Three weeks after quitting my 9-5 to go all-in on my business I took a dream project off of the back burner and moved it to the top of my list: Writing my first e–book.
Not only did I write an e–book that gives multi-passionates a foundational understanding of how to take their relationship with Focus to the next level, but I wrote (and designed it) in just one week.
You might be thinking “big deal, I could write an e–book in a day,” in which case, perhaps this blog post won’t be helpful for you.
But if you’re thinking “Hmm, I wonder what I could accomplish in one week with the power of Focus behind me…” then read on, because I’m going to share the 5 steps I took I that helped me bring this dream project to life.
The 5 Steps I took to Write my E-book in One Week
1. I made an emotional investment first
In order for me to focus my energy on completing a specific project, I need to be emotionally invested in it from the gate.
Before I wrote the first word, I could feel that this e–book would be the perfect way for creatives to learn my 3-part Focus framework and feel liberated by their relationship with Focus.
I was emotionally invested in creating a resource I knew could be impactful for the multi-passionate community which became the driving force for staying focused and getting it done.
Tip: Before mapping out the details of your project, make an emotional investment. Why does it matter to you in the first place?
2. I crafted a schedule for maximum focus
From observing my energy cycles, I know that my most high-functioning hours are between 10am-2pm. Because the e–book was my priority, I set aside as much time between those hours to work on my e-book as possible.
I also made sure not to schedule any networking calls or meetings so that I could use that time to write and design the e-book.
Tip: Observe your energy cycles to create a maximum focus schedule and create your “productivity hours.” Keep your calendar blocked off during that time so you can focus!
3. I repurposed content
I looked through old blog posts and presentations and made note of what I wanted to adapt to the e–book.
Blog posts are quick lists without too much detail, and presentations rely on what I say in the moment. The e–book gave me a chance to tell stories, give examples, and write in a more long-form style. Plus, for the first time, all of the information was in one place.
Tip: If you’re working on a project and you know you have content that you can repurpose, go for it! Different methods of delivery will ensure that your content still feels fresh.
4. I practiced what I preached
My e–book teaches about my 3-part focus framework that will help you prioritize with ease and finish what you start. As I was writing the book, I followed that framework.
- Scheduling Intensive Focus time allowed me to align my priorities around completing the e–book.
- Active Focus helped me sit my butt in the chair and write.
- Integrating Passive Focus throughout the process gave me a break from screen time and ensured that I didn’t exhaust myself.
Following this process made me even more excited to share this framework with you!
Tip: Grab your copy of Finally Focused to learn about my 3-part focus framework.
5. I had a conversation with my inner perfectionist
Finally, I sat my inner perfectionist down for a heart-to-heart. I let her know that this e–book is going to help multi-passionates from all walks of life start to heal their relationship with Focus. Next, I told her that getting this e-book out was the most important aspect of the project and that while I know she wants it to be as perfect as possible, we can always go back and update it later.
“Help me make it beautiful,” I said. “But don’t stop me from sharing it with the world.”
She understood, and then we began.
Tip: Have a conversation with your inner perfectionist. Let them know when you need their help, and when you don’t.
And that’s how I did it. That’s how I wrote my very first e–book in only one week!
Grab your copy of the Finally Focused e-book to learn how you can implement the 3-part Focus Framework for a dream project of your own.
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