Tips For Content Creators: Write it Down

Following the result of a recent poll we held on twitter, there will be a lot more content centred around tips for all the budding content creators/creatives.

If you are following us on Instagram, you’ll be aware that this month’s theme is self-love.

Self-love can be described as regard for ones well being. This is something that can be expressed in many ways.

Being able to effectively manage your time in order to avoid becoming burnt out is essential to the maintenance of your well being and therefore an important element of self-love.

That brings us to today’s tip:

Write it down!

It sounds so simple, but I cannot stress enough how much it helps me to write things down.

Not only am I less likely to forget things when there is a visual reminder, but it also helps me stay motivated.

Writing down your thoughts is my principle tip when it comes down to time management and organisation

When I say write it down, I mean specifics. What needs to be done, when it needs to be done by and the resources required to make it happen.

From here, split things into two lists the long term and short term. The long term goals you keep in your notepad, or on your vision board and the short term on your to-do list.

When there is a visual representation of what my end goal is, I am more inclined to work hard in the present to achieve the success I want for the future.

You don’t have to go all out and purchase a full stationery set from WHSmith!

You just need 4 simple things to start off with.

• A pack of pens
• A diary
• A notepad
• A to-do list

Once you master these 4 items you can move on to the hardcore stuff. (Calendars, sticky notes, highlighters etc)

Diary

Diaries are the easiest way to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and upcoming events. I have my google calendar synced with my phone as well as a hard copy. I check this twice daily to make sure I am on top of everything.

Notepad

I always keep a notepad with me and if all else fails I go to my iPhone notes. You never know when inspiration is going to strike so always be prepared.

(Fun Fact: I currently keep one notepad by my bed and one in the bathroom as my eureka moments tend to happen in the shower)

Notepads are also useful for planning content, which I really recommend you do.

If you want more information on how to do this let me know in the comments below.

To-do lists

Finally to-do lists. This is a practice that I use in my 9-5 that worked well and eventually spilled over into blogging. Personally, I love Ticking off to-do lists because it gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

It is a great way to keep track of short-term goals. They also encourage a sense of accountability, as you have an active record of the tasks completed and the ones you didn’t.

It is the truest reflection of your productivity as something that you can monitor.

Try doing this over the course of the week and see how many tasks you actually get through.

Start by doing the most urgent tasks first and see how far you get. If you complete your tasks each and every day then maybe you have the time/capacity to add more to your schedule.

If, on the other hand, you are not getting through your tasks that may be an indication that you have too much on your plate and need to shift things around.

I have a downloadable to-do list for all those interested in trying this out for themselves.

Feel free to tweet me and let me know how it goes.

If there’s a topic you want me to cover tweet it to @industrymee with the hashtag #IMChatz