When clients hire me for writing coaching, one of the first questions they ask is:
"How can I create more time to write? My life is so busy. I feel like I never have enough time."
I love this question.
I'm constantly searching for new ways to free up more time in my own life. "Creating more time" is one of my favorite topics to research and experiment with.
Whether you want more time to write a book, more time to practice yoga, more time to be an activist, more time to focus on growing your business, or more time to lie still and do absolutely nothing, here are 5 ideas for you.
Do these 5 things (or even just 1 of these things) and you will free up hundreds of hours per year.
1. Are you female?
As a queer person who has been in long-term committed relationships with both men and women, I would say, this often applies to same-gender partnerships too. Whether you are straight or queer, assess the division of labor. Things might be imbalanced.
2. Do you use social media?
Take a break from social media for a few days, or a few weeks, or longer. If you skip social media for one week, you will reclaim over 14 hours of time. I deleted all my social media accounts over 5 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
3. Do you watch Netflix?
Yup, me too. However, consider taking a break (or cutting back) if you're trying to free up time.
On average, Netflix users watch 3.2 hours per day. It really adds up. That's over 1,000 hours per year. Imagine if we spent 1,000 hours per year praying, meditating, walking, stargazing, or writing "thank you" letters.
4. Do you struggle to say no?
Is your calendar crammed from wall to wall? Do you say “Sure!” when you really mean, “Ugh, no.” Do you give your time to everyone else while leaving zero time for your own creative projects, passions, or even your health?
Start flexing your “No” muscle a little more. You will free up thousands of hours per year.
If saying "No" is difficult for you, use my Free Guidebook on How To Say No for communication tips and sample emails.
5. Do you work surrounded by tons of distractions?
When you sit down to work, are you distracted by incoming texts, email notifications, social media pings and dings and DMs, dozens of tabs open on your browser, knocks at the door, and constant intrusions?
If so, you are putting your brain into a low-performance state. A project that might normally take 1 hour will take 4 hours because you cannot focus and get into your flow.
Eliminate distractions and you will immediately be able to do work that's twice as good in half the time.
Are you willing to try all 5 of those things? Or maybe just 1 or 2? Click REPLY and let me know which thing you're going to try first. I'd love to hear. :)
Go create the time you need.
Time to write. Time to think. Time to live.
-Alex
PS. You dream about writing a book...but you have absolutely no time to write? Because life is so crazy-busy? Come to this free class that I'm leading tomorrow! It's going to be inspiring, entertaining, and Zuki the dog is making a special appearance.
Hooray for beautiful new books!