TIME FOR RECESS: SUPERCHARGE YOUR WRITING CAREER BY TAKING TIME TO PLAY

PLAY IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS.  WE ALL NEED IT.  TAKING THE TIME TO PLAY REFRESHES CREATIVITY, REPLENISHES ENERGY, AND CAN GIVE A BIG BOOST FOR YOUR WRITING CAREER. 

Time for Recess: Supercharge Your Writing Career by Taking Time by Play 

By: Kel Amstutz
Monday, May 18, 2020

Ok... so... Let's begin with a little quiz...

Do you know who wrote this?

"Oh, it was heaven! Nothing like it. Nothing like that rushing through the water at what seemed to you a speed of about 200 miles an hour; all the way in from the far distant raft, until you arrived, gently slowing down, on the beach, and foundered among the soft flowing waves."

Any guesses? 

Any suggestions?

C'mon. This is for fun, after all...

Well... in 1922, a pioneer of surfing wrote this about the FUN and EXHILARATION of learning to surf.  Or ride the waves as the surfers say! 

I know you are probably wondering how in the world this is relevant... right?  Well... the plot thickens.... This surfer was a pioneer of writing, too... becoming the BEST-SELLING novelist and playwright.... whose very books and characters are still loved today. 

This writer also had a love for swimming, roller skating and dancing.

I will tell you exactly who this person is and HOW famous they are shortly. But, what is important now is this:  This person was a prolific writer in part because... they knew how to PLAY. 

How Does Taking Time to Play Help You As a Writer?

I know you are asking yourself this very question.  You see, play has so many benefits for writers. For all, really.  It's unfortunate that we tend to forget how important play really is, as we settle into the dreadful adulthood.  As you continue reading, you will discover how each benefit of play supercharges your writer's life... with so many positive effects.  

Creativity and Your "Triple F Factor"

 

I am a person who is really big on Creativity. I mean, creativity is VITAL for writers. It's like the BLOOD running through your veins. 

Anxiously waiting and hoping creativity will just show up  - when and if it feels like it  - is NOT an option for you... as a Writer.  You need it flowing constantly... ON DEMAND. 

When you realize the importance of play and you finally action on it, you can boost THREE (3) Vital Elements that you need as a writer...

• Creativity
• Imagination
• Problem-Solving Skills

I like to call this turbocharging your mind with the "Triple F Factor": Fuel your creativity, Free your imagination and Fix your problems. 

So, here is what happens to your writer's brain when you play... you have fun... you relax...

Free your Imagination

 

When you play, your mind feels free and safe.  Your inner critics, your analytical mind, your routine and your logic all take a much needed break. 

Your imagination wakes up, stretches and realizes that it has permission to fun wild and freely.  It's not at all worried about doing something wrong, because there is no one to censor your thoughts or ideas. 

Now, your mind finally has the opportunity to explore the unknown, imagine endless possibilities without any inhibitions and try new things.  And it's perfectly safe, because it's okay to fail. 

Fuel your Creativity

As your mind explores all of these new and exciting ideas, your creativity no longer hides behind a wall of fear and uncertainty. Guess what happens? Fresh ideas begin to tumble out. 

Fix your Problems

The nerve pathways in your brain start to relax and you are able to gather insights and make connections that your analytical brain would never even begin to think of.  Creative insights are easier to spot, and you can use them to solve complex problems or find innovative solutions in order to make your ideas work. 

The effect of play on your mind is like this...

 

Think of a route that you drive daily... maybe it's going to work or taking the kids to school.  Your focus is on getting to your destination in the quickest, easiest way.  You know the route so well, it's as if you are on autopilot.  You're practically asleep, charging down the course with blinkers on, and you don't even slow down or take note of what is what along the way. 


A play break let's your busy mind slow down and change gears. 

Now, instead of driving a pre-determined route, you find yourself in a beautiful forest where several paths meet.  You can wander down any of the paths before you and discover what is there. Because these paths are all new, your senses are heightened... you're much more observant of your immediate surroundings, taking them in and making sense of what is around you. You can go down one path... then take a new path and discover even more, completely different surroundings. 

 This is imagination... it allows you to dream up new possibilities. From there you use your creativity and problem-solving skills to find new paths, new solutions, new methods.  

Your success at work doesn't depend on the amount of time you work, but rather the quality of your work. 

