Monday, October 21, 2019

You Won't Have Time Tomorrow



I just finished my thirteenth novel and squeaked it in only a few days past the deadline.

I know, I know. I should have gotten it in BEFORE the deadline. After all, I knew about this deadline far in advance…almost three years in advance.

So why didn’t I turn this book in on time? Or even early?

That’s what this blog post is about.



As I’ve watched my children become adults – they range in age from twenty-five to thirty-five years old – I’ve learned a lot about adulting.

  • I've learned to never, ever leave God out of the equation.
  • I’ve learned that life doesn’t just “happen.” Life is a series of consequences of decisions we’ve made along the way.
  • I’ve learned that no matter how much you try to prevent it, things don’t stay nice and orderly. It’s the second law of thermodynamics: over time, everything breaks down and tends toward disorder. Do you need an example? Just clean your child’s room then check back in a couple days. Disorder! Entropy!
  • I’ve learned that I will never have more time to do “X” later.


That last one is the kicker. When life becomes URGENT and IMPORTANT I tend to put off less important things until after I’ve met whatever deadline is looming. (See my earlier blog post about urgent and important matters here.)

“I’ll have time next week,” I tell myself. “Right after I finish this book.” Or “Right after I’ve house trained the puppy.” Or “Once the children are grown.”

Well, let me tell you something: You will never have more time tomorrow.

If you’ve been following my life for the past several months, you know that we moved from our house in town to our retirement home in the country. The move itself took months…. And all during that time I was working on this book.

As we packed boxes, painted rooms, replaced carpeting, filled storage units, and scheduled the moving company, I told myself, “Won’t it be great when we finally move out of this house and I’ll have time to write?”

And then, while we were living in temporary housing for a month (with three different gracious friends!) I told myself, “Won’t it be great when we’re finally in our new house and I’ll have time to write?”

And then, after we were moved in, I told myself, “Won’t it be great when I finally finish this book and I have time to unpack and get settled in?”

Remember what I said about having more time “tomorrow?”

This is what my office/library looks like right now:



I sent my book to my editor more than two weeks ago. Two weeks!

Look at the other corner of my office/library.



What were we saying about entropy?

An adult would pull her big girl panties up and take care of this chaotic mess. Forget about entropy – we’re already there!

An adult would figure out how to do it.

“But,” I sputter, “I have to get started on the next book!”

“But,” you sputter, “I have to make dinner!” or “My daughter has a big soccer game!” or “I have to take my mom to the doctor!”

“I’ll have more time once all this urgent stuff is taken care of.”

Man, oh, man, this adulting stuff is hard.

But, you know, we can be adults. No matter what our physical age is, we can do this.

How? 


Not necessarily in that order!

Because the biggest and most important thing I’ve learned about adulting is that God is in every detail.

That big way you messed up twenty years ago? God can use it for your good and His glory.

That tragedy that is affecting you and your family? God can use it for your good and His glory.

Those wasted, wasted hours playing silly computer games when you should have been working? Give them to God. Only He can restore the years the locusts have eaten… (Joel 2:25)


So, how is this going to make a difference for my next deadline?

  • I’m going to use my Bullet Journal and the Eisenhower matrix to plan and prioritize every day. (See that blog post here – it’s the same one I sent you to earlier!)
  • I’m going to use my best creative hours for writing. I know I write best in the early morning (five to seven) and in the midday hours (ten to three,) so I will schedule a writing session during one or both of those times every day.
  • I’m going to make time for Bible study and quiet time.
  • I’m going to make time to spend time with people (aka, get out of my writing cave.)
  • Just like I schedule my writing time, I’m going to schedule time for those other tasks that seem overwhelming (like unpacking and organizing our new home!)

Like many of you, I've been called by God - to be His child, to glorify Him, and to communicate the gospel through the written word.

My responsibility is to fulfill that calling in the best and most effective way possible for me. 

Your responsibility is to fulfill that calling in the best and most effective way possible for you.

But we can learn from each other! In the comments, share the ways you've succeeded in meeting deadlines or meeting your goals. Or you can share what hasn't worked for you.

(For example, NaNoWriMo works for a LOT of people - but not for me.)

And feel free to use your comment to ask for NaNo buddies - it's almost November!

