will not have to rapidly switch between tasks throughout the day.

 

About the author

Author, professional certified coach, and teacher Rochelle Melander has helped thousands of people design a writing life, create great books, and connect with their readers. She is the author of ten books, including the National Novel Writing Month guide—Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It).

Related Posts

Search Blog

Recent Blogs

You’re Not Lazy: How to Overcome Resistance and Start Writing
November 3, 2026
I Learned This Mindset Shift from The Milwaukee Brewers
October 27, 2026
Small Steps, Big Stories: How Tiny Wins Help You Reach Your Writing Goals
October 20, 2026

Archives