Two Resolutions for Being Productive

I meet writers all the time who have talent. They can turn a phrase and reel the reader in. Their use of words is almost magical. And yet, as the years go by, they fail to produce.

What’s the problem? I know it well, because I deal with it myself. And it’s a challenge I think exists for every skilled professional.

You can think of it as a two-fold nemesis:

1. Focus: I always have a few books going, a business plan, plus speaking projects and workshops. I am wired as a starter and though I’ve finished many projects, hundreds lay half complete in my graveyard of ideas. What’s the solution? Focus. Ideas are great, and we can fill a small journal with them. But let’s just keep those little babies in the journal and not take a step until our current project is done. If you want to produce, you will need to focus.

2. Finish: A good writer finishes something. Good writers know projects are never really complete, but when they get good enough, they must be abandoned. And by abandoned, I mean hit print, ship it to the publisher and start the release process. How many books have not been finished because another idea came up? And why? Because writing books gets boring. Sorry, welcome to the real world. Work isn’t always fun. But nothing great comes into the world without hard work, patience and endurance.

So, the two words I challenge you with are Focus and Finish.

Have you found ways to help yourself focus on one project or see something through to completion? What tips would you give others who want to be more productive?

Two Resolutions for Being Productive is a post from: Storyline Blog