One commenter will win a copy of one of my two new releases - either The Roll of the Drums or An Amish Christmas Kitchen. Just let us know which one you'd prefer!

Order here!


Order here!


48 comments:

  1. Oh, Jan, this is so true. I expect for every single one of us. That idea of "If P, then Q" as it affects our lives.

    Years ago when I was a younger mom I said something like "When things settle down after Christmas, I'll..."

    And a wiser and slightly older mom said, "Ruthy. It never really settles down. You just have to learn to go with it."

    That was a wake-up call that helped me learn to go with the flow... but stay afloat.

    Jan, great post.

    And great inspiration!

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    1. And you're always an inspiration for me, Ruthy!

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  2. Good morning, Jan. So much wisdom here. I see the beauty in your scheduling, but my nature rebels. To do lists intimidate and paralyze me. To each his own, I guess. I'm facing a similar unpacking thing whenever the men get done with the construction from water damage, except all of my belongings are now coated in plaster dust. (Don't even get me started.) I intend to do it slowly and methodically, decluttering in the process. We'll see. In the meantime, there's the day job and a book to finish.

    I'm looking forward to this discussion.

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    1. I used to rebel at to-do lists (I called them my "to-don't lists" because if it was on the list, it wasn't going to get done!)

      But then life got busy, and I realized that if I didn't write down an important appointment or a goal for the day, that didn't get done either! I've come up with a combination of a to-do list and a reminder of what HAS to get done today.

      And I feel better about my pile of stuff to unpack and organize...at least it doesn't have plaster dust on it...

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  3. What a great post, especially for a Monday morning. Congrats on getting that book done. I know it was a challenge for you! I need to take this wisdom to heart.

    And yep, I'm looking for NaNoWriMo buddies--even if I still haven't settled on a project yet. I still have a few days LOL :)

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    1. I hope we can get together soon, Glynis! I miss our regular meetings!

      You'll find a project for NaNo. Maybe this is your opportunity to try something completely different!

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    2. Glynis!! I miss our meetings too!

      Wanna be NaNo buddies again this year? I'm probably not going to hit 50k, but I'll be around and having fun with it. My NaNo name is Emby Rumm :)

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    3. Yes, Meg, we are definitely buddies! And I commented on your comment below, but again, congrats on the little one. Can't wait to see you both :)

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    4. If anyone is wanting a NaNoWriMo buddy my username is gracelikerain. Writing together is always more fun!

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  4. Jan, what a good post for a Monday morning. I'm fairly good at meeting WRITING deadlines, both because I'm trained in journalism and, as far as the fiction writing goes, I agree with Ruthy that it is such a privilege to be able to do this and I honor that privilege. Also, our main computer is in the living room and I need to get everything done -- fiction work, nonfiction book, journalism -- by noon on Saturday before everything hits the weekend fan as it were. I'm also fairly okay at the home, yard and garden. NOT SO GOOD at anything involving paperwork, which is why our house insurance was cancelled last year. Sheesh. Don't go there. My husband isn't good at that kind of thing either, so it can be chaotic around here.
    Discipline and organization are of course the key and Jan has some good ideas here.
    I had a nice Launch Party for "Westward Hope" on Saturday. Did it with three other writers. My friends bought their stuff and their friends were interested in my stuff, so it turned out to be a celebration of Books! Which is the best kind.
    Talk to you later, got to go out and practice some of that discipline we talked about.
    KB

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    1. Congratulations on your Launch Party, KB! So happy for you!

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    2. So glad you had a good launch party, Kathy!

      And that paperwork...if I don't schedule a weekly time to take care of it, things slip through the cracks. It sounds like you know exactly what I mean!

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  5. Jan, this is such an inspiring post! I was recently at a great workshop at the M&M conference. Sherri Shackelford taught it. It was about making a Kanban board for organizing. I just ordered a white board to make my own and can't wait to try this system to help keep me on target.

    I hope you have your office organized soon! Then you can come do mine. haha

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    1. Now I have to go look up a Kanban board. Sounds intriguing!

      And sorry, but no. I won't come organize your office. I'm having enough trouble with my own!

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  6. Great post, Jan! Just what I needed to hear today. I'm trying to balance promoting my new book while writing the next one (and really doing more whining and procrastinating than anything) when this sentence from your post jumped out at me: "I’ve learned that life doesn’t just “happen.” Life is a series of consequences of decisions we’ve made along the way." So true! Thank you for the reminder. Trying to make good decisions today. Congratulations on your new house!

