Award-winning writer Bob Hostettler's Best Time Management Secrets & Strategies

Did you ever wonder how best-selling writers make time to get all their writing done? Today, award-winning writer Bob Hostettler shares his best time management secrets & strategies:

“My best technique or strategy is an old one, ancient even: Morning prayer. Praying before I start work organizes my day for me, sets (and sometimes utterly rearranges) my priorities, and saves me from the tendency I have to think and act as if I must accomplish everything alone.

"The other thing that came to mind immediately is this: I use reminders and alerts on my iPhone and computer, but they have not replaced an analog tool that has helped me make the most of my time and efforts: a "bring-up" file (sometimes called a "tickler file") comprised of 43 folders--twelve labeled with the names of the months and the rest numbered 1-31. Every morning I pull out that day's numbered folder, which will contain any paperwork remaining from the previous day (allowing me to start every day with a clean desk, by the way), hotel or airline reservations, birthday cards to send, bills to be paid, and so on. On the first of each month, then, the contents I've been filing away to remember during that month will be divided up into the 31 numbered folders, and the process begins again. It's easily the best mnemonic and time-management tool I've ever used. I rely on it.”

              
Bob Hostetler, award-winning writer, editor, pastor and speaker. His twenty-six books, which include The Bone Box and American Idols, have sold millions of copies. He has co-authored eleven books with Josh McDowell, including the best-selling Right from Wrong and the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at The Door. He has won two Gold Medallion awards, three Ohio Associated Press awards, and one Amy Foundation award.

www.bobhostetler.com

--This is an excerpt from my latest book Shock the Clock: Time Management for Writers and Other Creatives. The final chapter is entitled "Ask An Expert," and includes tips and secrets from successful authors, editors and agents, including Bob. 

How do you save time in your busy life? 

Award-winning writer Bob Hostettler's Best Time Management Strategies

“My best technique or strategy is an old one, ancient even: Morning prayer. Praying before I start work organizes my day for me, sets (and sometimes utterly rearranges) my priorities, and saves me from the tendency I have to think and act as if I must accomplish everything alone.

"The other thing that came to mind immediately is this: I use reminders and alerts on my iPhone and computer, but they have not replaced an analog tool that has helped me make the most of my time and efforts: a "bring-up" file (sometimes called a "tickler file") comprised of 43 folders--twelve labeled with the names of the months and the rest numbered 1-31. Every morning I pull out that day's numbered folder, which will contain any paperwork remaining from the previous day (allowing me to start every day with a clean desk, by the way), hotel or airline reservations, birthday cards to send, bills to be paid, and so on. On the first of each month, then, the contents I've been filing away to remember during that month will be divided up into the 31 numbered folders, and the process begins again. It's easily the best mnemonic and time-management tool I've ever used. I rely on it.”

              Bob Hostetler, award-winning writer, editor, pastor and speaker. His twenty-six books, which include The Bone Box and American Idols, have sold millions of copies. He has co-authored eleven books with Josh McDowell, including the best-selling Right from Wrong and the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at The Door. He has won two Gold Medallion awards, three Ohio Associated Press awards, and one Amy Foundation award.

www.bobhostetler.com

--This is an excerpt from my latest book Shock the Clock: Time Management for Writers and Other Creative, which is on sale for only 99 cents! The final chapter is entitled "Ask An Expert," and includes tips and secrets from successful authors, editors and agents. 

How do you save time in your busy life? 

I Love This New Time Saving Tool

My new toy, ah... Tool

Have you seen and heard of Standing Desks? Thanks to a commercial about the value of them from Bob Hostetler of The Desperate Pastor blog, I bought one, and do I love it!

Since it's height-adjustable, it keeps your back and shoulders from aching. You also burn more calories standing than sitting--another lovely benefit.

But my favorite perk is that I accomplish more with this handy little tool. As you can see from my dry erase board on one side and the huge calendar on the other, I'm all about finding tools that help me utilize my time better.

I don't know the scientific reason for this phenomenon--if I think better on my feet than my bum, enjoy the variety of alternating sitting with standing, or am just excited that I have a new gadget.

The reason behind it doesn't matter as much as the end result--more writing, less staring out the window or wrestling with the cats for keyboard space.

The cats haven't discovered it yet!

Do you have a standing desk, or know anyone who has one? Do you know the reason they cause more productivity?