The Freelance Guide: Time Tracking for Better Writing

The freedom to write whenever you want can seem like a gift from the heavens. But anyone who has the opportunity to enjoy such freedom knows the challenges that come with it.

As the master of your time, you need to organize your writing to meet the deadlines, go through business emails, pitch ideas to potential clients, and much more. Considering that creative types (like writers) aren't typically best at organizing, this is where the trouble begins.

Another challenge that freelance writers can encounter is losing track of time. You know that feeling when you think that you've been writing for hours, but it's only been 20 minutes? Then, there's also that phenomenon when you just want to write a short email and get stuck in your inbox for half an hour.

Now, you can embrace all these difficulties and call it an inevitable burden of freelance writing, or you can do something about it. If you opt for the second choice, the solution lies in time tracking.

Even though time tracking and writing don't seem like a logical match, they actually intertwine quite nicely. Do you want to know how time tracking can help you with your writing? Then, just keep reading.

The world of writing is usually associated with chaotic habits. But does it really have to be like that? Wouldn’t you like to feel like you are more in control of your life?

Not having a strict time frame for work can easily lead to consistent pressure. You always feel like you should be writing, and the guilt resides permanently within you. But, this is where time tracking comes in.

Tracking time with easy to use software or tools can put you in control. Set how much you want to write and keep an eye on your productivity. Be your own manager.

When you get the hang of managing your time better, your whole life will feel more organized. Moreover, you will feel more productive.

Organization is a golden skill. It enables you to make your days as productive as they can get. While some are born with incredible organizational skills, others just need some help.

Time tracking can help you organize your time more efficiently. You can assess how much time you want to spend on a specific writing task and simply set the timer.

This especially comes in handy for freelance writers. They often need to juggle several writing projects. Time tracking will ensure that you don't neglect some of them.

Helen Miles, a writer at TrustMyPaper and WowGrade essay writing services, shared that time tracking helped her to become more organized.

Knowing that you have a specific amount of time for a certain part of your content will get your adrenaline pumping. You'll be amazed by how much better the brain functions when you know that your time is limited.

Moreover, since you'll give yourself a certain amount of time, you'll want to minimize the distractions. Turn off the phone, find a quiet place, turn on a focus timer, and go!

That time limitation will be your incentive to use your time more wisely. Instead of staring blankly at a page for 10 minutes, you'll hear that clock ticking in your mind and start writing.

Besides, with the time tracking tool, you'll be reminded to take breaks. A psychology professor at the University of Illinois, Alejandro Lleras, explained,

Time tracking software usually has a time log analysis feature. For example, TIMEFLIP2 time tracker for freelancers helps collect and analyse your statistics and visualise your time logs. Based on that information, you'll have a better idea of how much time you need for different projects.

As you assess the time demands of your writing tasks, you'll be able to get even better at organizing your work. Moreover, you'll learn how to provide more precise time frames for future projects.

Time tracking doesn't only assist you with focus and productivity. It can also help you to become a more self-aware freelance writer.

Kevin Perry, a blogger and contributor writer at SupremeDissertations, said that

When you know that you’ve come through for all your set tasks, that feeling of fulfillment comes rushing. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that you’ve tackled all your set obligations for the day.

Of course, sometimes you’ll need to add extra time for a task. However, you’ll still get that feeling of accomplishment when you finish with your workday.

Feeling that you aren’t doing enough isn’t a given for writers. You have the power to eliminate that unpleasant voice in your head, claiming that you can do more. In fact, time tracking is the right tool for that job.

Time management can be a huge game-changer in your freelance writer career. Not only will it help you be more focused and, thus, write better, but you’ll also be able to manage your obligations more efficiently.

Don’t shy away from giving time tracking a try. It might seem like an unusual method at first. However, when you see the benefits of it in your work, you’ll be surprised how you managed to survive before without it.