I also think having kids and a family is good training for effective freelancing. Not only do you realize the joys of a routine, but you become adept at prioritization and doing things that might be unpleasant, such as changing diapers or telling your teen daughter she cannot have the keys tonight.

It’s interesting to note that I think the Author’s Type, say Type 1, is closer to more mature (aged) people, at least it is very true for me: when I was younger and still had to set my own schedule (at different schools while I was getting my 2 MAs and a PhD), I could be pretty lax (say, Type 2, who enjoy late and relaxed style).

Now with a kid and family and health alarms, it is totally destructive not to adhere to strict rules. To this end, I would include NO PARTYING, GOING OUT, or CELEBRATING during the work week. ))

As far as eating goes, one trap I often fall into is making elaborate lunches. I love to cook (oh if I were only a food writer!) but this can take out a huge chunk of my day. I need to be disciplined and remind myself that I can wait until dinner for a cooking extravaganza. This is where having leftovers on hand is good.

11 minutes to 6am… I better start working.

Kristen

When I first start doing this years ago, I instantly started looking skinnier, and when someone commented on it, I said “No way, I’m eating all the time!” And the person responded “Exactly!” If you don’t already do it, try it – you’re energy levels will be higher, and you’ll feel thinner, it’s like magic (I know that sounds a little corny, but it is! Lol).

*Oh, and keep the water intake way up. I have a big 64 oz. bottle next to my desk and drink from it throughout the day, or I shoot for say, 5 bottles of water per/day. But I try to get in another 8+ oz or so for every cup of coffee and for every hour of exercise, because that is what the body needs. Granted, you’ll run to the bathroom more often… but almost every system in your body is regulated by the flow of water – not to mention the rays of the computer screen can dry out your skin – so drink up!

Here’s to a healthy freelance life. Cheers!

Not being a morning person correlates to being more of a night person–I feel that I am more awake and productive in the evening and late night than I would ever be in the early morning, so many times I’ll work until 12 or 1 AM, without an issue. I guess this wouldn’t work for most people, but one of the real advantages of freelancing is being able to set your own schedule and work when you are most productive. I think this is more important than getting up early, but a regular schedule is definitely the way to go.

Just because I like to keep unconventional hours doesn’t mean I don’t keep regular hours or approach my day professionally or that I’m not successful. I found what worked for me.

Like I said, your post is good and it’s great that your suggestions work for you. But the post turned me off with the feeling that tone of “this is how I do it; therefore, it is the only way.”

I have to heartily agree about eating well though. Often I find that I just am not hungry or don’t have the energy to fix a meal. This just leads to me feeling worse by the end of the day. While I am able to work when I am sick (usually), I certainly accomplish more when I eat right.

Great article.

The classes also helped convince editors I could do more than be a sportswriter (moved to education, then transportation, then business before leaving the paper).

For starters, I should get dressed.