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    1. That balance is what it's all about, isn't it? So much time delegated to one task, so much to another, fit in meals and laundry and the day is gone!

      And promoting one book while writing another? Welcome to the life of a published author! It only goes up from here!

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  7. Jan thanks for sharing this post. So hard to keep dedicated time to writing when life happens. But you've given some great tips to try. :) Lee-Ann B (PS Would love the Amish Christmas book if you pick me... :) )

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    1. I've learned a lot about dedicating the first hour of the morning to writing from Ruthy. It really does work...but then if I'm not careful, my quiet time and Bible study slip away. So I've learned to put my Bible on the dining room table last thing at night so I remember to open it when I have my breakfast.

      Someday I'll get into a routine that works... Oh, wait... I WON'T have time tomorrow. I'll get into a routine that works TODAY!

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  8. A particularly needed post for me, so thank you, Jan! I've learned that if I *can't* get words on the page for one particular project, I turn to something else that needs to be written, like a shorter blog post, and that usually kicks me into gear. Then my writing time isn't wasted by doing internet surfing etc. But when I'm faced with a serious deadline, then there's nothing better than doing writing in chunks of time and my family is my biggest blessing because they'll put up with it close to deadline time. My kids aren't picky eaters, thank goodness!

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    1. Hi Laurie!

      That's a great idea - if the words just aren't coming, do a different writing task instead! Redeem the time :-)

      One advantage of being empty nesters now is that I only have to worry about meals for my husband and I, and he's pretty flexible. That's a big blessing when the deadline is hours away!

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  9. Thanks so much for this great post, Jan--you are so very right!! I've fell victim to the "I'll have more time tomorrow--just need to put out this fire today" mentality more times than I can count. What do they call it--they tyranny of the urgent, I think?! There's always something that is trying to elbow my priorities out of the center lane. Reminds me of that old saying, "If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy." Thanks so much for this reminder! I needed it!!

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    1. That's exactly it, Laurel! "The tyranny of the urgent!" I fall victim to it all too often. That's one reason why I love my BuJo planner and the Eisenhower Matrix. They help me prioritize the urgent things.

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  10. You'll never have more time tomorrow.

    So very true! It's like saying you'll eat healthier tomorrow. Then tomorrow never happens.

    I'm writing today! And I need to write EVERY today between now and 12/1 to get this book done!

    Thanks for the encouraging post today, Jan. Just what I needed!

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    1. You'll meet that deadline, Erica! The folks at the coffee shop will certainly know you by the first of December!

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  11. Thank you, Jan for reminding us all of these important points. And to always put God in the equation. I'd like to be considered for An Amish Christmas Kitchen. Thank you.

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    1. You're welcome, Tammie!

      I need that reminder myself, or else God will gently (or sometimes not so gently) nudge me when I try to leave Him out.

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  12. "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion". Parkinson's Law

    "Waiting for time is like waiting for your ship to come in when, in fact, you never sent one out."

    _______________________ Bottom line


    If you are serious, you make the time. Short and simple.

    Hi Jan:

    You are spot on with today's post!


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    1. Exactly! You make the time for the things that are important.

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  13. Hi, Jan! Great post! And I've opened up your other post you linked to (twice!) here. :) I intend to read it. At some point. After all, procrastination is something I am good at, whether I want to be or not.

    I love to do lists, but they don't always love me. The funny--ironic!--thing is, my daughter just did a video this morning about to do lists and tips for getting things done, etc. I've tried her way, but my ADD kicks in and I move on to another way...and another...and another... Routine drives me nuts, I guess, and it is a very short trip!

    I've always been one to say "Once the kids go to school..." or "When the kids go off to college..." or "Once the kids move out of the house..." THEN I will write. Our kids are almost-33 and almost-36, married, and each with 3 kids of their own. My husband works full-time, and I don't work outside the house. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM???

