Here’s the thing: People feel overwhelmed. We fail to prepare. Deadlines jump suddenly into our faces and we wonder what happened. When it comes to writing, one of the best defenses is preparation.
It doesn’t take a lot to stay on top of things. But you must be disciplined. One of the best techniques I’ve found for business writing projects is to jot down notes on issues as they occur to me.
You might be in a meeting, for example, and you start thinking about the message in a report you must summarize that is due at the end of the week. An idea emerges. Write it down. You don’t need to capture everything in your head, but put it down in bullet form so you know the key points you wish to use later.
This system works for most writing projects. The actual “writing” takes time. You must set aside time in your schedule to focus on your message and avoid interruptions. If you get ready beforehand by jotting down notes, drafting outlines and listing key points, the actual writing will flow quickly and easily.
Beyond helping your writing, the process of note preparation helps you get ready for other tasks within your job, and your daily life activities. Don’t obsess over it. Determine what is important. Write it down. Think about it later. It will help your thinking and ability to get quality work accomplished on time.
It doesn’t take a lot to stay on top of things. But you must be disciplined. One of the best techniques I’ve found for business writing projects is to jot down notes on issues as they occur to me.
You might be in a meeting, for example, and you start thinking about the message in a report you must summarize that is due at the end of the week. An idea emerges. Write it down. You don’t need to capture everything in your head, but put it down in bullet form so you know the key points you wish to use later.
This system works for most writing projects. The actual “writing” takes time. You must set aside time in your schedule to focus on your message and avoid interruptions. If you get ready beforehand by jotting down notes, drafting outlines and listing key points, the actual writing will flow quickly and easily.
Beyond helping your writing, the process of note preparation helps you get ready for other tasks within your job, and your daily life activities. Don’t obsess over it. Determine what is important. Write it down. Think about it later. It will help your thinking and ability to get quality work accomplished on time.