 I know how tempting it is to think that the best way to cope with an ever-increasing work load is to work longer and harder.  But, without recreational time, it's more likely that your work will suffer.  You will deplete your creativity, become overwhelmed and exhausted, and eventually you will burn out. 

Play and recreation help you produce better quality work and they give you a greater satisfaction and enjoyment of your job. 

When your next project hits an obstacle, rather than working harder and becoming overwhelmed... or worse... stressed out... take a recess and have some light-hearted fun. You will replenish yourself and actually be able to tackle those problems with greater innovation and creativity. 

Mind, Body and Emotions All Feel Better

 

Play helps you reap health benefits in all areas. You will feel mentally, emotionally and physically better for having spent time having fun. 

One of the scary parts of being a freelance writer... or a Solopreneur is thinking about what happens if you get sick. When you are not working... work stops and so does your income. 

Working long and hard without a break depletes your health on all fronts. Your perseverance wanes, joy fades, and everything becomes a struggle. 

Play helps your health in these three (3) areas:

1. Mentally : Play improves your brain function by helping you stay sharp and keep your memory and thinking skills fine-tuned. Play will supercharge your learning, fuel fun and joy and when you try new things, these two (2) ingredients become catalysts to help you absorb knowledge naturally and easily.  Play relaxes and refreshes your mind. 
2. Emotionally: Play nurtures positive emotions as it relieves stress.  Play helps to ward off depression and anxiety- especially when you make time for fun with family and friends. 
3. Physically:  Play releases endorphins, or your body's feel-good hormones.  Endorphins help you relax and promote a sense of well-being and vitality.  Play increases your energy, boosts your immune system, and prevents burnout.

 

Play Enhances Human Connections

By sharing fun and playing with others it does more than just help you connect with them. It fosters understanding, empathy, and compassion. 

These are POWERFUL TOOLS for writers. As a copywriter, you need to master the understanding of your prospect, so that you can get "inside their shoes," empathize with your prospect, and experience life and problems as they do. 

When you do this, you write copy that speaks directly to your prospect, makes them feel like you understand them. and engages with them both mentally and emotionally.  

Having a playful nature around others also helps you loosen up when put in stressful situations.  So, the next time you are dreading that networking event, remember that a playful attitude will actually help you break the ice with strangers, make some new friends, and build new business relationships. 

What Defines Play for Adults?

Play is an important aspect of our lives, in both adolescents and adulthood.  Play is something that we do for our own sake. We do it voluntarily for the pleasure of it and we get a sense of engagement back from playing. Play itself is so much more important than the outcomes we receive.  
 
It boils down to  the simple fact that the activity you are engaging in doesn't have to have a point, beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. You need to focus on the experience and not on the goal. 

Play is all around us, all the time and comes in so many forms. The attitude you take with you can also determine how enjoyable and recreational the activity you participate in will be. You may be working, but you can choose to have a playful attitude. As you pay through your day, your playfulness will become contagious.  

Simple put... Play is finding amusement, joy, and wonder in everyday life. 

Words to live by, right!

So, are you ready to get serious about incorporating play into your schedule? 

If you have been neglecting this necessary activity in your daily life, these eight (8) tips will get your PLAYING again...