    And now one of my sisters is telling me "Wait until your vow renewal (we're renewing our vows ON our 40th anniversary on December 1st) is over and the holidays are over, THEN get back to your book and figure out where to go from here." Stressing over the renewal and trying to choose a caterer (my sister-in-law is paying! :o ) and stressing over finances are added to the mix. Plus the fact that the literary agency turned down my book, and I was devastated. So what got swept out of my life? My writing. :( Obviously I don't handle rejection well...or getting things done. Speaking of which, I need to return to washing dishes! ;-)

    Thanks for the post though. I enjoyed it! :) Blessings!

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    1. Oh, Melanie. I know exactly how rough a rejection can be. Did you follow Seekerville's 24 hour rule? Mope around, eat chocolate, shed a few tears...but only for 24 hours. Then get right back in the game.

      And if you're anything like me, writing - even a little bit - every day is a big stress reducer! Even 100 words...which may lead you to 1000 words...

      And happy Anniversary (early!) I hope you enjoy your party!

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    2. Melanie, I'm sorry about the rejection. They tend to devastate me, too. I don't bounce back quickly. But I'm learning to reframe things and think more positively about them!

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  14. And BOOM! Just like that, Jan nails it! Well said, my friend. Now if you would kindly stop stepping on my toes... ;)

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    1. I'm only stepping on your toes because we're standing in the same place!

      Thanks, Mindy!

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    2. I'm right there with you, Jan and Mindy. :) Great article! And I'm looking for Nano buddies too ...

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  15. I find that if I allocate time, I'm set. Otherwise..

    Both books look fabulous. Although "The Roll of the Drums" caught my eye first.

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    1. Exactly, Mary. Allocate, schedule, keep your promise to yourself. :-)

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  16. This is such a great and timely post. I am gearing up for Nanowrimo and for the first time will be a working mom at the same time. All but two of my manuscripts have been written during nano, and I love it, but I am a little nervous about doing it with less time than normal. I am seriously considering meal planning for the first time ever because deciding what to eat almost always takes longer than actually cooking it. Ha!
    Consistency, I feel, is probably what is going to pull me through. Making sure I write every chance I have a little quiet time, even if something else sounds more fun.
    And if anyone wants to buddy me on nanowrimo, my username is jersgirl.

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    1. Consistency is it, Amy! Make your word count a habit...and isn't that one of the reasons to do Nano?

      We'll be cheering you on!

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    2. Wishing you all the best with Nano, Amy!! You can do this!

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    3. Amy, I'm adding you as a buddy for NaNo. I'm gracelikerain!

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  17. Hey Jan!

    Tomorrow is just so alluring, isn't it? I tend to swing between extreme procrastination and then spinning hundreds of plates at break-neck speed until I burn out. Rinse. Repeat.

    The issue for me is balance. Finding a maintainable routine or pace that can work long term. Delegating or letting go of things that aren't essential. Scheduling time to rest and recover (especially right now!), and prioritizing what is more important. I'll have to check out your other post on that :)

    And I love NaNoWriMo! I am registered this year, but since I'm a little distracted by a cute newborn and still recovering from birth, I'm not seriously aiming for 50k this year.

    But anyone who wants to be my buddy over there can add me. My NaNo name is Emby Rumm.

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    1. Hi Meg!!!

      You've brought up a great, blessed problem with routines and scheduling - often our time and schedule are dictated by other people. Those cute, alluring, needy people have their own schedules!

      But we learn to go with the flow. At this point in your life, I have a feeling you're going to be using "drive-by writing" to get any words in!

      For those who aren't familiar with drive-by writing, check out Meg's guest post from a few years ago in the Seekerville archives. :-)

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    2. Congratulations on the newborn, Meg!

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    3. Congratulations, Meg! It's good to see you here. I miss seeing you on Facebook. All the best with juggling your newborn and your other children and the writing, too!

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    4. Thank you Missy and Sandy!

      I might return to FB someday, but for now it was one of the "unnecessary" things I needed to cut out of my life. It sucked away WAY too much of my time! I check in here from time to time, but I need to comment more. This community of writers is so wonderful :)

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    5. Meg! I can't wait to meet this new little one and congratulations! I'm not sure I'll get to 50K this year for NaNo either, but it's always fun to try :)

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  18. Great post, Jan. I struggle everyday with all my commitments. I'm just now getting to the Monday Seekerville as I've been working at both my jobs the last 2 days. I keep trying to figure out what works. Please put me in the drawing for the Amish Christmas book.

    ReplyDelete

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