How I Maximise Productivity as a Freelance Writer (Part One)

Being self-employed has numerous benefits. But whoever thought that one of the downsides to working for yourself would be no boss looking over your shoulder? No one to keep you in check. Yep, the buck stops with you. The amount of work you get done day by day depends solely on how well you manage your time.

It’s not always easy, as some of us find being given too much freedom impacts our ability to stick to task. Wait a minute, why are you even reading this now? Because you should be doing something, but you’re procrastinating? Sorry for calling you out, but at least you’re in the right place. Here are the freelance productivity tools that have helped in my experience:

1. The Pomodoro Technique

You may have heard of this one before. It may seem too simple to make a tangible impact. For me, this productivity hack surprisingly makes a surprising difference to my output.

Essentially, you break up your time by dividing it into 25 minute “Pomodoro’s”. Each Pomodoro is separated by a five-minute break. After you’ve completed around four Pomodoro’s, you then have a longer break of around 15-20 minutes.

I’d recommend you put a timer on, or if you’re feeling really committed, download an app. There’s something about seeing the time ticking away that gently reminds you to get on with it. It seems to not only pass the time quicker, but also make you realise how much you can get done in 25 minutes if you really put your mind to it.

This takes me on to my second tip, best paired with the above:

2. Listen to Music

Ok, I know, hardly ground-breaking stuff. But stick with me here. I’ve got to the point where I’ve developed a playlist that my mind now seems to associate with working. As soon as I chuck this playlist on, noise cancelling headphones over my ears, I’m in the zone.

I know some people find it easier to write without music, and actually, I used to be one of those people. I must admit that my music choices are nearly all classical and instrumental. If I start listening to something with words, I just instinctively end up typing them. But I find that this, paired with the Pomodoro technique generally makes for a productive session.

This is the first instalment in a series I’ve written about freelance productivity tools. Check out part two and remember, look after yourself.