1. Change the way you think about play.  - It's not careless and frivolous. It has so many positive benefits for not only your career but your daily life that it is essential to your well-being as a Person and a Writer.
2. Set a goal to play more.  - Goals aren't ONLY for the serious things in our lives. The benefits of play are so significant, it is just as important to set a goal to play more if you've been neglecting it in your life.
3. Decide what FUN means to you. - Often, we get so caught up in adulting with all its commitments... and responsibilities that we forget what fun even is. If this is you, take some time and think about what you did as a kid that really excited you or gave you a good laugh.  Use these clues to find out how to recreate those activities today.  Play is a unique to you as your own personality, so there is not a "right answer" here. What is fun and recreational for me may be something that you absolutely hate. Because of this, the list of play activities is truly endless.
4. Put it in your Schedule. - When you were at school, remember when breaks, lunch and recess were scheduled into your day. Remember when you could not wait for the bell to ring so you could race to the playground?  Important activities like those meetings, deadlines and goals are put right into your schedule... so it's just as important to schedule time for play too. You can even use it as an incentive. Once you've completed a difficult task, you have the reward of looking forward to something fun just ahead.  It will help you curb your procrastination. Plus, you will be ready to take on the next task with revived creativity and energy. That's a huge plus! So, set aside some time daily, weekly and monthly for play.  Even short breaks give you great benefits. Longer breaks, like vacations (cause YES this is PLAY after all!), should have at least one (1) or two (2) weeks that are dedicated JUST to fun, playful activities.
5. Have a play date with someone special. -I mean when we were kids, finding out our parents had organized a play date with our bestie was so exciting. There is absolutely no reason why you can't do the same thing now.. and share the magic of play with someone else. 
6. Spend time with a playful person. -Refuel your soul by being with a person with a playful attitude, or having a playful activity makes play even more enjoyable. It rubs off on you in most cases, too. It helps you relax, improves your mood and makes your much more positive. 
7. Play with kids. -I mean if we could bottle all that playfulness.... right?  And energy.  Coloring, racing case, building with legos... even building forts with blankets - kids are the masters of play. They will remind you how to have fun, give you a different perspective on the world and show you how to be present in these playful moments. 
8. Turn off your devices and step away from the screen. -Having a short break to play a game of solitaire or build your Fort Night world is find... but screen time should NOT make up the bulk of your play activities.  As a writer, you spend a lot of time working on a device. To gain the real benefits of play and to rejuvenate yourself, it is better to enjoy activities where screens and tech are not involved.  

Play is not for kids and pet alone- we all need it, regardless of our age. It's not a frivolous activity you indulge in occasionally either... Taking the time to replenish yourself through play is one of the best ways to boost your career. 

It's truly an investment that you make in yourself and your writing business. Together, the benefits offer a substantial return on the investment. 

The Mystery Revealed...

So... who is our surfer and novelist who loved to play? 

You didn't forget did you?

Known as the "Queen of Mystery," she wrote mystery and romance novels and plays. 

She is one of the most famous and best-selling novelists of all time, and her works have sold over four billion copies. They have also been translated into more languages than any other individual writer. 

Yes... author envy here.


Dame Agatha Christie.  She was one of the first Britons to learn to surf and to do so standing up, which was one remarkable feat for Europeans at that time.  And of course, she was one of the earliest surfing correspondents, also. 

Your Turn...

Now, I want you to take a moment... step away from your computer and GO OUT THERE AND PLAY!!!! 

Come back and let me know what you did and how it helped you. 


I am going to ride our Four-Wheeler and let the wind rip through my face and hair. (It's a bit cold in Ohio today though... but if nothing else... it will be refreshing!)

6 (ALMOST) FOOLPROOF STRATEGIES FOR MEETING DEADLINES

MEETING DEADLINES IS A KEY PART OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS.  IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH COMPLETING PROJECTS ON TIME, THESE SIX (6) STRATEGIES ARE SURE TO HELP YOU ON YOUR WAY!

6 (almost) Foolproof Strategies for Meeting Deadlines
By: Kel Amstutz
Monday, May 11, 2020



Sometimes I have to remind myself of a quote from a LEGEND of Productivity and Personal Leadership when I have a project with a deadline.  Napoleon Hill said, 

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."

  
I think of this quote anytime anyone says anything about a deadline... and my inner procrastinator's instinct starts to kick in to rebel or negotiate a later deadline... even before I begin on the said project.  

But... due in part to the fact that I watch entirely too much T.V. the filter between brain and mouth reminds me about deadlines attributed to Robert Herjavec, from ABC's Shark Tank.  He said, 

"A goal without a deadline is just a dream."

Two quotes... about dreams and deadlines... and the kind of do work together...

These words seem to shift me productivity into GO-MODE and remind me that while deadlines can be stressful (I mean, that does go without saying... right?), I can achieve a lot more with deadlines than without them. 

There is a reason why deadlines are IMPORTANT:

• Deadlines help our minds focus. Without them, it would be entirely too easy to lose track of time, give in to distractions and wander down the myriad of rabbit holds offered by the endless internet before us. 

Over the years, I have found six awesome strategies that have helped me keep on task and meet my deadlines...
  

STEP 1:  Set REALISTIC Deadlines

I know what you are thinking... really?  It seems too obvious. But, you would be surprised at how often people will set a deadline without thinking through how long it will really take for them to complete the project... and don't get me started on reviewing things that are already on the table to get done. 



