New Trick to Keep Myself Engaged - Harness Your Brainstorm and Unpublished Posts!
Hi All!
So, many of you know I work full time - which leaves me drained at the end of the day. Some days I can write at work - other days, I'm helping solve problems around the social determinants of health in our community. How do I keep myself engaged?
Harness your "Unpublished Posts!"
Templates are there for a reason - and I've started using my Unpublished Posts as sticky notes for brainstorming while at work.
Then, when I do have time to write - I'm not searching for topics. I've already got my keywords and headings written. I just fill in the gaps!
Here is my workflow - maybe it will help keep you engaged and motivated!
When I don't have time to write:
- Find three keywords - check them on jaaxy
- Create an unpublished post in the site content manager using the provided template with 5 headings
- Fill in those headings for each keyword
- If you have more time - use that to find more keywords
- For every unpublished post, make sure you fill in the headings. It takes a little longer to think of the arc you want the article to take, but trust me - it makes a HUGE difference when you sit down to write!
When I have time to write:
- Look through your unpublished posts and pick one that grabs you
- Write it out, using your created arc/template, adjusting as necessary.
This shortcut keeps me invested in my time here at WA, and reminds me that I have work to do still. Some days I create new posts that aren't on my unpublished lists - but this is not only a great way to keep track of your ideas - it's dividing your time on any one piece in half!
(For me - thinking up the arc of the article takes way more time than it should. Your results may vary!)
I hope this helps someone! Leave me a comment below if you have other tips or tricks that you use to keep yourself engaged and writing!
Best,
Hilary
Recent Comments
11
Hi Hillary,
Your plan for busy people like yourself is brilliant. Can you imagine what you could do if you were doing this full time?
I believe this will work for people who do not have a job, like retired people. It’s about being creative in using ones time productive.
I wish you much success.
Cheers!
Edwin
I think about that sometimes - but I love my job and school, so this is just another part of my love/hate relationship with time and work, lol! People think being an immortal vampire would get boring - I say bring it on! I need more time in my day! I have too much stuff that I want to do!
By golly Hillary, you done read my mind! Exactly what I was thinking. I keep at least 6 posts in my templates, ready to strike terror into the WA community. Excellent tool. I love it.
Great post.
Joe
I'm sitting at a ridiculous amount right now - but it helps SO much when I finally have time to write - most of the research is done already! I'm glad this helps!
Great idea!! I have so many unpublished posts, even if it's just a topic idea, I still put it in there.
It totally keeps me organized - in an unorganized way. Otherwise, I lose so much time wondering what I should write about, and then having to research it then. I'm glad you use it too!
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Excellent advice Hilary thanks.
Have a great week,
Mickey
You too, Mickey, thanks!