10 creative ways to squeeze writing into your day

If you’re anything like me, you’re always scrambling to find time to write.  I made a promise to myself I would write at least 200 words every day and see what happens.  I don’t always have the luxury to clear my schedule and sit down for an hour during the day and write without distraction.  So I had to get creative and use my “in-between time” to get my writing done.  Here’s the 10 best time’s I’ve found to write.

  1. In the sauna – I try to use the 10-15 minutes I spend in the sauna post workout to get some writing.  There’s some occupational hazards like your sweat falling on your jumbling up your words or your phone occasionally overheating.  But I have found a lot of good ideas come out when I am extremely hot and uncomfortable.  I’m actually sitting in the sauna writing this now.
  2. On the toilet – This is an obvious choice.  You’re going to be sitting there for a few minutes with your phone, why not write rather than scrolling through Instagram.
  3. At the end of your workday – I’m usually the last one at my office, so it’s quiet and there are no distractions.  I’m still in work-mode and haven’t been beaten down by the traffic on my commute.  This is also a good time for editing for me.
  4. Bedtime – When I crawl into bed at night I always have thoughts racing through my head.  Some are constructive, others are my insane ruminations.  Either way, writing helps me get to sleep by capturing those thoughts and emptying my mind.  I make sure to keep my phone near my bed so I can write down any ideas I get at night, because I know I will never remember them in the morning.
  5. Stuck in traffic – I don’t necessarily recommend this on for everyone, because it could be dangerous and illegal.  But I’ve been stuck in standstill traffic for 10-15 minutes and whipped out my phone and wrote.  I hate wasting time doing nothing.
  6. In between chapters while reading – I always get a ton of ideas while reading.  I jot them down and when I finish a chapter I try to make something out of my notes.  I use it as a reward for each chapter I read, because there’s times when I would much rather write than read.
  7. First thing In the morning –  Get those ideas out early and on paper.  Either while you’re still laying in bed or as part of your morning routine.  This is a very effective way deal with any anxiety you may be feeling about the day or you could use it to map out your daily goals.   Get it in front of you and see it for what it is.
  8. While at the dog park – It’s a little antisocial and I don’t want to neglect my dog, but on days she’s really into playing with other dogs, it gives me some time to get writing in.  When the weather is beautiful, it’s especially nice to be writing outside, taking in all that sunshine.
  9. In between sets at the gym –  I get 60-100 seconds between sets.   Normally I would be texting, checking SnapChat or a dating app. Instead, this gives me a time crunch to create something.  Sometimes a deadline can help get your ideas flowing.   Also,  its a reprieve from thinking about the physical stress your body is under and movement stirs up your ideas.
  10. While waiting – We all have empty spaces in our life, like at the barbershop, the DMV or before a meeting.  How often do you waste that time on social media or sitting there doing nothing? Why not use that time to write?  It helps control your feelings and emotions before a big meeting, like I’m about to have.  I write about my anxiety and fears regarding the meeting and how I may react. It’s a great prophylactic against blowing your stack.  I need that in my life.

When I Just Don’t Have The Words

Some days I can sit down and the words and emotions flow like Natty Light at a frat keg party.  I can express exactly what I am feeling and thinking.  I’m in a state of flow.  Its a an amazing rush.  I feel like Arnold in Pumping Iron.  “Im cuming all day and night” 

Then there are days like today.  I feel like I’m beating my coked up dick with sandpaper.  No matter how hard I try I’m going to end up with half a chubby that’s really chaffed and sore.  I have a lot inside of me that I want to say, but the words just seem to escape me.

I have a vision in my mind of how my writing should look.  Being hopeful my words can help others .  Putting my stories and thoughts out for those who can related and are struggling to find their way.  My goal is to create pieces of art that cause others to become interested in their own lives.  To help them start experimenting with what works and what doesn’t.  I strive to build a successful life to show others that if someone like me can do it anyone can.  “Each one teach one.”  Everyone has some gift they can and should share with the world.

Creativity has been a struggle throughout most of my life.  Always wanting someone to give me direction on what to do with my life.  Having a them lay out a solid game plan and show me the end goal.  The majority of my hesitation stems form fear of trying something new and looking like a fool to others.  I have struggled to be a leader.  Writing allows me that creative outlet where I can take the risks.  I can bare my soul in a cathartic way that forces me to face my fears.  Writing builds leadership quality because only I can create with the words that are in my mind.  There is no one to tell me what or how to write.

For me, its important to push forward and create when I don’t feel like it.  Complacency and laziness haunt me at times.   Im just getting back into writing so I need the reps and the practice.  Many times I just vomit utter shit onto my computer screen that seemed like an amazing idea when I started.  But I learn and I grow from the exercise.  Even if what I produce may not make it onto my blog its never wasted effort.  Writing always serve some purpose for my life at the time.  It could be as simple as forcing me to get out of my head, or it could help me work through some of my deep seeded shit that brings me down.

I get to say some real shit that people may judge me for.  Friends, family members, business partner, acquaintances may all view at me a little differently after hearing my story.  The ability to be genuine and authentic is what touches and inspires others.  I want my readers to feel my joy and pain.  People will hopefully laugh or cringe at the dumb shit I’ve done and feel better about themselves.   If Anything I have experienced and shared helps the life of others I consider it a success.