It is well-documented that we (both individuals and groups) predictably underestimate the time necessary to complete projects when we are setting our deadlines. 

So... what do we do about this?

To combat this tendency, follow these steps:

1.  Consider past projects that are of a similar nature and scope.  How long did they take you?  The answer to this question will give you a general idea of what you can expect.
2. Break down the project into the logical steps that you will go through and assign a time to each of those steps. You will most likely come up with a time frame that is similar to what you did in step 1, but now you will have some milestones to keep you on track. 
3. Consider what you will need from others. Have you worked with these people before? How quickly do they usually deliver? Make sure that you are factoring in these small details into your timeline.
4. And finally, take the numbers you come up with and multiply them by at least two (2).  Do this for one of two reasons. First, unexpected things WILL come up. And second, it is very likely that your memory of past projects is not perfect, so this extra time will insulate you.

Going through these four steps will help you obtain a pretty accurate idea of how long a project should take you... but you still HAVE TO STAY ON TRACK!  

This brings me to my second strategy... 

STEP 2: Have a Written Plan to Meet your Deadline

If you start to think of coming to the end of a project like a journey... your very first step should be to pick your destination. 

This is the DEADLINE.

The next step is to plan you route. 

By designing your written plan, you get your brain thinking about the series of tasks that you need to take to complete the project and to ultimately meet your deadline.  Now, your brain secretly DOES NOT like to leave anything unfinished, so this step really gets your brain set on completing those tasks, even before you start to carry them out. 

In other words, writing out your project plan prepares your mind for the tasks required to complete it and meet the deadline.

Additionally, writing down your plan (and deadline) forces YOU to look at the specifics and to make concrete decisions on each of the steps necessary and know when you can tackle each of them. 

This strategy of having a written plan for completing a project is the  
SECRET SAUCE of meeting deadlines. 

I have taken a few coaching courses along my own journey and committing to the plans (or goals) in your writing is so very important.... because it:

• Motivates you.
• Forces YOU to filter other opportunities and obligations.
• Provides clarity.
• Forces you to see - and celebrate - progress.
• Helps you focus on the goal (rather than the push back). 

But, don't mistake PLANNING for DOING.  You need to QUICKLY move from the planning stages into actually working on your project(s).

This strategy is largely about PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY.  Having a set plan with internal deadlines WILL help you to AVOID the dreaded procrastination. 

That being said, it will also help you be accountable to the outside forces when you are working on a deadline.  Many times this is built-in, because the deadline is set by an editor, copy chief, or anyone who is higher up on the pay scale. But, being held accountable by someone else definitely keeps us on a deadlines... right?

So, moving on to the next strategy...

STEP 3: Share with Your Team

Accountability works way better when others are involved. I mean, most of the people that I know... if they are being honest... are NOT the best at holding themselves to a task...

But, most people I know do not like to look like they are scatterbrained... or a slacker... in front of people that they care about. 

When possible, tell other people about your deadline. And not just the BIG ONE at the end, but the significant milestones you hit along the way. 


Within your personal life, you could tell your partner/spouse, roommate or a close friend. Ask them to check in with you periodically to see how your project is going. Your desire to be able to answer them in a way that makes you look good will help keep you motivated and on task. 

Professionally, share those milestones that you have set with your client. And then, send them a weekly email to update them on your progress. Believe me, this one goes a long way... and after you have sent one "nothing to report" message, you will get back on task real quick!

What about Mastermind or Accountability groups?  I personally love this format, letting other like-minded people come together to lift one another up.  They are so great for holding your accountable. 

A really big aspect of accountability is building rewards and detriments...

If you hit a milestone, have a specific celebration in mind. It could be small- like an afternoon movie... or, when you complete a major project, it might be bigger.  A few of my bigger rewards have been buying an expensive item... or going out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. 

A quick example of a personal accountability stick - or a detriment- that I have set for not achieving a goal is donating a set amount of money to a local charity.  If you want to make this effective, donate to a political candidate... you will NEVER stop getting mail.  

However, the simple fact remains... the most IMPORTANT accountability and reward tool for meeting deadlines is...

Y O U .

If you don't set deadlines.... or take deadlines seriously... (and this is across the board... deadlines set by YOU... set by an editor... copy chief... or supervisor), then NO AMOUNT of internal or external accountability - or planning- will matter. 

To make that happen, you have to...

STEP 4: Do The Work.

