Time Management for Writers, Entrepreneurs, and Researchers

If you’re juggling being a writer, entrepreneur, and genealogist (and maybe a parent, spouse, and friend too), you’ve probably realized that time management is everything. So how do you balance it all without losing your mind—or your passion?

Step 1: Prioritize Your Tasks

We’ve all been there: staring at a never-ending to-do list. The key to managing your time is learning to prioritize. Figure out what tasks are urgent and important (like submitting a manuscript or finalizing your business pitch), and tackle those first.

• Tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix—categorize tasks into urgent/important, important/not urgent, urgent/not important, and neither urgent nor important.

Step 2: Create a Routine

As the famous saying goes, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." Set up a daily or weekly schedule for writing, business work, and genealogy research. Having a set routine helps create structure.

Step 3: Use Tools to Stay Organized

Use apps like Trello for project management, Google Calendar to schedule your day, or Evernote to keep all your research notes in one place. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; use the tools that work best for you.

Step 4: Learn to Say No

This one’s a game-changer. You can’t do everything. Don’t overcommit yourself and spread yourself too thin. Focus on your goals and say no to things that aren’t aligned with your priorities.

FAQ Breakdown:

• How do I balance my different roles? The key is creating clear boundaries between your writing, business, and genealogy tasks. Time-block specific hours for each.

• Should I multitask? Multitasking sounds tempting, but it often leads to lower quality work. Focus on one task at a time to ensure the best results.

• What are the best time management tools? Apps like Trello, Asana, and Todoist help with task management, while Google Calendar helps you schedule your time effectively.