Getting Dressed but Staying Barefooted

The idea of being a barefooted writer appeals to us all, even non-writers. However, for some, my self-included, this is a difficult lifestyle to stay productive in. It is alright if you have the same issues, it does not mean you are flawed. It simply means that you need a routine, an outline for your day. Here is how I stay productive and on track during a non-conventional way of working.

Routine

Here are five essential things to start your day off with a productive bang.

· Always start your day off with some sort of exercise. For me, it’s a long walk. This will get your blood flowing and stave off restlessness later in the day.

· Eat a healthy breakfast. Your stomach can distract you better than a toy can a toddler.

· Make a shower and getting dressed a big part of your routine. Carefully plan your outfit. Fix your hair, put on make-up whatever you normally would do before heading out for work. I know you are screaming, but I want to write in my pajamas. If you can be productive, then great stay in your pajamas for me it does not work.

· Tell your family you are headed to work, kiss them goodbye. Set your mind into a work mentality; you are headed to the office. I am amazed each day as I take this step at how quickly my mind jumps onto the latest project I have been working on. By the time I set down at my desk I already have ideas flowing.

· There are things here that you can do to still taste the freedom of being a barefoot writer. First, it does not matter when you take these steps, nine in the morning or ten at night. Second and this is a big one for me, no matter what I decide to wear for the day I never put shoes on. But I must have a routine, to bring my mind into focus.

Office Hours

Now when I speak of office hours, I am not talking about nine to five Monday thru Friday. As I have previously stated it does not matter when you decide to start work, but what is important is how long you work. And how long you work will depend on your current workload. Usually, I spend a solid five hours working. No distractions allowed. Head down, eyes on the prize, get it done mentality. Also, I try never to speak to a client unless I am in my office. For me it makes the calls easier, I am at work, dressed like a professional, and improving my business.

Organizing my Office Space

The office you work from is just as important as the routine you have before work. Your office space can make or break your creative flow. So, I have several must-haves for my office here are my top five.

· I am not an organized person, my pantry would destroy a neat freak, however, my office is very organized. It must be, my files are kept in alphabetical order, my reference material is organized by the ones most used, and flash drives are labeled and neatly arranged. I do not want to spend my precious time digging for the things I need. Nor do I want a client to call and be unable to locate their file, these things take you from being a dabbler of writing to being a professional.

· A clutter-free desk is vital, keep your desk space for work. Nic nacs and family photos have their place, but if you must move them each time you need to organize a project then they impede your creative flow.

· Keep your phone off your desk. Trust me on this one, a phone can be a pure distraction. My personal phone doubles as my work phone so it must be in the office, but it does not have to be within easy reach. I place mine on the file cabinet in the corner. If it rings, I can get to it quickly, but I am less tempted to jump each time it dings.

· Each day when I am finished with work, I organize my desk, empty my trash, and vacuum when needed. If I skip this step, then I spend my first fifteen minutes doing it. As I have previously stated by the time, I set down at my desk ideas are already flowing. If I must take time to reorganize and clean it really dampens my productivity.

· This space is your office, treat it as such. Keep it a clutter-free and professional space. On my walls, I have a corkboard, a whiteboard calendar that is used, cheat sheets, and motivational material. I love art, but keep it to a minimum, I have a beautiful painting of a girl with flowers hanging over my office equipment but no other personal pieces. Remember just because this space is in your home does not mean it cannot or should not be a professional space.

Taking a Break

Alright, I am going to share a huge secret with you. I go out to lunch with friends, I help my mother with baking, I stop during the day for a walk or a swim. Even though I follow a very strict routine, I allow myself to occasionally break it. Otherwise, what would the point of being a freelance writer be? I have taken weeks off to travel and holidays are spent with family and friends. The key to the whole “do what you want, when you want” is organization. Plan ahead, shift your routine to be more productive before and after these breaks, and above all else enjoy your life.

Conclusion

Do not let this scare you away from becoming a freelance writer. Do not stop chasing your dreams of becoming a barefoot entrepreneur. Just learn what works for you. I have been working as a freelance writer for a little over a year, my routine has made a difference. The future is not mine to see, but I have a strong feeling that in another year or so I will not have to be so regimented to stay productive. Maybe it was years of working twelve hours shifts, that taught me when I was home to relax and avoid work. Whatever it is I have found that this strict regimen has allowed me to become more productive, happier and a better writer.