If you're like most people today, you've got more than enough to do.
Between work (including getting there), taking care of your children, relating to your spouse, keeping up with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, phone or even face-to-face, there's little time for yourself, let alone times of solitude to concentrate on your writing.
But it's not impossible, and if the writing bug has bitten you, you know you're itching constantly to get your message onto the page.
If there's a book inside of you, it keeps niggling and nagging you.
"Birth me!" it whispers in your ear.
"My story needs to be told!" it aches in your chest.
"Come on!" it shouts in your brain.
"Write me!" How can you find the time? 1.
Admit that you need to write Those of us who know how it feels, emotionally, spiritually and physically, to have a message you need to tell understand that writing is not an option or a hobby-it is a deeply personal need.
In working with my clients, and observing my own life, those who take better care of themselves put their need to write higher on their list of priorities than those who are overly self-sacrificing.
You don't simply want to write, you NEED to write-like sleeping and eating, loving and being loved.
You suffer when your needs aren't met.
Perhaps in the past, when your story was unfolding and your message was brewing, you had the slight awareness that someday you'd need to write.
But now writing your story and your message have become extremely important and can no longer be ignored.
2.
Acknowledge that others need your message I've met a handful of truly selfish writers who are utterly self-absorbed, or who write only for financial gain.
Fortunately, these aren't the majority of writers I've known.
Most are caring people who have overcome significant problems in their lives.
They've struggled and know the pain of confusion and defeat.
They also have triumphed over their problems and have discovered important truths that they want to share with others.
If you're like those of us who know, in our deepest places, that we have a message that will change other people's lives, then it's not boastful to acknowledge this reality.
I believe that you have a message no one else can deliver.
Yes, you have a personal need to write-but you also have a calling to contribute to the lives of others in a significant, life-changing way.
You have a mission! 3.
Let your friends and family in on your mission I suspect that throughout your life, you've negotiated ways to have your needs met with friends, family and co-workers.
The skills that help you work through issues with your spouse, children and friends are needed now.
Navigate your work responsibilities so that they are aware of your new focus.
Set a specific time when you can get your loved ones' full attention, not in the middle of making a meal or running errands.
Sit down with friends and family and explain to them that writing has become a personal need and mission.
Help them understand that you need their support to achieve your new undertaking-that they will be a part of the entire process.
Let them know that you don't want to slight them or withdraw from them, but that you want them to become partners in your new endeavor.
The writing process will change your life in ways you can't imagine right now.
If you don't get the cooperation and support of those around you, unnecessary conflict will occur.
People will feel like you are neglecting them.
Without meaning to undermine your mission, they will engage you in negative ways-just like children do when they don't know how to get your attention.
If you want to carve out time to write, cooperation is necessary.
Make room for creativity in a new way-with the help and support of those who also need your attention-and you'll discover that you'll share the transformation, not only with your readers, but with those you love.
Between work (including getting there), taking care of your children, relating to your spouse, keeping up with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, phone or even face-to-face, there's little time for yourself, let alone times of solitude to concentrate on your writing.
But it's not impossible, and if the writing bug has bitten you, you know you're itching constantly to get your message onto the page.
If there's a book inside of you, it keeps niggling and nagging you.
"Birth me!" it whispers in your ear.
"My story needs to be told!" it aches in your chest.
"Come on!" it shouts in your brain.
"Write me!" How can you find the time? 1.
Admit that you need to write Those of us who know how it feels, emotionally, spiritually and physically, to have a message you need to tell understand that writing is not an option or a hobby-it is a deeply personal need.
In working with my clients, and observing my own life, those who take better care of themselves put their need to write higher on their list of priorities than those who are overly self-sacrificing.
You don't simply want to write, you NEED to write-like sleeping and eating, loving and being loved.
You suffer when your needs aren't met.
Perhaps in the past, when your story was unfolding and your message was brewing, you had the slight awareness that someday you'd need to write.
But now writing your story and your message have become extremely important and can no longer be ignored.
2.
Acknowledge that others need your message I've met a handful of truly selfish writers who are utterly self-absorbed, or who write only for financial gain.
Fortunately, these aren't the majority of writers I've known.
Most are caring people who have overcome significant problems in their lives.
They've struggled and know the pain of confusion and defeat.
They also have triumphed over their problems and have discovered important truths that they want to share with others.
If you're like those of us who know, in our deepest places, that we have a message that will change other people's lives, then it's not boastful to acknowledge this reality.
I believe that you have a message no one else can deliver.
Yes, you have a personal need to write-but you also have a calling to contribute to the lives of others in a significant, life-changing way.
You have a mission! 3.
Let your friends and family in on your mission I suspect that throughout your life, you've negotiated ways to have your needs met with friends, family and co-workers.
The skills that help you work through issues with your spouse, children and friends are needed now.
Navigate your work responsibilities so that they are aware of your new focus.
Set a specific time when you can get your loved ones' full attention, not in the middle of making a meal or running errands.
Sit down with friends and family and explain to them that writing has become a personal need and mission.
Help them understand that you need their support to achieve your new undertaking-that they will be a part of the entire process.
Let them know that you don't want to slight them or withdraw from them, but that you want them to become partners in your new endeavor.
The writing process will change your life in ways you can't imagine right now.
If you don't get the cooperation and support of those around you, unnecessary conflict will occur.
People will feel like you are neglecting them.
Without meaning to undermine your mission, they will engage you in negative ways-just like children do when they don't know how to get your attention.
If you want to carve out time to write, cooperation is necessary.
Make room for creativity in a new way-with the help and support of those who also need your attention-and you'll discover that you'll share the transformation, not only with your readers, but with those you love.