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…if you happen to buy any books relating to freelance writing (including reference manuals) KEEP THE RECEIPTS. You can use them for tax deduction purposes next year.
So why am I reminding you of this little nugget of wisdom? Because I went on a shopping spree and bought a ton (literally, they are heavy!) of writing related books. I’ll unveil the full list in an upcoming post.
Lately, I’ve had my hands in several projects in addition to starting my 6-week class today. With all these things buzzing around my head, it’s very easy to loose your ability to focus and concentrate. After several days of trying different techniques, I’ll share with you what worked for me, and maybe you can give some of these tips a shot the next time you find yourself staring off into space when you should be working.
1. Work in Absolute Silence. Ok, this is one that I’ve always had to do in order to retain even the slightest degree of focus. I can’t work in a room with even the slightest bit of distraction. I have resorted to buying a sound machine that I have to turn way up in order to read/write (yes, it’s on as I type this post!). This has to be the best $20 investment I’ve made and I’ve had it for years.
2. Watch T.V. Sometimes it helps to walk away from your work when you can’t focus. Do something that gives your brain some down time. It helps if you watch something you don’t have to actively analyze (i.e. reality shows instead of the news or a game show). Sometimes being able to loose yourself in something frivolous for even 30 minutes can do wonders for your concentration.
3. Walk Away. Or run, or lift weights, you get the idea. Do something physical. Put down the book, step away from the computer and let your body expel some of that energy that is keeping you from concentrating. A relaxed body will lead to a more relaxed mind.
4. Play A Game. I’ve been utilizing this technique as of late. It seems like if I can’t focus or hone in on something I play a video game. It helps me to get my mind “in the zone” while tricking it into thinking it’s having fun at the same time. Just a note of caution on this one: if you’re a person who has a tendency to play video games for hours on end, limit yourself to 20 minutes otherwise you will never get back to your project. The idea is to get your mind focused and limber.
So next time you have a looming deadline and you find yourself re-reading the same page five times in a row and it’s still not sinking in, try one of these concentration-helpers. And if anyone has any specific techniques they use to help them concentrate, I’d love to hear it!
I live in an 864 sq ft one bedroom apartment with my husband and our two furry kids (cats). Space is obviously not something we have a lot of so I needed to create an area where I felt inspired and could do my best work.
Here’s what I have in my office corner:
1. desk
2. ibook G4 laptop (yes it’s old but I can’t afford the new macbook pro I want)
3. a large desktop monthly calendar where I always right the due dates of my projects on and highlight so they can’t be overlooked.
4. file folders. I like to keep these handy, as I usually designate one file per project that way I can keep all of the details together.
5. Expanding folder. This works great to store the file folders and at the end of the year, band it up, clearly label is as “2007 Freelance Work” and file it away. It makes it simple to have everything in one place.
6. Reference books. I’ll admit I have a shelf of books: dictionary, thesaurus, grammar reference, description word finder book, punctuation reference book, and various citation manuals. Oh and don’t forget the “bible” – The MS Office for MAC Users handbook.
7. Lots of notepads are essential. I am forever writing down ideas that catch me off guard, or trying to clarify a project via the telephone so being able to capture as much information as possible is very important.
8. Business cards. I like to have them handy in case I run in to someone who may become a potential client. Also, they can be included with query letters, if they are being sent snail mail.
9. calculator is an often overlooked tool. I use it all the time to determine rates for projects. It’s good to have around.
So what does your home office look like? What are some things that you absolutely must have in order to function? Feel free to share pictures!
