Getting Back Into Longer Working Hours

As you might have noticed, I didn’t blog much this summer. I never do. I like to loosen up my schedule during the summer to read on my deck, take long walks and just enjoy life!

Now that September is here, I’m transitioning to longer working hours.

Last week I added my late-afternoon work block (I call it Block 3) back into my schedule. I write, plot or revise from late morning to late afternoon. Then I switch gears. I spend another hour or two working on marketing, business planning, continuous education, etc… You can learn more about my process in “Get More Done with a Plan.”

Motivation can be a struggle. I find myself tiring by the time that late-afternoon block comes around. That’s why I write specific goals for that time each day. Knowing I can “check off” my goals as they’re accomplished keeps me working long after I’m tempted to nap.

For instance, writing this blog is today’s Block 3, and when it’s finished, I will move on to the other items on today’s list, which includes brainstorming future blog topics and creating/scheduling two social media posts.

Several years ago, I retooled my workday. By switching from writing-related tasks to business/marketing/education-related tasks each afternoon, I get more done. I never feel as if I’m shorting my writing, and I also don’t feel guilty–like I should be spending more time on marketing or keeping up with my income-expense report.

Next month I’ll add a thirty-minute block to each weekday to devote to my nonfiction project again. I set it aside for the summer, and I’m currently working on another project until the end of September. It will feel good to make progress on the nonfiction again. Not convinced thirty minutes is enough? Check out “Bite-Size Sessions for Lower Priority Projects.” It works for me!

Does your writing/work schedule change in the summer? Or do you follow the same routine all year long?