by Nick Somoski

Created on: August 31, 2009   Last Updated: September 30, 2009

Time is one thing everyone wishes they had more of. The clock always seems to be working against us . . . at least that's the excuse most of us use. Whether wee admit it or not, it's how we manage our time that's working against us.

Whether it be watching TV, surfing the Internet, or just staring off into space, valuable hours of time every day are lost. You wish you could get them back, but losing them in the first place could have been avoided if you managed your time better. Here are some time-management tips to keep in mind next time you find yourself wandering off.

1. Keep a Schedule

The key to managing your time is scheduling your time. Knowing in advance when you plan on writing will allow for less personal distraction. Create a daily or weekly schedule showing the times you plan on writing. Choose to either write in one long block each day or shorter blocks throughout the day. Always build your schedule around set appointments to avoid wasting time.

2. Create a Routine

Once you create a schedule, stick to it. Set aside the same time for writing each day. Get into a routine of what, where, and when you write. Creating a routine will help you manage your time because you'll automatically know when it's time to stop what you're doing and start writing.

3. Set Goals

A great way to motivate yourself to write is by setting goals. For freelance writers, set a goal for the number of articles you want written at the end of each day or week. Set a goal for the amount of money you want to earn at the end of each month or how many hours a day you want to set aside for writing. Write these goals down and put them in a visible spot for motivation. Of course, be reasonable with your goals. Writing anything more than 10 articles a day is going too far.

4. Get an Early Start

If schedules aren't for you, at least know that the earlier you wake up, the earlier you'll begin writing. If you start writing during the middle of the day, think about all those hours you'll be missing that can be devoted to writing. Wake up early and do all your morning rituals at least before noon. Start writing as soon as possible to avoid wasting those much-needed hours of the day.

5. Eliminate Distractions

To write quality and quantity, distractions must be eliminated. Always write in a peaceful environment, getting rid of outside noises. Turn the TV off, turn the music off, close any extra Internet tabs, and put the phone away. You'll be tempted to go to them whenever you have the slightest

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