We've been talking about time mastery for freelance writers for the past couple of weeks. Why is this so important to your success? I mean, wouldn't we be better off talking about how to craft a compelling press release, or some killer sales copy?

Nope.

We could talk about those things - and we will - but until you're the master of your time, and you know how to use your time effectively (not just efficiently), that other stuff is just like getting shiny new tools - without a toolbox to hold them in.

Last time, we talked about setting store hours for your business. You need to set a definite time each day that you'll start working, and one that you'll stop working. It might not be the same time each day - and it might not even be 9-5, or anything close to it. It doesn't matter what time you set; it just matters that you set this time.

While no freelance writer wants to go punch a clock, there's an upside to it that we shouldn't just discard.

What happens when your shift is over at regular job? You punch out. You get in your car. You go home. You don't even think or talk about work (unless it's to talk about how much you'd rather be a freelance writer!). You certainly don't sneak back to take care of a few more projects. Why? Two reasons: you have a life, and you've done what you were supposed to do while you were on the clock.

It's the same for freelance writers.

As you work, you need to constantly evaluate whether you're making the highest, best use of your time. There's a huge difference between being busy and being productive.

If you find yourself having a hard time turning the computer off at night, take notice. Absolutely, there are times when a tight deadline means you've got to work late. But this should be the exception rather than the norm.

When you spend your store hours doing the tasks that are most effective, most profitable for your business, you'll find it a lot easier to turn in for the night.

If you spend your store hours doing things that give only the appearance of being busy, your mind won't let you stop at the end of the day. Spending the day checking email, organizing your files, stewing over every word you write - these are not income-producing activities. Fill your day with these distractions, and you'll never feel like you've put in a complete day.

There's no point in having a business if you don't also have a life. Your business needs the boundaries of shop hours for two reasons: so it will thrive, and so it won't start to look like an out-of-control, messy, weed-filled garden, taking over your whole life.

The cure? As always - awareness. Keep track of your time. Evaluate each task you do, asking, "Is this the best use of my time?"