Comments on: Successful Freelance Writers Do These Small Things Early

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:17:44 +0000

In reply to Gene Burnett. Very good points Gene. High motivation to achieve a goal definitely makes it more likely we'll do everything necessary to achieve it. But we also need good planning systems to ensure we do everything when we should. Also, having a good planning system in which we record all of our to-do's as soon as we think of them leaves our minds free for the important stuff, rather than just trying to remember all of those to-do's.

By: Gene Burnett

Gene Burnett — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 04:42:40 +0000

Good post John. I’m amazed at how many people don’t even have schedule or appointment books…and then they wonder why their lives are filled with such drama and hassles. I think they secretly thrive on that crap so they don’t have to feel what’s really going on in their lives…but that’s another topic. I’m not a free-lance writer but having a schedule book, seeing things coming and making notes in that book to handle them at the appropriate time, is so helpful to me in my life. I usually pay bills the day they arrive and handle other such things asap. It keeps my plate clear for things that matter more to me and require more thought and energy. But then, I’m clear on my mission. If a person is not…I think all the great tips you present won’t matter that much, since that underlying stuff is still unclear. I think if your mission is clear and it’s really your mission and you really want to succeed at it, you’ll either already be doing these things or you’ll jump at the chance to implement them when you read this post. ;~) GB

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:24:38 +0000

In reply to Anne Wayman. It's a process for all of us Anne. I'm definitely not perfect at it!

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:23:59 +0000

In reply to Paula Hendrickson. Smart move Paula!

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:16:35 +0000

I do better on these things than I used to… progress counts!

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:16:23 +0000

This was a great reminder, John. I have a bunch of Halloweenish article ideas I’ve been meaning to pitch, so I better get them out this week.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:52:26 +0000

In reply to Cathy Miller. Cathy, I'm still a mixed bag at the personal stuff. I write birthdays in my daily planner at least a month in advance, and I make reservations for hotels and restaurants well ahead of time -- I can always cancel those.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:33:12 +0000

I used to be terrible in my corporate days for taking care of the personal stuff, like gifts and cards. I’d always purchase them early but then end up overnighting them because I forgot to get them in the mail.

The FedEx guy at my mom’s place got to know my California address. I was a road warrior in those days. I used to say the gifts got as many frequent flyer miles as I did as they flew with me from state to state.:-D

I occasionally still do the same thing in my freelance life. Work still tends to get the front part of my brain. On the other hand, I am the team captain for our 3-Day Walk for the Cure team. I always have our housing and rental vehicles arranged far in advance.

I think it’s all about my subconscious priorities.