Obviously... right.  But, as world-class procrastinators will attest, this is sometimes the hardest part. 

You can draw out a deadline and set an ideal deadline... you can design a perfectly written plan to meet that deadline... you can get the right resources and support... but, if you don't start the work, you are NOT going to meet the deadline.

Don't wait for tomorrow or next week.... Don't wait for later today... Nope... 

START NOW

Even though you are not going to finish today, you just need to START.

By "today," I mean whatever day you're given the project. You've set the deadline, designed your plan to achieve it, and even set up your accountability network...

So, DIG IN!  Start doing the actual project. Aim to complete at least your first small task. Your brain is tuned in to your project and its deadline.... so now is the perfect time.  

But... doing the WORK also means AVOIDING distractions during the time you have set aside to work on this project. 

I get it. Distractions happen.  The competition for your time and attention is fierce and it comes from MANY different sources.  You have to take a hard stance against them and maintain complete focus on the task at hand. 

So, close your browser... this will allow you to avoid internet surfing.... Close the office door so you have peace and quiet.  Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb," so you aren't tempted to answer texts or check in on your notifications. 

It's really that simple - but, putting it all into action might not be.  Focus can take practice, and the best time to start developing your ability to focus is RIGHT NOW.

Now, you might be wondering what else I could say.  These four strategies might be enough to meet your deadline... and sure, they might be.... BUT, I have found two additional strategies that are also very helpful...

STEP 5: Don't Add Extra Work to the Deadline

OK.... Projects and Requirements change... I totally get that. 

However, avoid adding to your work when you already have an assigned and defined project, especially if a negotiated deadline has already been established and set.  If your client needs you to do extra work, well, OK, but you will need to adjust the deadline. 

I always make it clear with the clients I am under a deadline with: 

• If the project requirements change - expanding - and those changes must be incorporated into the current project and its deadline - the deadline will require adjustment in order to account for the additional work. 

And... one final bonus strategy....

STEP 6: Don't Be Afraid to Ship in "Beta"

This strategy comes from the land of software development.  Software is built and tested internally with a development team, who try to test and grab all the bugs in the "alpha" phase of the project.

In regards to copywriting, I compare this to a first complete draft of a piece. You have worked  through the entire blog post, editorial article, e-newsletter, email series, landing page, video sales letter, or long-form sales letter.  You've outlined the entire piece, you have all the research compiled and organized, and you have a rough draft of all the necessary pieces laid out in the correct order.

Then... "beta" is the NEXT PHASE.

In the software development world, this means the software is complete and has all the features.  This is the version that companies often use in public demonstrations, and sometimes it's released to a limited group for real-world testing. It's complete, but ... it's likely to still have some bugs. 

In copywriting, this means you have ensured all the major components of this piece of copy or content are present... you have given it the once over and ensured that style and voice are used correctly.  It has survived your internal process of beating it up. 

Your next step is to get some further input. And, it does not have to be "perfect" to take this next step. That need for perfection is where so many writers get HUNG UP. 

I have no idea who said it first, but I have heard the saying "Done is better than perfect." 

This is a hard one to swallow, especially for me... O.C.D. and all. 

But, getting it out the door by the deadline is better than perfect. 

If you don't get the project done on time, you are risking so much... missed opportunities... even missing the opportunity to make the copy better. 

Let me explain this a little further...
 
You can do personal review and tweak your work ... forever... and you still might never get it "just right".  Why?  Well, you need editor feedback to make it better.

See... we need people who AREN'T US, who don't have our set of assumptions, who don't have our worldviews, who don't have our bias towards the copy or content.... to actually review it and give us a sense of what's working... and what isn't.  

You can not be a proofreader and editor at the same time. These are just simple facts.

Remember, as a copywriter or a content developer, you are responsible for RESULTS.  You can NOT be afraid to put yourself on the hook. You can deliver. You need to deliver. 

Embrace your deadlines; they are not your enemy... I swear. 

Instead... they are really the BEST FRIEND a writer can have. Deadlines create a sense of urgency within us. They make sure that we FINISH what we start and that we continue to move forward and grow... and... drum-roll please.... because this is the KICKER.. 

They ultimately help us build the life we want... The Writer's Life.... 






Don't take my word for it. Use these six strategies for yourself. Don't forge to share your experiences or tips that work for you in your journey.  We love feedback!